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This bear enjoys a chance to experience the outdoors at Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation

Frequently asked questions about Earth Share of Texas

What is Earth Share of Texas? 

Earth Share of Texas is a coalition or ‘federation’ of 70 local, state, national and international non-profit environmental groups who have joined to participate in workplace giving programs.  Payroll contribution campaigns offer a cost-effective means for non-profit organizations to generate support for their program work.

Do contributions to Earth Share of Texas make a difference?  

YES!  Here are a few examples:

$1 per pay period will plant a tree in an inner-city neighborhood.

$2 per pay period will provide an educational program in a natural area to an elementary school class.

$5 per pay period will support training in an environmental career for a
person with a disability.

$5 per pay period will expand a program that provides bicycle helmets for elementary students.

Why do employers include Earth Share of Texas in their payroll contribution plans?

The most common reason employers include EST in payroll contribution plans is because their employees ask for expanded choice.  More and more employers recognize the diversity of interests of employees; employees who are interested in human health and the environment.  Environmental challenges affect everyone.  Each of us has an interest in protecting and restoring our natural environment. 

How does Earth Share of Texas distribute the funds it receives from pledges?

Earth Share is a completely donor-driven, tax-exempt federation.  We encourage employees to pick an organization or organizations that they most want to help.  If the donation is made to Earth Share of Texas rather than to a member organization, the contribution is divided among all member groups.

Which environmental organizations does Earth Share of Texas represent?

For a complete list of our members click here, or call for a free brochure.

What standards must Earth Share of Texas member groups meet?

We have what we consider to be the strictest set of screens among all the charitable federations.  Each member must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.  Those with budgets more than $100,000 a year must undergo a yearly audit; those with smaller budgets must have a CPA review.  We scrutinize annual tax returns.  In addition, we review the program work of each member annually.  The program work must be consistent with environmental protection and with the mission statement of the organization.  By requiring significant participation from the member organizations, we also ensure that each member’s work is consistent with the Earth Share philosophy.   

Who governs Earth Share of Texas?

We are governed by a volunteer board, consisting of board members, volunteers or executive staff of our participating organizations and community leaders.  The board is elected by representatives from our participating organizations.  Our board members all live and work in Texas.

How much does Earth Share of Texas spend on administration?

In fiscal year 2006, we spent 5.1 percent of our total revenue for administration.

What can I do to help the environment through Earth Share of Texas?

If you work where there’s already an Earth Share of Texas campaign, you could:

  • Ask for an Earth Share of Texas speaker at an employee meeting.
  • Place an Earth Share of Texas poster in a break room or common area.
  • Call or e-mail your friends at work, and ask them to support EST members.
If you work where there’s no Earth Share of Texas campaign, you could:

  • Call or e-mail Earth Share of Texas to ask for help.
  • Ask your human resources department to add Earth Share of Texas to your choices.
  • Ask your friends to join you in asking for more charitable choices.

For more information, please contact us at 800-GREENTX or estx@earthshare-texas.org.