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We have reached a point of urgency when it comes to the protection of our planet. The recent United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report has made it clear human-driven global heating has brought us to the point of no return. Climate change is progressing more rapidly than previously predicted and some elements — like rising water levels — are now irreversible.
Unfortunately, it remains the case that most governments are still moving too slowly to make a difference. In fact, much of the meaningful work of sustainability is being addressed by nonprofit organizations. As an individual, it’s important to find ways to support local and national nonprofits in this field. That said, these organizations have become targets for cybercriminals perpetrating data breaches. Each time you donate via an online platform, you may well be putting yourself at risk.
You need to establish a balance between contributing meaningfully to these vital organizations and acting safely. Let’s take a closer look at how you can do so.
Protect Your Data
No matter what the sustainable goals of an individual nonprofit are the resources they’re likely to need most will be money and data. The former gives them the freedom to pursue their mission knowing that operating costs are being taken care of by donors like you. Data, on the other hand, informs their vital marketing and recurrent donation efforts. The flip side is you’re providing them with resources that are the primary interests of cybercriminals.
The sustainable nonprofit you support is likely to have security arrangements. But you can boost safety by also taking time to apply some online payment best practices when donating yourself. This is especially important when you’re signing up at an event or public space. Though mobile payment services might be considered to be secure, there is a chance the device or network it’s operating on poses points of vulnerability. Some positive actions here include making certain your smartphone’s operating system is updated so encryption and tokenization elements are current. You should also avoid using public networks when you’re making payments. If you’re unable to use your cell carrier’s network it’s best to adopt a reliable virtual private network (VPN).
When it comes to protecting the data you’re sharing with a sustainable nonprofit you should be using multi-factor authentication. This is where any attempt to log into your account has to be authenticated by entering a one-time password (OTP) or code sent to a predetermined cell phone number or email account. You should be applying this not only to your financial services but also to any member accounts with the nonprofits you’re supporting.
Boost Their Profile
Any positive form of promotion can help nonprofit campaigns to gain visibility, raise awareness of their sustainable efforts, and attract the attention of new donors. This means one of the most important ways you can safely support a sustainable nonprofit is by collaborating with them to raise their profile.
This doesn’t mean you necessarily need to launch a marketing campaign on their behalf. However, you are likely to have useful tools at your disposal. Your social media platforms are a good resource here. Don’t just repost their donation callouts but actually pass on their sustainability expertise. Share their posts about activities the public can engage in to make a difference to the planet and their communities. Post images and videos from the nonprofit’s events and give information about connecting with them at other projects.
You can go beyond your own channels to support sustainable nonprofits, too. Whether you have a small business or work for a large corporation, you can boost a nonprofit’s profile in a meaningful way. This could be hosting an event on company premises. It might include promotion on the business’s website, blog posts, or YouTube channel. Nonprofits are also often open to providing representatives to talk to employees about key initiatives like solar energy for all campaigns or maintaining sustainability throughout work duties. This not only serves the nonprofit’s mission to pass on ecologically vital knowledge but also raises awareness of the organization with other staff and even consumers.
Provide Non-Cash Resources
If you are unable to provide finances or are hesitant out of an abundance of caution, there may be other valuable resources you have. Reach out and talk to the nonprofit about what they need. However, it is best to do so through reliable channels — in person or through confirmed email accounts — to make sure you aren’t being taken advantage of by fraudsters posing as the nonprofit.
Often, the best resource you can offer is your time. This could include volunteering for hands-on projects like urban conservation projects, community rewilding efforts, and stewardship at marches and protests. However, if you have professional expertise, this can be valuable to successful day-to-day operations. Accountancy is a particularly valuable skill for nonprofits as, alongside channeling donated funds correctly, they still have to make sure they maintain accurate books and submit reports to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you have accountancy-related skills — strong budgeting abilities, familiarity with auditing, and impeccable record keeping among others — you can make an impact on a sustainable nonprofit’s mission.
Another type of resource sustainable nonprofits need is technology. Digital tools — including laptops, phones, and cameras — are essential to efficient operations. However, when bought new these can take a chunk out of the budget. Consider donating your old devices each time you upgrade. This also plays into sustainable efforts by reusing items. To ensure your safety, you should make sure any hard drives are correctly formatted and account details are removed.
Conclusion
Nonprofits working toward sustainability are playing a vital role in the fight against climate change. There are a variety of ways you can provide vital support without exposing yourself to criminals seeking to exploit both you and the cause. Take the time to adopt secure behavior and review alternative methods of engagement that can be just as valuable as your cash or data.
