Our finances
Your support makes EDF’s work possible. Together, we are creating a cleaner, healthier and safer future for people and the planet. Thank you for your generosity and trust.
In the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2023 (FY 2023), 86% of EDF’s spending was directed to program activities, 8% was utilized for fundraising and 6% was utilized for finance and administration.
Total operating expenses
Total operating support and revenue
EDF revenue totaled U.S. $255 million in FY 2023 — with 71% of all operating support and revenue coming from contributions and membership. This amount includes cash and pledges received for use in future years. In keeping with not-for-profit accounting standards, EDF records revenue in the year in which funds are raised, not in the years in which those funds are designated for use. This practice can create the appearance of revenue surpluses or deficits in any given year. EDF’s audited financial statements and 990 reports provide a more comprehensive overview of the organization’s finances, including year-over-year net asset balances.
Your impact
Learn more about the impact of your gift through past annual reports and our vision for 2030.
- Annual Report
2023: Global reach, local impact
- Annual Report
2022: A breakthrough year for climate
- Annual Report
2021: New opportunities for climate progress
Financial resources
Environmental Defense Fund is committed to operating openly and transparently. Detailed financial information is accessible through the financial statements and IRS 990 tax filings featured below.
Financial statements
- Fiscal year 2023
- Fiscal year 2022
- Fiscal year 2021
- Fiscal year 2020
- Fiscal year 2019
- Fiscal year 2018
- Fiscal year 2017
Tax filings
- Fiscal year 2023 Form 990 (2022 filing)
- Fiscal year 2022 Form 990 (2021 filing)
- Fiscal year 2021 Form 990 (2020 filing)
- Fiscal year 2020 Form 990 (2019 filing)
- Fiscal year 2019 Form 990 (2018 filing)
- Fiscal year 2018 Form 990 (2017 filing)
- Fiscal year 2017 Form 990 (2016 filing)
EDF applies a standard indirect cost rate to gifts unless the donor explicitly imposes a different rate. Indirect costs are institutional and infrastructure costs that are necessary to manage and support mission-related work.