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Nonprofiteer
← SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER

Form 990 for tax year 2024

Filed by SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER.

Totals

Total revenue
$58,167,590
Total expenses
$50,454,619
Contributions and grants received
$49,880,755
Grants paid
$86,416
Program service revenue
$557,833
Investment income
$7,644,738
Other revenue
$84,264
Total assets, end of year
$280,923,159
Total liabilities, end of year
$19,957,386
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$260,965,773
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$41,800,174
Management and general expenses
$3,263,692
Fundraising expenses
$5,390,753
Program service expenses (Part III)
$41,800,174

Program services were 82.8% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $49,880,755

  • 1g · Noncash contributions included above

    $1,690,029

  • 2a · Program service revenue: ATTORNEY FEES

    total $557,833 · related or exempt $557,833

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $6,125,698 · excluded $6,125,698

  • 7a · Gross sales of assets other than inventory

    securities $15,247,355

  • 7b · Less cost or other basis and sales expenses

    securities $13,728,315

  • 7c · Gain or loss

    securities $1,519,040

  • 7d · Net gain or loss

    total $1,519,040 · excluded $1,519,040

  • 11a · Other revenue: MISCELLANEOUS

    total $84,264 · excluded $84,264

  • 11e · Other revenue, total

    $84,264

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 1 · Grants to domestic organizations and governments

    total $73,959 · program services $73,959

  • 3 · Grants to foreign organizations and individuals

    total $12,457 · program services $12,457

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $2,945,297 · program services $1,856,434 · management and general $804,139 · fundraising $284,724

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $23,369,338 · program services $19,672,651 · management and general $1,230,526 · fundraising $2,466,161

  • 8 · Pension plan contributions

    total $1,614,576 · program services $1,364,454 · management and general $80,385 · fundraising $169,737

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $2,229,129 · program services $1,882,205 · management and general $117,446 · fundraising $229,478

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $1,940,853 · program services $1,594,453 · management and general $143,674 · fundraising $202,726

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $85,636 · program services $70,352 · management and general $6,339 · fundraising $8,945

  • 11d · Fees: lobbying

    total $330,238 · program services $330,238

  • 11e · Fees: professional fundraising services

    total $162,978 · fundraising $162,978

  • 11f · Fees: investment management

    total $16,171 · management and general $16,171

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $1,494,626 · program services $1,294,739 · management and general $118,272 · fundraising $81,615

  • 12 · Advertising and promotion

    total $2,880,300 · program services $2,456,801 · management and general $165,985 · fundraising $257,514

  • 13 · Office expenses

    total $1,138,164 · program services $730,025 · management and general $53,782 · fundraising $354,357

  • 14 · Information technology

    total $1,700,924 · program services $1,447,772 · management and general $69,632 · fundraising $183,520

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $3,551,808 · program services $2,917,891 · management and general $262,925 · fundraising $370,992

  • 17 · Travel

    total $879,228 · program services $712,581 · management and general $32,787 · fundraising $133,860

  • 19 · Conferences, conventions and meetings

    total $861,770 · program services $663,722 · management and general $37,744 · fundraising $160,304

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $613,692 · program services $504,162 · management and general $45,429 · fundraising $64,101

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $194,794 · program services $160,027 · management and general $14,420 · fundraising $20,347

  • 24a · Other expenses: LITIGATION FUND

    total $3,048,350 · program services $3,040,114 · management and general $3,416 · fundraising $4,820

  • 24b · Other expenses: REFERENCE MATERIALS

    total $520,885 · program services $358,325 · management and general $6,627 · fundraising $155,933

  • 24c · Other expenses: CAPITAL PURCHASES

    total $456,121 · program services $374,714 · management and general $33,764 · fundraising $47,643

  • 24d · Other expenses: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOP.

    total $170,942 · program services $147,883 · management and general $9,564 · fundraising $13,495

  • 24e · All other expenses

    total $162,383 · program services $134,215 · management and general $10,665 · fundraising $17,503

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing

    beginning of year $2,081,589 · end of year $4,269,997

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $7,616,124 · end of year $6,647,722

