Governments are not the only bodies making decisions and programs for the environment. While governments have their own regulatory and implementation systems for environmental oversight, policy, planning, and conservation, they are often slow and limited.
Non-Governmental Organizations, or NGO’s, are non-profit groups operating separately from a centralized government. They are, “organized on community, national and international levels to serve a social or political goal such as humanitarian causes or the environment.” Meaning, anyone can start or join an NGO.
Some NGOs function solely on a volunteer basis, while others are able to receive funding from philanthropists, donations, membership fees, grants, and sales of goods and services to support staff and regular operations. There are two major types of NGOs, but many NGOs fall under both:
NGOs are vital to bettering global relations, communities, and are formed for a variety of reasons. Environmental, social, and human rights NGOs are just an example of areas they are beneficial. Often, they are able to generate funding and staffing for projects or initiatives that governments are currently not focusing on, or are not committing enough delegation to.
We’re breaking down the top Environmental NGOs in the world, from when and why they were created, to what they are currently working on now. If you have ever considered donating or participating in an NGO, these may interest you!
Rainforest Action Network (RAN) was founded by Mike Roselle and Randy Hayes in 1985. The organization is currently based out of San Francisco, California. Deforestation, poor agricultural practices, and a lack of rainforest protection inspired Hayes and Roselle to take action.
In the same year (1985) Rainforest Action Network, through an impressive grassroots campaign, was able to convince fast food giant, Burger King, to cancel $31 million dollars in contracts in Central America for beef contracts. The goal was to limit rainforest degradation, logging, and preserve biodiversity.
The overall mission of RAN is to challenge corporate powers to push for regulations and policies across major sectors. Currently, RAN dedicates its funding to four major areas: healthy rainforests, indigenous peoples’ rights, climate action, and sustainable development.
Founded in April of 1961, in Morges, Switzerland, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the oldest NGOs for environmental services in the world. Its group of founders rallied to work towards funding for wildlife conservation projects. News of dwindling species populations and habitat loss was the motivation for the WWF to act. 
In the first year of operation, the WWF raised $33,500. Today, this amount would have the purchasing power of over $300,000. These funds were invested into their early projects, including work with the bald eagle, the Hawaiian seabird, the giant grebe of Guatemala, the Tule goose in Canada and the red wolf in the southern United States.
Today, the WWF has an impressive conservation portfolio. Currently, they are conducting conservation projects in the Amazon, Arctic, Galapagos Islands, and a host of other remote locations in the world.
WWF has also included humanitarianism, racial justice, indigenous protection programs into their operations.
In 1971, a small group of sailors founded Greenpeace through their efforts in protesting underground nuclear testing in Amchitka, a small island off the state of Alaska. This area was especially sensitive to volcanic activity and tsunamis. It was also home to a host of endangered species, including sea otters, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and other wildlife.
The sailors ultimately named their vessel Greenpeace, to signify a protest not only against threatening wildlife but against war and nuclear testing.
Today, Greenpeace is organized across 55 countries in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Climate and energy, ocean protection, sustainability, plastic pollution, and agriculture are all areas Greenpeace shines and continues to pursue regulations for a better world.
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) was created in 1967 by a small group of scientists and a lawyer who were motivated by their concern of the popular pesticide (at the time) DDT. The pesticide was becoming a severe public health concern, but was also suspected and proven to harm wildlife species, especially avian species.
The EDF was responsible for gaining funding and public commotion over the issue. Ultimately, they were the organization that worked with the federal United States government to ban DDT. 
Today, the EDF is responsible for protecting over four million acres of habitat that protects more than 60 rare wildlife species. The EDF now works on projects regarding climate, energy, ecosystems, oceans, and human health.
Their overall mission is to preserve and defend the natural systems upon which we all rely.
Finally, EarthJustice, which was founded in 1971 to fill environmental law gaps and advocate as a legal body to defend the environment. The organization is composed of over 150 attorneys from across the United States.
EarthJustice operates under three main pillars: climate and energy, community health, and wildlife and ecosystems. Since 2018, EarthJustice has provided free legal proceedings to over 1,000 environmental clients, including the World Wildlife Fund.
The organization has played a critical role in environmental history, environmental law, court proceedings, legislature, and advocacy for the planet.
What is an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization)?
Rainforest Action Network – Wikipedia.
Our mission and values | Environmental Defense Fund.
