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Nonprofiteer
← ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE ACTION FUND

Form 990 for tax year 2023

Filed by ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE ACTION FUND.

Totals

Total revenue
$32,711,189
Total expenses
$27,019,957
Contributions and grants received
$32,398,345
Grants paid
$5,499,995
Program service revenue
$0
Investment income
$312,458
Other revenue
$386
Total assets, end of year
$15,550,134
Total liabilities, end of year
$4,725,585
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$10,824,549
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$23,236,018
Management and general expenses
$2,131,430
Fundraising expenses
$1,652,509
Program service expenses (Part III)
$23,236,018

Program services were 86.0% 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.

  • 1b · Membership dues

    $1,199,797

  • 1d · Related organizations

    $5,371,270

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $25,827,278

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $305,130 · excluded $305,130

  • 4 · Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds

    total $0

  • 5 · Royalties

    total $0

  • 6c · Rental income or loss

    real property $0 · personal property $0

  • 6d · Net rental income or loss

    total $0

  • 7a · Gross sales of assets other than inventory

    securities $7,328

  • 7c · Gain or loss

    securities $7,328

  • 7d · Net gain or loss

    total $7,328 · excluded $7,328

  • 8a · Fundraising events: gross income

    $0

  • 8b · Fundraising events: direct expenses

    $0

  • 8c · Net income from fundraising events

    total $0

  • 9a · Gaming: gross income

    $0

  • 9b · Gaming: direct expenses

    $0

  • 9c · Net income from gaming

    total $0

  • 10a · Gross sales of inventory

    $0

  • 10b · Cost of goods sold

    $0

  • 10c · Net income from sales of inventory

    total $0

  • 11a · Other revenue: OTHER INCOME

    total $386 · excluded $386

  • 11e · Other revenue, total

    $386

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 1 · Grants to domestic organizations and governments

    total $5,499,995 · program services $5,499,995

  • 2 · Grants to domestic individuals

    total $0

  • 3 · Grants to foreign organizations and individuals

    total $0

  • 4 · Benefits paid to or for members

    total $0

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $0

  • 6 · Compensation of disqualified persons

    total $0

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $3,717,236 · program services $3,685,276 · management and general $31,960

  • 8 · Pension plan contributions

    total $0

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $987,488 · program services $978,987 · management and general $8,501

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $81,734 · program services $81,030 · management and general $704

  • 11a · Fees: management

    total $0

  • 11b · Fees: legal

    total $58,430 · program services $30,307 · management and general $18,425 · fundraising $9,698

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $0

  • 11d · Fees: lobbying

    total $0

  • 11e · Fees: professional fundraising services

    total $0

  • 11f · Fees: investment management

    total $0

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $6,477,503 · program services $3,359,781 · management and general $2,042,599 · fundraising $1,075,123

  • 12 · Advertising and promotion

    total $1,481,574 · program services $1,481,574

  • 13 · Office expenses

    total $603,167 · program services $81,788 · fundraising $521,379

  • 14 · Information technology

    total $0

  • 15 · Royalties

    total $0

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $0

  • 17 · Travel

    total $99,757 · program services $99,757

  • 18 · Travel or entertainment for public officials

    total $0

  • 19 · Conferences, conventions and meetings

    total $104,016 · program services $104,016

  • 20 · Interest

    total $0

  • 21 · Payments to affiliates

    total $0

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $0

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $0

  • 24a · Other expenses: POLITICAL AFFAIRS- SEE SCH C

    total $7,785,000 · program services $7,785,000

  • 24b · Other expenses: SUBSCRIPTIONS & DUES

    total $47,349 · program services $47,349

  • 24c · Other expenses: MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES

    total $76,708 · program services $1,158 · management and general $29,241 · fundraising $46,309

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing

    beginning of year $2,682,029 · end of year $4,710,172

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $3,747,010 · end of year $10,635,869

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 5 · Loans and receivables from officers and key people

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 6 · Loans and receivables from disqualified persons

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 7 · Other notes and loans receivable

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 8 · Inventories for sale or use

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $88,554 · end of year $204,093

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

    $0

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

    $0

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 11 · Investments: publicly traded securities

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 12 · Investments: other securities

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 13 · Investments: program-related

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 14 · Intangible assets

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $723,806 · end of year $348,294

  • 18 · Grants payable

    beginning of year $51,500 · end of year $51,500

  • 19 · Deferred revenue

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 20 · Tax-exempt bond liabilities

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 21 · Escrow or custodial account liability

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 22 · Loans and payables to officers and key people

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 23 · Secured mortgages and notes payable

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 24 · Unsecured notes and loans payable

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $600,167 · end of year $4,325,791

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $4,653,099 · end of year $9,457,776

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $489,021 · end of year $1,366,773

Mission and programs · 2023

Mission

TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSERVATION ISSUES AS WELL AS ADVOCATE LEGISLATION AND POLICIES THAT PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS OF ALL PEOPLE.

