They must be primarily dedicated to protecting the environment, and meet extensive standards set by the Board of Directors. One of these requirements is that administrative overheads must be less than 25% of total support and revenue. Additionally, they must demonstrate that they are fiscally responsible and maintain an environmental mission.
The Board of Directors is composed of 6 representatives from the non-profit members and up to 13 At Large Directors, representing businesses and individuals that are not associated with EarthShare NJ members. The staff of EarthShare New Jersey is directly responsible to its members (local and national organizations), and the Directors establish the policies under which EarthShare New Jersey operates.
EarthShare New Jersey has no policy regarding how member groups can use their donations except that they are used responsibly and in the best interests of the member group and the environment. Funds are frequently used for program development, research, education, public relations, administration, equipment, or any other way the group chooses. All EarthShare member organizations are tax-exempt because they engage in charitable, scientific or educational activities, and, as such, only engage in very limited amounts of political lobbying or advocacy work.
EarthShare New Jersey local members pay a one-time application fee to be considered for membership. This payment is cashed only if the organization is accepted into membership. The purpose of this fee is to accommodate the inclusion of the member in marketing and promotional material and the processing of their membership application. There is an annual dues payment ($250) to reaffirm an organizations membership with EarthShare New Jersey.
EarthShare New Jersey members realize the benefit of representation in workplace campaigns across the state. Their organization is listed as a charitable contribution option on campaign literature, EarthShare New Jersey promotional brochures, newsletters and website. Members are physically represented and referenced during speaking engagements, agency fairs, tabling events and corporate meetings with employers. They realize reduced administrative expenses as workplace contribution checks are issued in a lump sum, eliminating the need to process multiple checks monthly. They are given the opportunity to coordinate corporate volunteer events and participate in corporate activities that are reserved for charities with which they have a relationship. EarthShare New Jersey organizations are in front of more than 500,000 New Jersey citizens annually as a result of their membership. There are also exclusive programs designed specifically to raise awareness of and funds for EarthShare NJ local members.
Policy is made and enforced by the EarthShare New Jersey Board of Directors.
There are many ways in which a donor can support EarthShare New Jersey. They can do so through payroll contribution, individual donation or gift of time, talent or treasure.
In addition to the National office in Washington, DC, there are EarthShares in California, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington. The Washington, DC entity coordinates activities in all other states. EarthShares also work very closely with the Environmental Funds for every state in the country.
This is a powerful form of fundraising. It allows the federation to solicit large numbers of people in an organized, efficient, and cost-effective manner. Commonly, people who might write a one-time check for $25.00 may as easily consider a $2.00 donation per pay period. If there are twenty-six annual pay periods that would result in a $52.00 annual gift. Similarly, an individual may have a membership with your organization, but through payroll contribution his/her annual gift will significantly exceed the actual membership cost.
EarthShare New Jersey can help a multi-state company operate a campaign in any state in the country. This is already done for corporate campaigns such as American Express, Hewlitt Packard, Walmart and Home Depot.
EarthShare New Jersey can easily be added to any company’s existing program. All that is needed is the addition of the new charity to their list or payroll service. All payroll service providers are able to do this. Corporations that process their own payroll are also able to support EarthShare New Jersey campaigns. EarthShare New Jersey will work with any company to help get their program updated. Our philosophy is that more choice leads to more participation. This has also been realized in corporate campaigns across the country.
EarthShare New Jersey will work with any company to implement and, if necessary, customize their workplace contribution program. Providing employees with the benefit of seamless, payroll contribution is something that enhances an employer’s ability to meet the needs of employees and the community.
Individual donors are always welcome to help support our efforts. A formal membership program for individuals is currently in development!
The membership policy relating to donors in workplace fund drives is determined by each member organization. EarthShare New Jersey cannot guarantee that a donor gift will result in membership. Donors may need to contact organizations directly for this option and should also keep a copy of their pledge form in case it is required to establish the date of the gift or the campaign in which the donor participated. Some national member organizations ask their donors to fax in a copy of their pledge card as soon as they have made their pledge so that their membership may be “renewed” (or started). This method allows the organization to see how much the donor has pledged so it can determine for which membership level, if any, he/she may qualify. It also helps offset the problem of having to wait as long as 6 months following the campaign to receive donors’ names. Please note that membership renewal notices or invoices are not sent to workplace donors. A donor must request that his/her contact information be shared with the charity in order for these types of benefits to be realized.
Any environmental non-profit can contact the EarthShare New Jersey office for membership information. Candidates are identified throughout the year. Membership applications are distributed and returned by January 31st. Qualified candidates are presented to the board for voting in February, and are immediately welcomed into membership once approved. New applicants begin participating in workplace giving and awareness campaigns right away.
Yes, to the maximum as allowed by law as long as you itemize your deductions.
Only if the donor requests an acknowledgment for their donation. Many public employee campaigns like the CFC restrict charities from releasing donor names and selling or trading donor lists. Charities in violation of this restriction are subject to disqualification from the campaign, or, in the worst case scenario, the entire federation may be disqualified from participating in the campaign. EarthShare New Jersey encourages its members to accord membership privileges to workplace donors, but not to solicit them for additional gifts by phone, mail, or electronic outreach.
Yes, a gift can be changed or canceled at your request.
Pledges usually take affect on January 1, but there are some campaigns organized in the spring, with deductions taken for a 12 month period starting at the beginning or end of another month. There are also some employers that have rollover campaigns. Once you make a pledge, it remains active until you modify or cancel it.
EarthShare New Jersey’s overhead costs are currently 12.4%.