Philanthropedia - Environmental Defense Fund nonprofit profile

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Learn more about the Climate Change Top Performing Nonprofits:

Climate Change: Environmental Defense Fund

Mission: Environmental Defense Fund is dedicated to protecting the environmental rights of all people, including future generations. Since 1967, they have linked science, economics and law to create innovative, equitable and cost-effective solutions to society's most urgent environmental problems. Guided by science, EDF evaluates environmental problems and works to create and advocate solutions that win lasting political, economic and social support because they are nonpartisan, cost-efficient and fair.

BASIC INFORMATION	EXPERT ASSESSMENT	BENEFICIARY REVIEW

Basic Information
Social Cause: Climate Change
Issue Area: Climate Change

Year Founded: 1967
Problem

EDF is dedicated to protecting the environmental rights of all people, including future generations. Among these rights are access to clean air and water, healthy and nourishing food, and flourishing ecosystems.
Solution

EDF partners with businesses, governments, and communities to find practical environmental solutions. Their approach is to use sound science, economic incentives, corporate partnerships, and legislation to solve environmental problems.
Impact

700,000 members

DDT: Its first success was banning the pesticide DDT to save great birds from extinction.

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts: EDF partnered with private equity giant Kohlberg Kravis Roberts to improve environmental performance in its portfolio of companies.

Wal-Mart: The fund joined retail leader Wal-Mart to accelerate the development of better, more affordable solar power.
Financial Breakdown

Expenses Breakdown

Program Expenses : 79124114
Administrative Expenses: 6828527
Fundraising Expenses: 11051657
Charity Navigator Profile
Contact Information

Website: http://www.edf.org/
Email: info@environmentaldefense.org
Phone: 212-505-2375

The contents of this page are primarily from this nonprofit organization's website. The views expressed on this page are those of this organization and not necessarily those of Philanthopedia.

SummaryLearn more about these experts>>

Summary: Climate Change experts believe that Environmental Defense Action Fund’s greatest strength is that their experienced team produces high quality work which they have been able to communicate to the public and effectively lobby about at the national level. At the same time, Environmental Defense Action Fund should do more to build a grassroots base, collaborate with other organizations, and consider broadening the reach of their work.

Strengths

Effective Communication

"They have great TV ads."
"They are very savvy at communicating with federal representatives."
"They are highly visible and build upon their original SOx Cap & Trade work."
"They send good messages."
"They are large and well-known."

Good Lobbyists

"They have honest advocacy."
"They keep advocacy front and center."
"They influence market players, but are more effective in their energy campaigns on the ground, e.g. Texas coal."
"They have effective activism for the best solutions (sometimes market based, sometimes regulatory)."
"They are clearly linked to the policy process."
"They do smart policy work and lobbying."

Good Focus

"They have a laser-like focus on winning the climate bill."
"They are very political and focused."
"They are very market oriented and politically astute."

High Quality Work and Team

"They combine top-notch science, economics, and law."
"They combine practical solutions with legal expertise."
"They have a good team and credibility with businesses."
"They have a pragmatic approach to finding successful outcomes."
"They are (usually) backed by sound science (as in their fisheries work)."

Areas for Improvement

Be More Inclusive and Grassroots

"They should build a stronger grassroots framework."
"They could do more to engage their extensive base of donors in grassroots action."
"They need to become more inclusive, more grassroots."
"They should collaborate more with others."
"This is a one trick pony that doesn't play well with others nor use their creativity to come up with new ideas."
"They should continue ramping up their lobbying activities."

Be Careful about Defining Success and Making Compromises

"They should lead instead of follow Democratic party policies."
"They should define success based on environmental outcome not political win."
"The organization should be mindful of the extreme urgency of action on climate change, and be careful not to compromise too much to moderates."
"They are seen by some to be too enamored of market solutions."

Consider other Kinds of Work

"They should make sure that their advocacy work is placed in a global context."
"They need to address climate adaptation."
"They are too focused on cap and trade at all costs."

Other

"They should use their brand less often."

The views expressed on this page are those of each individual expert and not necessarily those of Philanthopedia. Note that each quote represents the views of just one person and may not reflect the sentiments of the entire group. We do not disclose the names of the experts who gave each comment to protect their anonymity

" Environmental Defense was a critical player in this watershed moment in America's fight against global warming."
-William K. Reilly (Former EPA Administrator on the TXU victory)

" Environmental Defense has been a critical partner and resource in our efforts to make New York a truly sustainable 21st century city."
-Michael R. Bloomberg (New York City Mayor)

" Past ocean management policies have been woefully inadequate. Environmental Defense is playing a leadership role in achieving a new vision — one of healthy oceans and a secure future for coastal communities."
-Julie Packard (Monterey Bay Aquarium Executive Director)

" With a creative approach, Environmental Defense demonstrated how a strong Endangered Species Act benefits both rare species and people."
-Edward O. Wilson (Harvard University Professor on EDF's work shaping and defending America's key wildlife protection law)

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