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $6,368,133 · end of year $6,038,677

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    beginning of year $27,903

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $648,582 · end of year $1,088,687

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $8,209,193

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $2,408,588

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $3,681,361 · end of year $5,800,605

  • 11 · Investments: publicly traded securities

    beginning of year $227,829,031 · end of year $242,665,063

  • 14 · Intangible assets

    end of year $217,550

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $11,658,309 · end of year $14,194,858

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $810,076 · end of year $2,411,827

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $12,912,359 · end of year $17,545,559

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $213,566,899 · end of year $233,750,623

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $32,621,698 · end of year $27,215,150

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

THE MISSION OF THE SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER IS TO PROTECT THE BASIC RIGHT TO CLEAN AIR, CLEAN WATER, AND A LIVABLE CLIMATE; TO PRESERVE OUR REGION'S NATURAL TREASURES AND RICH BIODIVERSITY; AND TO PROVIDE A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL.

Activities or mission (Part I)

SEE PART III LINE 1.

  • ENERGY: GOALS TO PROMOTE AND SECURE A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY POLICY ACROSS THE SOUTH THAT PROTECTS THE PEOPLE AND NATURAL RESOURCES OF THE REGION, ENHANCES THE ECONOMY, AND MINIMIZES THE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND ECONOMIC HARM OF ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND AIR POLLUTION, INCLUDING GREENHOUSE GASES. IN PURSUIT OF THESE GOALS, SELC LITIGATES CASES TO REDUCE FOSSIL FUEL USE AND AIR POLLUTION, PROMOTE CLEAN ENERGY, AND REDUCE CONSUMERS' ENERGY BILLS AND TO ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS.

    Expenses $17,069,914 · Grants $16,166

  • WATER: GOALS - TO PROTECT AND RESTORE WATER QUALITY AND WATER FLOW TO ENSURE SURFACE AND GROUND WATERS IN OUR REGION CAN MEET LONG-TERM HUMAN AND ECOLOGICAL NEEDS. IN PURSUIT OF THESE GOALS, SELC LITIGATES CASES TO PROTECT DRINKING WATER AND WATERWAYS FROM POLLUTION AND TO ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS.

    Expenses $9,086,592 · Revenue $238,574

  • LAND AND COMMUNITY: GOALS - TO PROMOTE VIBRANT COMMUNITIES, PROTECT NATURAL/RURAL AREAS, REDUCE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS/POLLUTANTS THROUGH SMARTER GROWTH/SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS. SELC LITIGATES CASES BENEFITING CITIZENS BY ENFORCING EXISTING LAWS.

    Expenses $4,193,528 · Grants $57,250

  • WETLANDS AND COASTS: GOALS - TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE WETLANDS AND HIGH PRIORITY COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS IN THE SOUTH FOR THE BENEFIT OF WILDLIFE, MARINE LIFE, AND PEOPLE. IN PURSUIT OF THESE GOALS, SELC LITIGATES CASES TO PROTECT WETLANDS, WILDLIFE, AND MARINE LIFE, SAFEGUARD COMMUNITIES FROM FLOODING, AND ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS.

    Expenses $3,766,928

  • NATIONAL FORESTS AND PARKS: GOALS - TO ENSURE THAT SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN NATIONAL FORESTS ARE MANAGED PRIMARILY FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE, CLEAN WATER, RECREATION, SCENIC BEAUTY, AND TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS, SHENANDOAH, AND OTHER NATIONAL PARK UNITS. SELC LITIGATES CASES TO PROTECT THESE FORESTS AND PARKS, PUBLIC RESOURCES THEREIN, AND ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS.

    Expenses $2,878,094 · Grants $10,000

  • AIR: GOALS - TO ACHIEVE HIGH AIR QUALITY ACROSS THE REGION, WITH SPECIFIC FOCUS ON HEAVILY INDUSTRIALIZED COMMUNITIES. IN PURSUIT OF THESE GOALS, SELC LITIGATES CASES TO REDUCE HARMFUL AIR POLLUTION AND ENFORCE EXISTING PUBLIC HEALTH PROTECTIONS AND TO ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS.

