Environmental Defense Fund
Finds practical and lasting solutions to environmental problems through science, economics, law, and innovative partnerships.
At a glance
Rating and filings checked Oct 12, 2026. Sources: Charity Navigator, IRS Form 990 via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. How we check
Is Environmental Defense Fund a good charity?
Environmental Defense Fund holds Charity Navigator's highest rating: 4 out of 4 stars, with an overall score of 98%. Its 2023 Form 990 reports $247.1M in revenue, up 33% from $185.6M in 2019, and $326.5M in expenses. Rating checked Oct 12, 2026.
Finances
From Environmental Defense Fund's annual IRS Form 990 filings (filed as Environmental Defense Fund Incorporated).
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Officer & key staff pay | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $247.1M | $326.5M | $290.7M | $3.5M | |
| 2022 | $284.8M | $272.8M | $361.6M | $3.2M | 990 PDF |
| 2021 | $365.1M | $216.0M | $364.5M | $3.4M | 990 PDF |
| 2020 | $200.6M | $195.8M | $213.4M | $2.7M | 990 PDF |
| 2019 | $185.6M | $188.6M | $208.2M | $2.2M | 990 PDF |
A newer filing for 2024 is out but not yet summarized: read the 2024 Form 990 (PDF).
Officer & key staff pay is the 990's total for current officers, directors, trustees and key employees, not one salary.
What charities in environment & wildlife do
Environmental and wildlife organizations operate across a spectrum: from direct habitat acquisition and species protection to scientific research, litigation, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing. The most effective combine on-the-ground conservation work with policy influence — protecting an ecosystem requires both buying the land AND defending it from political and economic pressures. Funding supports field staff, research, legal challenges, community partnerships in biodiversity hotspots, and public-awareness campaigns.
How to judge charities in this area
When evaluating environmental charities, distinguish between groups doing direct land protection, scientific research, advocacy/lobbying, and litigation. Each has different success metrics. Look for tangible recent wins — acres protected, species recovered, policies enacted, lawsuits won — not vague "awareness raised" claims. Charity Navigator's environmental ratings are a solid starting point.
How to support beyond a one-time gift
- + Become a recurring member — most environmental groups rely heavily on membership dues
- + Make a planned gift in your will or trust (environmental charities depend on legacy giving)
- + Volunteer for citizen-science projects: bird counts, water-quality monitoring, beach cleanups
- + Reduce your own footprint — flying less and eating less beef has more impact than most one-time gifts
- + Vote and advocate for environmental policy at local, state, and federal levels
Verify before you give
A few minutes of independent verification pays off — especially for larger gifts. These resources let you confirm the details on Environmental Defense Fund:
Frequently asked
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