Very few charities give back to their donors in meaningful ways, but 1% for the Planet is not just any charity.
To join 1% for the Planet, you simply pledge one percent of your business’ annual sales to benefit environmental organizations. It’s a good-sized chunk of money, but it not only comes out in little pieces, making it easier to give, it also takes care of your desire (which we’re sure you have) to give to charity all year round. It’s good advertising for you — telling your customers that their dollars are beautifying the planet is always a bonus — and you can also network with other like-minded member businesses.
Currently, 1% for the Planet is working with a budget of over $30 million, which is distributed to over 1,940 environmental organizations worldwide. Members of the project include every kind of business from banks to retail clothing, and they’re searchable by industry or location, making it easy for you to get in touch with your fellow eco-conscious businesses.
Conversely, if you have an ecological non-profit which could use funding, you can get involved as well. Make sure you have your 501c3 (or international equivalent) status and download an application here. Keep in mind that your primary focus must be sustainability in order to be considered.
1% for the Planet also has an online store where you can purchase products from member companies like Patagonia and Core Concepts (the items are specially created with a 1% logo). In addition to that, you can read about and purchase their celeb-studded album on their blog — you can even buy individual songs.
We love 1% for the Planet because they are like the Kickstarter for environment-focused not-for-profits, enabling those who are looking to improve the health of our planet to seek funds in a new and cause-specific way. It encourages a dialogue between responsible businesses (treating them equally, on a sliding scale) and provides benefits for both the benefactors and the beneficiaries — a rare feat.
Click here to get involved.