    Expenses $2,321,973

  • WILDLIFE: GOALS - TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE SOUTH'S RICH BIODIVERSITY AND HABITATS. SELC LITIGATES CASES TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE REGION'S RICH BIODIVERSITY AND WILDLIFE HABITAT AND TO ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS.

    Expenses $1,927,873 · Revenue $319,259

  • ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: GOALS - TO PARTNER WITH HISTORICALLY DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES TO ENSURE THAT ALL COMMUNITIES IN OUR REGION HAVE CLEAN AIR, CLEAN WATER, AND A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT. SELC'S PROGRAM AREAS INCORPORATE CONSIDERATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE THROUGH THE ORGANIZATION'S WORK. SELC ACHIEVES THESE GOALS THROUGH ESTABLISHED PROGRAM AREAS, INCLUDING BY LITIGATING CASES TO ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE EFFORTS ARE EMBEDDED ACROSS VARIOUS PROGRAM AREAS AND SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S OVERARCHING MISSION.

    Expenses $281,801 · Grants $3,000

  • CLIMATE: GOALS TO ENSURE PROTECTION OF A LIVABLE CLIMATE FOR PEOPLE AND ECOSYSTEMS IN THE SOUTH. SELC INCORPORATES CLIMATE CONSIDERATIONS, INCLUDING MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION, INTO ITS VARIOUS PROGRAM AREAS. SELC LITIGATES CASES TO PROTECT THE SOUTH FROM THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE WHEN APPROPRIATE.

    Expenses $273,471

As filed on the 2024 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • DJ GERKEN

    PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $385,302
    From this org
    $321,468
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $63,834
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $321,468
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $29,353
    Nontaxable benefits
    $34,481
    Filer's total
    $385,302

  • LAURA D GATES

    CHAIR OF THE BOARD

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    11

  • C GREY MCLEAN

    VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5

  • JOEL B ADAMS JR

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    7

  • MARCIA A ANGLE

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • DELL S BROOKE

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    4

  • CATHY S BROWN

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5

  • WENDY B BROWN

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    7

  • ANNE DAVIS

    TRUSTEE (UNTIL 11/24)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • MELVIN T DAVIS

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • J STEPHEN DOCKERY III

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • LAURA B FJELD

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    6

  • MELANIE P GRINNEY

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • JAMES G HANES III

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • CLAY HAYNES

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • PHYLLIS DK HILDRETH

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • DONALD A HOLZWORTH

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • DEBORAH H KENNEDY KENNARD

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • ALLEN M MCCALLIE

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5

  • EDWARD M MILLER

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    4

  • DEADERICK C MONTAGUE

    TRUSTEE (UNTIL 11/24)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • JEAN C NELSON

    TRUSTEE (UNTIL 11/24)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • CHARLES W PATRICK JR

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • JULIE G PRICE

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • B CLAYTON ROLADER

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    7

  • WILLIAM H SCHLESINGER

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5

  • JOHN SIMPKINS

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5

  • THOMAS F TAFT SR

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • HEATH P TERRY

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    4

  • WILLIAM L WANT

    TRUSTEE (UNTIL 11/24)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • ZAKIYA A SEYMOUR

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • DAVID CARR

    GEN. COUNSEL, TRES -(5/24- 11/24)

    Total calculated
    $224,227
    From this org
    $194,361
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $29,866
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $194,361
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $17,340
    Nontaxable benefits
    $12,526
    Filer's total
    $224,227

  • HAYLEY PARRISH

    ASSIS. TO ED & BOARD ADMIN.

