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 awards.  We receive no government funding and do not accept donations from sources that run counter to our mission (learn more about our donation policy and budget). 

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

We are grateful for your support.

 

MEMBERSHIP
Join EDC today and begin receiving benefits, discounts, news updates, and more. Membership also makes you part of the EDC community – individuals united in protecting and enhancing our local environment through education, advocacy, and legal action.

LEVEL OF MEMBERSHIP	BENEFITS
Sustainer	Sustaining members pledge monthly gifts to EDC via credit card. A $15 per month pledge - just $.50 a day - lends EDC reliable, dependable support. Advocate benefits PLUS •Receiving automatic and paperless membership renewals; •Saving yourself the trouble of writing and mailing checks; •Conserving paper and keeping postage costs down; •Ability to increase, decrease, or stop your monthly gift at any time.
Advocate $35-$149	Subscription to our bi-annual newsletter; $10.00 off of a season holder's pass to our TGIF series; Discounts at participating local retailers.
Guardian $150-$499	Advocate benefits PLUS EDC reusable water bottle.
Defender $500-$999	Guardian benefits PLUS EDC t-shirt
Stewardship Circle $1,000+	The EDC Stewardship Circle represents our most engaged and generous donors who receive exclusive benefits and opportunities in return for their investment.

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.

Santa Rosa Island. Photo by Dan Weber.

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. Please mail your company’s matching gift form along with your contribution and EDC staff will do the rest.

GIFTS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS
Financial assets can include cash, stock, mutual funds, or life insurance policies.

PLANNED GIFTS
Naming EDC 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 in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. We will be happy to meet with you and discuss planned giving options that are right for you.

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 use the principal in this fund and we only use the income on that investment (as needed and determined prudent by our Board) to cover current expenses. EDC accepts and will help you design your optimal solution from among a wide variety of options, including Charitable Lead Trusts, Life Income Trusts, and Annuities. We recommend you consult your tax advisor or attorney about how tax benefits may apply to your specific situation. 

All contributions to EDC are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. EDC’s tax identification number is 77-0061994. Contact Development Director, Kelley Skumautz, at (805) 963-1622 or edc@edcnet.org for more information on how you can make an investment in EDC today.