Natural Resources Defense Council
Works to safeguard the earth through law, science, and the support of millions of people worldwide.
At a glance
Rating and filings checked Oct 12, 2026. Sources: Charity Navigator, IRS Form 990 via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. How we check
Is Natural Resources Defense Council a good charity?
Natural Resources Defense Council holds Charity Navigator's highest rating: 4 out of 4 stars, with an overall score of 99%. Its 2023 Form 990 reports $193.1M in revenue, up 6% from $181.8M in 2019, and $226.9M in expenses. Rating checked Oct 12, 2026.
Finances
From Natural Resources Defense Council's annual IRS Form 990 filings (filed as Natural Resources Defense Council Inc).
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Officer & key staff pay | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $193.1M | $226.9M | $462.5M | $5.3M | |
| 2022 | $186.2M | $212.0M | $476.0M | $4.2M | 990 PDF |
| 2021 | $273.7M | $182.1M | $545.5M | $3.3M | 990 PDF |
| 2020 | $197.6M | $185.0M | $386.5M | $3.4M | 990 PDF |
| 2019 | $181.8M | $173.0M | $367.5M | $2.9M | 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 Natural Resources Defense Council:
Frequently asked
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