Earth Share of Washington

Our Mission:

About Us:

Organizational Membership - Application Information

OVERVIEW

Earth Share of Washington (ESW) is committed to representing premier organizations whose work contributes to livable communities and a healthy planet. In addition, our work requires us to understand the perceptions and needs of the workplace donor. We want to assure the donor that, year in and year out, Earth Share will invest those hard-earned donations to earn the greatest yield.

In 2007 and every two years thereafter, Earth Share of Washington will open up the application process to new organizations that add value to us as a workplace fundraising organization. We are particularly interested in organizations whose work complements, not overlaps, programs of our current organizations. Earth Share of Washington is not a quick fix for unrestricted fundraising; rather, it is a relationship whereby both the applicant and Earth Share of Washington benefit.

Participating organizations are required to fulfill membership points requirements annually. Examples of points include participating at workplace fundraising events or obtaining a meeting with a new business prospect. All levels of the applicant organization's board, staff and volunteers must be aware of the application procedures and work requirements, and are prepared to fulfill them. A copy of the points report is available for download - 2007 Points Spreadsheet.

ESW requires a one-time, non-recurring initiation fee of $2,500. The fee, which is itself a statement of commitment on behalf of the applicant organization, may be paid over a period of two years from the join date.

CRITERIA FOR ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Earth Share of Washington's (ESW's) local organizations must:

MISSION and IMPACT

Address critical issues that are important to the people of Washington. Its programs must clearly demonstrate benefit(s) in one or more of the following 5 key program areas:

Energy & Climate
Forests, Habitat, & Wildlife
Pollution & Toxics
Recreation & Parks
Sustainable Communities

Provide services statewide or to a significant population of the state and/or have a substantial presence in the state. It must have a program presence in Washington for a minimum of three years, and does not engage in or advocate illegal activities.

FINANCE

Provide written financial statements or audited statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Demonstrate that administrative and fundraising expenses are reasonable, as evidenced by the organization's 990 Form (lines 14 + 15 divided by line 12). If this percentage exceeds 25%, the organization should provide an explanation.
Provide a completed financial audit from the previous year (if expenses or revenue taken from the organization's most recent 990 exceed $250,000. This is based on Combined Federal Campaign requirements issued by the Office of Personnel Management). Note: employee giving programs are frequently called campaigns
Demonstrate that funding sources are stable and diverse.

ADMINISTRATIVE and GOVERNANCE

Hold tax-exempt status pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or any other applicable law.
Submit materials for ESW's annual application to public sector (government) employee giving campaigns (examples include the Combined Federal Campaign and the Washington State Employees Combined Fund Drive).
Demonstrate an ability and commitment (from the organization's board and staff) to fulfill ESW's work requirements to promote ESW to the organization's constituencies.
Be governed by a voluntary board.
Have a policy that does not permit discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or sexual orientation.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Earth Share of Washington and its member groups are partners in raising funds through workplace giving. Earth Share therefore requires that each member group participates at a minimum level annually. Members earn points by accomplishing various activities. A copy of the points report is available for download - 2007 Points Spreadsheet.

NEXT STEPS

If your organization is interested in joining premier organizations that promote livable communities and a healthy planet, please check back with us in the Fall/Winter of 2008-09. We will be posting specific information on how to apply. In the meantime, please send us an email indicating your interest in joining Earth Share of Washington and we will notify you when we will be accepting Letters of Interest in the spring of 2009.