Who is Earth Share of Oregon?

Earth Share of Oregon is a federation of 67 local and national environmental groups providing a convenient way for Oregonians to conserve our natural heritage. Through Earth Share’s workplace giving campaigns, member groups reach new and loyal supporters in more than 100 public and private sector organizations in Oregon.

Founded in 1989, Earth Share of Oregon has raised $7.5 million for conservation while increasing revenues by an average of 8% each year, making it one of the nation’s most successful environmental federations.

Earth Share of Oregon’s member groups work on a wide array of environmental projects that seek to meet three important objectives:

Why is Earth Share of Oregon Important?

Workplace giving offers employees a convenient and profound way to support the causes that mean the most to them. Oregonians are committed to maintaining a high quality of life and often cite Oregon’s natural environment as one of the best reasons to live here. Earth Share is a one-stop charitable shop that gives employees more choices in their charitable giving and builds lasting bridges:

How Do Business Partners Benefit?        

Internally

• No-cost employee benefit: The ease of donating through payroll contribution is a free perk for employees.
• Quality assurance: Earth Share annually screens all member groups to assure that they fiscally responsible and successfully accomplishing their missions.
• Good will: People want to work for companies that respect their values. Offering a wide range of charitable options shows that a company honors its employees’ choices. This message is even more powerful when an employer provides a matching contribution with the employee’s gift. 

Externally

• Recognition: All employers are showcased in Earth Share materials, including the web site, annual reports and newsletters.
• Reputation: Employees’ gifts to Earth Share groups enhance the positive impact of the company in the community.
• Influence: By sharing details about their successful Earth Share campaigns, businesses are able to encourage other companies to get involved and make a dramatic difference in Oregon and around the world.
• Connections: Many business partners become involved directly with Earth Share member groups through volunteer activities for employees or by sponsoring projects that impact the community’s quality of life.

Background

Thirteen Oregon environmental groups founded the Environmental Federation of Oregon (EFO) in 1989.  In 2000, EFO and environmental federations in 14 other states affiliated with Earth Share, a national organization also conducting workplace fundraising.  Earth Share of Oregon remains an independent 501(c)(3) with five staff members in Portland, Eugene and Bend.  A 21-member volunteer Board of Directors representing environmental groups and local businesses governs the organization.