Look For:

An emotional connection with a cause that means something to you or a loved one.

A well-run organization that spends the bulk of its money on the work at hand, not on overhead costs. (Check a charity’s fiscal performance on www.charitynavigator.org or www.guidestar.org.)

Option 1: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
www.aspca.org
What's Involved: Walk abandoned or mistreated dogs at a local shelter, become a foster parent to a homeless animal, or participate in letter-writing campaigns to promote stronger anticruelty legislation.

Option 2: The Nature Conservancy
www.guidestar.org
What's Involved: Local chapters of this international organization arrange volunteer outings to preserve and protect the environment. Past projects have included restoring coastal habitats in Texas and planting native vegetation on Oregon prairies.