Beach Lovers' Giving Guide

Photo courtesy of Pxhere. All rights reserved.

While being on the receiving end of a gift can be very enjoyable, many people find it even more rewarding to be the giver. With that in mind, here’s a list of charities that beach lovers will feel a special affinity for.

All the organizations on this list have been vetted by Charity Navigator. The Charity Navigator team “works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability and Transparency of America’s largest charities.” Additionally, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine chose Charity Navigator as the Best Charity Review Site in 2011.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium is much more than a tourist attraction in Monterey, California. Its “mission is to inspire conservation of the oceans” through education and research. On a personal note, I volunteered at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and worked at Sea World in Orlando, and I travel to Monterey whenever I can just to go to this aquarium. It’s that good! If you are in central California or looking for a great place to visit, I highly recommend the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Monterey Bay Aquarium earned a 4 out of 4 for their financial management and a 4 out of 4 for their accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator.

Oceana

Oceana “is the largest international organization working solely to protect the world’s oceans.” Oceana earned a 4 out of 4 for their financial management and a 4 out of 4 for their accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator.

Ocean Conservancy

The goal of Ocean Conservancy is to “start a sea change” by empowering individuals to do their part on behalf of the world’s oceans. Their approach is to promote healthy ocean ecosystems and to oppose practices that threaten ocean and human life. Ocean Conservancy earned a 3 out of 4 for their financial management and a 4 out of 4 for their accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society “is an international marine wildlife conservation organization whose mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.” Sea Shepherd Conservation Society earned a 4 out of 4 for their financial management and a 4 out of 4 for their accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator.

Surfrider Foundation

Surfrider Foundation is committed to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans and beaches. Surfrider Foundation earned a 3 out of 4 for their financial management and a 4 out of 4 for their accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator.

These certainly aren’t the only charitable organizations promoting ocean conservation, but they are some of the most effective groups working at the international level.

Let me take this opportunity to say Happy Holidays to beach lovers everywhere. If you’re looking for gift suggestions of a more personal nature please see the companion post, Beach Lovers’ Gift Guide.

To many joyful beach experiences!

— Lisa Dworkin