3 Herbal Nonprofit Organizations to Support

Healthy ecosystems are built on reciprocity. The herbs we cultivate in our gardens are beautiful examples of the principle of giving. They offer themselves freely and willingly to help those in need, from humans to pollinators to soil microbes, with collaboration built into their ecosystem. It is with these herbs and plants in mind that we feel inspired and motivated to consider our wider ecosystem as well.

If you find yourself wanting to give back to the herbal community, you may wonder: what can I give and where can I give it? We have a list of three noble non-profit organizations centered around herbalism, conservation, and education that are sure to pay it forward.

Cancer Community Clubhouse

The Cancer Community Clubhouse is a non-profit organization based in Northern Nevada. Their mission is to empower people affected by cancer through connection, hope, healing, and education–from diagnosis to survivorship.

One member of this program said, “In my healing, the Herbal Academy courses have been instrumental. I feel so strongly about the information and support they have created that I want our non-profit to set up a pre-funded scholarship program. We hope to fund three participants with a desire to learn more about a holistic approach to their cancer journey in conjunction with their traditional cancer care.”

This holistically minded non-profit also supports other natural care programs, such as qigong, chair yoga, sound baths, mental health therapy, and art classes.

Surely we all know someone—or we ourselves—who has received a cancer diagnosis. This is a wonderful opportunity to give to a community that supports loved ones through holistic and natural options that complement their care. You can donate to and be a part of their mission here.

Herbalists Without Borders

Herbalists Without Borders (HWB) is a special organization that is exactly what it sounds like. They are an inclusive and diverse community that works directly with communities across the globe to create educational, advocacy-centered projects that fill the gaps in health justice. This one-of-a-kind organization is made up of not just herbalists, but farmers, tradespeople, aid workers, complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, product makers, students, and more.

You may remember the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024, which ravaged communities across southern Appalachia. Herbalists Without Borders were on the scene within days rallying donations and supporting local groups to get people the help they needed. HWB’s current projects include free clinics, trauma training, and community-supported herbalism.

They make it very easy to help out—you can donate, volunteer, and even send dried herbs. If you love plants and helping people during times of uncertainty, then consider joining as a member today.

United Plant Savers

If you’ve been in and around the herbal community for some time, you’ve likely heard of United Plant Savers (UpS). UpS has been protecting native beneficial plants, fungi, and their habitats for over 30 years. For example, goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) was on the brink of extinction, but thanks in part to their efforts of distributing 52,000 root bulbs in the last three decades, it is thriving in the forests once again. UpS has also been successful at preserving over 9,000 acres of land across the US and Canada in which precious native herbs grow, creating sanctuaries for future generations.

United Plant Savers has their roots deep in education. Founded by renowned herbalist and author Rosemary Gladstar, UpS advances its mission of conservation by partnering with schools across North America, where students learn about the preservation of at-risk herbs. Their annual highlight is the International Herb Symposium, an inspiring event where your registration not only supports your herbal education, but also contributes to protecting native plants.

There are so many ways to give to United Plant Savers. You can become a member, donate or make a gift of appreciated stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or cryptocurrency. Members enjoy discounts off popular herbal retailers and classes, free access to 360+ botanical gardens across North America, a printed copy of their journal, first access to seeds and bulbs, and so much more!

Rooted in Reciprocity

To be a great herbalist is to master the balance of giving and receiving. The herbs give to us freely and what we receive from them we give to others. When we give back to organizations that care for the land, its plants, and its people, we become a part of something bigger than ourselves and create lasting change for future generations. May we continue to learn from the plants—to grow, to flourish, and to give freely.