California Environmental Nonprofits
California Center for Sustainable Energy
California Center for Sustainable Energy is a 1% for the Planet nature nonprofit partner associated with climate / clean energy. Based in San Diego,…
Central California Food Bank
Central California Food Bank (CCFB) is the region’s largest nonprofit organization focused solely on ending hunger. Our mission is to fight hunger by gathering…
California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution dedicated to exploring, explaining and sustaining life on Earth. Based in San…
Wildlife Conservation Network
WCN protects endangered wildlife by supporting conservationists who ensure wildlife and people co-exist and thrive.
Activate Global
Activate’s mission is to empower scientists to reinvent our world by bringing their groundbreaking research to market.
NatureBridge
NatureBridge connects young people to the wonder and science of nature in the world’s best classrooms—our national parks. Each year, 30,000 students take part…
Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves and beaches, through a powerful activist network.
California Native Plant Society
Protecting California’s native plants and places since 1965
Ventura Botanical Gardens
To create and maintain public Gardens for the preservation, education, cultural contribution, and enhancement of the entire Ventura coastal community.
Mid Klamath Watershed Council
To collaboratively plan and implement ecosystem restoration, promote community vitality, and involve people in land stewardship.
Audubon Canyon Ranch Inc
Connecting nature, people, and science for a more resilient world.
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County
We conserve and care for the diverse wildlands, farms, and ranches of the central coast. We connect people to the Land and to each…
Center For Natural Lands Management
The mission of the Center for Natural Lands Management is (a) to conserve native species, their habitat and functioning ecosystems in perpetuity, (b) to…
California Water Environment Association
To empower, educate, and connect water professionals to protect public health and the environment.
Central California Environmental Justice Network
To uplift low-income communities of color in the San Joaquin Valley by ensuring access to clean air, water, land, and food sovereignty.
Agricultural Institute of Marin
AIM’s mission is to educate, inspire, and connect communities, responsible farmers, and producers as part of a healthy, Earth-friendly, equitable food system.
California Marine Sanctuary Foundation
CMSF works in marine conservation, climate change mitigation, coastal restoration, and water quality protection in coastal California.
California Land Stewardship Institute
To plan and implement environmental Stewardship, restoration and enhancement programs and projects by using science and innovation to collaborate with farmers, governments, and communities…
Amazon Watch
Amazon Watch defends the Amazon rainforest and our climate in solidarity with Indigenous peoples
Ca Good Energy
Provide energy assistance for low income families and the elderly. Deliver fresh fruits and vegetables to low income families and the elderly grown on…
California Environmental Voters Education Fund
ENVIROVOTERS ED FUND is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving the quality of the environment for all Californians. ENVIROVOTERS ED FUND works to build…
Turtle Conservancy
The Turtle Conservancy is dedicated to protecting threatened turtles and tortoises and their habitats worldwide, and to promoting their appreciation by people.
Tompkins Conservation
Tompkins Conservation is a nonprofit organization led by Kristine Tompkins and dedicated to creating parklands, conserving biodiversity, restoring degraded lands, reintroducing missing species, encouraging…
Amah Mutsun Land Trust
Our mission is to restore, protect, and steward the traditional lands of the Amah Mutsun people. To train current and future Amah Mutsun generations…
Environmental nonprofits in California: key facts
How many environmental nonprofits are in California?
Ideal Location lists 1,516 environmental and conservation nonprofits in California. The 895 that report revenue bring in a combined $4.8 billion a year.
What is the largest environmental nonprofit in California?
By reported annual revenue, the largest in the directory is California Center for Sustainable Energy (San Diego, CA), at $502.9 million. Next are Climate Imperative Foundation, Trust For Public Land, International Medical Corps and Earthjustice.
What do California's environmental nonprofits focus on?
The most common focus areas are Land Conservation (372), Climate Energy (317), Wildlife Biodiversity (269) and Education Advocacy (234).
Which bioregions do they work in?
Most work in Central Valley (411), San Francisco Bay Area (364), Northern California Coast (327), Southern California (301), California Central Coast (85) and Sierra Nevada (62).
What is the oldest environmental nonprofit in California?
Save the Redwoods League, founded in 1921, is the oldest with a founding year on record.
Counts and revenue come from the organizations listed in the Ideal Location directory and their most recent reported filings.
Keep exploring: Nature Nonprofit Directory · Bioregions of the world · How conservation easements protect land · The Atlas