About
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is one of the world's leading environmental nonprofit organizations, headquartered in New York, NY. Founded in 1967 by a small group of scientists and a lawyer on Long Island fighting to protect ospreys from the pesticide DDT, EDF has grown into a global organization that pairs scientific evidence with economics, law, and partnerships to cut pollution and help people and nature thrive.
Mission
EDF describes its work as delivering bold solutions that cut harmful pollution and strengthen the ability of people and nature to thrive, even amid the climate changes already being felt today. Its approach rests on six pillars: scientific evidence, economic sustainability, powerful partnerships, climate justice, strong advocacy, and a vibrant organizational culture.
What they do
- Energy transition: advancing clean energy, cutting methane emissions, and promoting sustainable fuels and clean transportation.
- People and nature: supporting sustainable food systems, fisheries, water resources, forests, and coastal protection.
- Healthy communities: pushing for safer chemicals and cleaner air.
History
EDF began in 1967 as a scrappy group of scientists and a lawyer on Long Island, New York, fighting to save ospreys from the toxic pesticide DDT. Using scientific evidence, its founders helped win the ban on DDT in the United States, establishing the science-plus-law model the organization still uses. The IRS granted the organization tax-exempt status in 1969.
Scale and impact
According to its website, EDF is backed by more than 3.5 million members and allies and employs thousands of staff across many disciplines. The organization operates internationally, with work in the United States, China, Europe, and India, and describes itself as one of the world's top environmental organizations.
Financials
Per its IRS Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for the fiscal year ending September 2025 Environmental Defense Fund Incorporated reported total revenue of $443,267,772, total expenses of $356,751,950, and net assets of $386,679,591. Contributions made up 92.8 percent of total income in the most recent filing. EDF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are tax deductible.
Governance
Amanda Leland serves as Executive Director. The organization is overseen by a board of trustees alongside its leadership team.
