Frequently Asked Questions

What is EarthShare Georgia? 

EarthShare Georgia connects people to trusted nonprofit organizations dedicated to conserving and protecting our air, land and water. EarthShare Georgia raises funds primarily through workplace-giving partnerships with more than 50 employers that help support more than 70 environmental and conservation organizations. Approximately 30 of these organizations are based in Georgia, the others are national nonprofit partners – some of which have offices or have field representatives in Georgia.

What is a workplace-giving campaign?

Workplace giving campaigns are payroll donation drives organized by companies to generate employee support for community issues and organizations. Employees can also give by one-time check or recurring credit card donations. Campaigns are usually run in the fall when employees make their payroll pledges for the upcoming calendar year.

How are employee donations shared among EarthShare Georgia nonprofit partners? 

Employees have the unique option of making one gift (to be shared among all nonprofit partners) or designating a pledge to one or more organizations of their choice. Undesignated contributions are shared among Georgia organizations (60 percent) and national organizations (40 percent). Donors may also designate their gifts to one or more organizations of their choice.

Who does EarthShare Georgia support? 

EarthShare Georgia funds more than 90 trusted nonprofit organizations working locally, nationally and internationally on air, land and water issues that affect our health and well-being and the sustainability of our planet.

Why give to EarthShare Georgia? 

EarthShare Georgia was founded by environmental organizations in 1992 to expand choice in workplace-giving programs. When you donate through your paycheck, a small contribution becomes a significant tax-deductible contribution at the end of the year. By donating through your workplace, you also reduce administrative overhead for the individual nonprofits we help support, eliminate extensive mailings and emails, and you can choose to be acknowledged or remain anonymous. EarthShare Georgia provides a strong network for the individual organizations we help support to work collectively towards improving our environment.

What environmental organizations participate? 

EarthShare Georgia’s nonprofit partners are annually reviewed to ensure that they are operating efficiently and actively engaged in conserving and protecting our air, land and water. Requirements include 501(c) (3) status for at least three years, an annual audit, 990, mission focused on environmental work, a non-discrimination policy, and an administrative overhead of 25% or under, along with a completed application indicating their annual commitment to actively participate in the work of EarthShare Georgia.

How do I start an EarthShare workplace-giving campaign? 

EarthShare Georgia staff will work with representatives from your company to create a first-time campaign or add environmental choice to an existing campaign. EarthShare Georgia can provide tools and resources such as a campaign toolkit, pledge forms, an online pledge platform and brochures and door prizes for presentations at staff meetings or other functions.