ABOUT EARTHSHARE OHIO

Our Mission

To engage individuals and organizations in creating a healthy and sustainable environment.

What We Do

EarthShare Ohio is an opportunity, a system, and an answer for environmentally conscious employees and workplaces to support dozens of environmental groups at once through a charitable giving drive.

EarthShare Ohio's beneficiaries work every day to safeguard your health and the environment and they are combating global warming and protecting ancient forests as well as guarding groundwater from toxic contaminants and saving endangered species. These efforts, and so many more, are supported by EarthShare Ohio's activities.

EarthShare Ohio is part of a nationwide network of America's leading non-profit environmental and conservation organizations, working to promote environmental education and charitable giving, primarily through workplace giving campaigns.

Founded by its member charities in 1988, EarthShare, the national organization, is an opportunity for environmentally-conscious employees and workplaces to support hundreds of environmental groups through a charitable giving drive. EarthShare represents and supports more than 400 of America's most respected environmental and conservation groups, including 39 national organizations and hundreds of local groups in 18 affiliate states including Ohio.

Our Goal

Our goal is to continue expanding opportunities for working people to have an easy and effective way to help the environment, and in doing so, help ensure the preservation of our natural heritage.

Additionally, we aim to be your trusted and proven giving source. EarthShare Ohio earned the Better Business Bureau's Accredited Charity ranking.

Our History

• In 1994, leaders of several dozen Ohio based conservation and environmental not-for-profit organizations began a series of meetings that lead to the birth of our federation in February 1995.
• In 1995, under the banner "The Ohio Fund for the Environment", the first campaigns with Ohio employers were conducted, raising $24,000 for the benefit of 17 member organizations.
• In 1997, the federation of 28 organizations "was renamed Environmental Fund for Ohio" and campaign revenue had grown to $111,000.
• During our growth, we were blessed by generous grants to support our operational expenses, lead by the George Gund Foundation and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. Likewise, our member organizations have steadily reinvested a portion of their campaign revenues back into the federation to ensure its growth.
• In 2001 a new partnership with 15 environmental federations across America, along with the national federation named EarthShare was formed and the federation became EarthShare Ohio. EarthShare Ohio now represent 72 organizations - extending the impact of our supporters' gifts from local and statewide interest to now also encompass regional,national, and worldwide interests.
• In 2006 campaign revenue grew past $500,000 - setting the stage for our growth past the $600,000 mark, post-recession, in our 2009 campaign.
• To date, EarthShare Ohio has successfully served as a bridge between Ohioans and our members - garnering more than $4,100,000 in donor pledges for our member organizations, increasing the number of Ohioans who are aware of our member organizations and their program services - and increasing the number of Ohioans who are volunteering with our member charities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does EarthShare Ohio work?

EarthShare Ohio manages workplace giving campaigns for its environmental charities to raise vital funds for these organizations. In EarthShare Ohio's payroll contribution drives, employees may pledge a small amount of each paycheck to help solve environmental problems.

What causes can I support through EarthShare Ohio?

Our donors don't have to choose between supporting public health or our air, water, land or wildlife. EarthShare Ohio's member charities represent a wide array of environmental issues and one general donation to EarthShare Ohio can touch all of these causes. On the other hand, if you have a preference you may direct your gift to one or more specific member organizations. The choice is yours.

How much of my donation goes to the member charities?

More than 90% of donations go directly to support environmental programs because EarthShare Ohio has one of the lowest overheads of any comparable federation. Overhead rates vary from state to state for campaigns including EarthShare's state affiliates.

How does EarthShare Ohio qualify its member charities?

EarthShare Ohio requires applicant organizations to meet 22 different criteria before being considered for membership. The strict eligibility criteria were established so donors could be sure EarthShare Ohio  represents outstanding charities that operate with the highest possible ethical and professional standards. All current members undergo annual reviews to ensure their continued adherence to the membership requirements.

Documents

IRS Form 1023

IRS Form 990 2009

IRS Form 990 2008

IRS Form 990 2007

Conflict of Interest Policy