    Total calculated
    $131,817
    From this org
    $110,275
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $21,542
    Hours/week
    50

  • CHRISTIE WIGGANS

    FIN. & INVEST. TRES. (4/24-5/24)

    Total calculated
    $117,919
    From this org
    $95,455
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $22,464
    Hours/week
    50

  • HOLLY HUESTON

    DIR. FIN. & ADMIN./TRES (TO 4/24)

    Total calculated
    $102,733
    From this org
    $80,496
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $22,237
    Hours/week
    50

  • CALI BUSCH

    CONTROLLER, TREASURER (FROM 11/24)

    Total calculated
    $45,676
    From this org
    $42,276
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $3,400
    Hours/week
    50

  • JOHN SUTTLES

    DEPUTY DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $290,324
    From this org
    $256,257
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $34,067
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $256,257
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $23,561
    Nontaxable benefits
    $10,506
    Filer's total
    $290,324

  • KATIE SHEVLIN

    CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

    Total calculated
    $278,095
    From this org
    $227,893
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $50,202
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $227,893
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $21,716
    Nontaxable benefits
    $28,486
    Filer's total
    $278,095

  • ERIN MALEC

    DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

    Total calculated
    $240,760
    From this org
    $215,939
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $24,821
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $215,939
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $19,821
    Nontaxable benefits
    $5,000
    Filer's total
    $240,760

  • SARAH FRANCISCO

    DIRECTOR, VA OFFICE

    Total calculated
    $235,563
    From this org
    $192,201
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $43,362
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $192,201
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $18,126
    Nontaxable benefits
    $25,236
    Filer's total
    $235,563

  • GILBERT ROGERS

    DIRECTOR, GA OFFICE

    Total calculated
    $218,677
    From this org
    $190,269
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $28,408
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $190,269
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $17,172
    Nontaxable benefits
    $11,236
    Filer's total
    $218,677

  • CHANDRA TAYLOR

    ENVIRON. JUSTICE INITIATIVE LEADER

    Total calculated
    $209,729
    From this org
    $178,991
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $30,738
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $178,991
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $16,512
    Nontaxable benefits
    $14,226
    Filer's total
    $209,729

  • MARY MACLEAN ASBILL

    DIRECTOR, NC OFFICE

    Total calculated
    $230,149
    From this org
    $177,188
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $52,961
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $177,188
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $17,215
    Nontaxable benefits
    $35,746
    Filer's total
    $230,149

  • GEOFF GISLER

    PROGRAM DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $215,965
    From this org
    $174,882
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $41,083
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $174,882
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $16,597
    Nontaxable benefits
    $24,486
    Filer's total
    $215,965

  • DERB CARTER

    SENIOR ADVISOR & SENIOR ATTORNEY

    Total calculated
    $298,682
    From this org
    $252,098
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $46,584
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $252,098
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $22,099
    Nontaxable benefits
    $24,485
    Filer's total
    $298,682

  • NAT MUND

    DIRECTOR OF FEDERAL AFFAIRS

    Total calculated
    $226,753
    From this org
    $202,745
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $24,008
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $202,745
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $18,502
    Nontaxable benefits
    $5,506
    Filer's total
    $226,753

  • ALYS CAMPAIGNE

    CLIMATE INITIATIVE LEADER

    Total calculated
    $230,457
    From this org
    $194,511
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $35,946
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $177,665
    Bonus
    $16,846
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $0
    Nontaxable benefits
    $35,946
    Filer's total
    $230,457

  • TRIP POLLARD

    SENIOR ATTORNEY

    Total calculated
    $238,479
    From this org
    $190,553
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $47,926
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $190,553
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $17,191
    Nontaxable benefits
    $30,735
    Filer's total
    $238,479

  • DEBORAH MURRAY

    SENIOR ATTORNEY

    Total calculated
    $218,250
    From this org
    $187,393
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $30,857
    Hours/week
    50

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $187,393
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $16,631
    Nontaxable benefits
    $14,226
    Filer's total
    $218,250

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

  • 3 · Compensation committee
  • 3 · Independent compensation consultant
  • 3 · Form 990 of other organizations
  • 3 · Compensation survey or study
  • 3 · Approval by the board or compensation committee
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments

Answered no

  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

The filer's explanations (Part III)

PART I, LINE 7
ALYS CAMPAIGNE RECEIVED A SIGNING BONUS OF $16,846

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2024
Filed
6 October 2025
IRS schema version
2024v5.2
Source object
202502799349301500

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