Ways to Give

Santa Cruz Island.  Photo by Linda Krop.

As a non-profit, public interest organization, EDC relies exclusively on private donations, philanthropic grants, client fees, and court-ordered fee awards.  We receive no government funding and do not accept donations from sources the run counter to our mission (learn more about our donation policy and budget ). 

Your contribution is put to work immediately to advance environmental protection in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.  Annual donations allow EDC to continue serving the public as a government watchdog, as legal counsel and advocate for our regional community organizations, and  by “leveling the playing field” for the environment in the face of well-funded, powerful private interests, ensuring that such parties comply with existing environmental law.

We are grateful for your support.

 

 

Donate Securely Online
Donations at the $35.00 level and higher earn EDC membership, which includes invitations to special events and a one-year subscription to EDC’s newsletter.

 

Recurring Donations
Setting up a recurring gift—monthly, quarterly or annually— is simple and secure, and provides EDC with a reliable income stream throughout the year.  When making your online donation, choose your payment amount, and select your preferred frequency.  You will be provided a secure account that allows you to edit or end your recurring gift any time.  The deduction will continue until you choose to cancel or change the amount of your monthly gift, and you will receive a year-end statement summarizing your giving.  Call our office at (805) 963-1622 if you have any questions or concerns about setting up a monthly gift.

 

Give a Gift of Membership
A gift of EDC membership provides a meaningful symbol of generosity to your friends and loved ones, while helping defend and restore the environment that we all share. 

 

Tribute Gifts
Tribute gifts may be made in memory or honor of a loved one, or to celebrate a special occasion.  Tribute gifts provide a special opportunity to commemorate a person or occasion while also supporting protection of the local environment for future generations.

Santa Rosa Island.  Photo by Dan Weber

 

Mail or Phone in Your Donation
Make your check payable to Environmental Defense Center, include a note with any special instructions and your contact information, and mail to:
EDC
906 Garden Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101. 

Or, phone in your donation by calling our office at (805)-963-1622.

 

Matching Gifts
It may be possible to increase your gift to EDC through a matching gift program from your employer.  Check with your personnel or human resources officer for information about your company’s matching gift policy.  Some companies match on a dollar-for-dollar basis, while other companies match at a 2 for 1 or even a 3 for 1 rate.  When you send us your donation, just mail your company’s matching gift form with your contribution and EDC staff will do the rest.  If you have questions, contact EDC Accounting Manager Gloria Campa, at edc@edcnet.org, or (805)-963-1622.

 

Payroll Deduction
Most employers who have a charitable payroll deduction program allow you to choose EDC as a recipient of your charitable gift funds.  EDC can specifically be designated as the recipient of your payroll deductions made to United Way through a gift designation form.

 

Earth Share

Earth Share is a federation of the nation’s leading environmental groups, raising funds cooperatively through workplace payroll contribution campaigns.  Earth Share provides you with an opportunity to designate a portion of your paycheck to a variety of charitable causes, including EDC.  Through Earth Share, EDC is listed as a donor option in the Combined Federal Campaign and many other governmental, college and university, corporate, and United Way campaigns.  By designating EDC through the Earth Share workplace giving program, you are not only providing critical support for EDC activities, but also sending a strong message to the corporate world that environmental concerns are of paramount concern to us all. For more information about Earth Share and how your employer can host its own campaign, please visit Earth Share online.

 

Gifts of Financial Assets
Financial assets can include cash, stock, mutual funds or life insurance policies.  For more information please contact EDC Accounting Manager, Gloria Campa at edc@edcnet.org or (805) 963-1622. 

 

Will or Trust Gifts
Naming the Environmental Defense Center as a beneficiary in your will or trust may have positive tax implications for your estate.  Your gift will perpetuate your values by ensuring EDC can carry on its mission of defending the environment of Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo Counties.  We will be happy to meet with you and discuss planned giving options that are right for you.  Contact EDC Accounting Manager Gloria Campa at edc@edcnet.org or (805) 963-1622 for more information or to set up an appointment. 

 

Endowment Gifts
EDC’s endowment fund is the best way to assure that your gift will support our work now and far into the future.  Our professionally staffed Investment Committee decides how best to invest the principal in this fund and we only use the income on that investment (as needed and determined prudent by our Board) to cover our current expenses.  EDC accepts, and will help you design your optimal solution from among a wide variety of investment options, including Charitable Lead Trusts, Life Income Trusts, Annuities, etc.

We recommend you consult your tax advisor or attorney about how tax benefits may apply to your specific situation. 

Donations to the Environmental Defense Center, a 501(c)(3), are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.  EDC’s tax identification number is 77-0061994. 

Contact Development Associate Deborah Lott at (805) 963-1622 or edc@edcnet.org for more information on how you can help support the Environmental Defense Center.

Your monthly gift will sustain our work in a convenient and cost effective way throughout the year.