Activities or mission (Part I)

TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL & CONSERVATION ISSUES AS WELL AS ADVOCATE LEGISLATION & POLICIES THAT PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS OF ALL PEOPLE.

  • CORE CAPACITIES AND EDUCATION - EDF Action is the advocacy partner of EDF. While EDF focuses on research, scientific analysis, and policy development, EDF Action's primary purpose is to engage in advocacy, education, lobbying and legislative work to drive meaningful change. In 2024, EDF Action played a critical role in safeguarding climate progress at the federal level. EDF Action defended key policies including the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law against legislative threats, preserved regulations vital to protecting the environment and public health, built bipartisan support for sustainable agriculture and planted the seeds for defensive work ahead. At the state level, EDF Action championed a range of priorities including water conservation policies in the Southwest, methane emission reduction initiatives in oil and gas states, and improved oversight to promote cleaner air. Additionally, it supported the implementation of clean energy programs funded through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EDF Action's efforts yielded significant progress across the country, including advancing a major climate bond proposal in California, boost water conservation funding in Colorado, securing energy efficiency assistance in Florida, combating heavy vehicle pollution in New Jersey and advance conservation and resilience efforts in North Carolina. To sustain its mission, EDF Action continued to invest in strengthening its robust grassroots membership, empowering communities to advance clean energy commitments and implement climate programs at the state level.

    Expenses $18,470,419 · Grants $12,897,658

  • Strengthen People's and Nature's Ability to Thrive - EDF Action worked to advance policy solutions for sustainable agriculture and fisheries, playing a key role in securing critical funding and shaping long-term policy outcomes. In agriculture, EDF Action successfully protected IRA conservation funding for USDA conservation programs from being repurposed for non-climate priorities in the 2024 Farm Bill. EDF Action was a leading voice in ensuring these funds remain dedicated to providing farmers and ranchers with the tools they need to address the climate crisis. During Committee consideration, EDF Action worked closely with allies to advance Farm Bill priorities, ensuring strong support for conservation programs. Additionally, through coalition-building and legislative engagement, EDF Action introduced new policies, garnered bipartisan support, and provided thought leadership to drive agricultural decarbonization for years to come. In fisheries and aquaculture, EDF Action played a vital role in educating both the public and policymakers on the benefits of sustainable aquaculture alongside healthy fisheries. Our efforts showcased how these programs create jobs, strengthen food security, and support coastal communities while minimizing environmental risks. Through extensive media outreach, legislative engagement, and coalition-building, we elevated sustainable aquaculture in policy discussions, championed the bipartisan SEAfood Act, and helped shape a new consensus bill. By strengthening relationships with congressional leaders, industry stakeholders, and environmental advocates, we reinforced the need for a science-based, equitable approach to offshore aquaculture in the United States. Through strategic communications and legislative leadership, EDF Action continues to drive meaningful progress to strengthen people's and nature's ability to thrive.

    Expenses $2,077,185 · Grants $12,747

  • STABILIZE THE CLIMATE - EDF Action has been a leading advocate for strong clean transportation policies, working to build support for federal clean car standards. EDF Action also supported federal tax incentives for zero-emission vehicles. Our efforts included targeted paid advertisements in Michigan to bolster public and policymaker backing for these initiatives. Additionally, we organized high-impact earned media events, and conducted extensive research and analysis to showcase the benefits of clean vehicles. Through strategic media engagement and direct outreach to policymakers, EDF Action has played a crucial role in advancing the conversation around clean transportation solutions. This work is essential in the broader effort to stabilize the climate and build a more sustainable future.

    Expenses $1,703,205 · Grants $345,045

  • REGIONALLY FOCUSED WORK

    Expenses $907,082 · Grants $29,545

  • SUPPORT PEOPLE'S HEALTH

    Expenses $78,127

As filed on the 2023 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • FREDERIC D KRUPP

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $1,302,005
    From this org
    $0
    From related orgs
    $1,238,682
    Other
    $63,323
    Hours/week
    4 + 36 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $0 + $1,010,976 related
    Bonus
    $0 + $75,000 related
    Other
    $0 + $152,706 related
    Deferred
    $0 + $48,900 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0 + $14,423 related
    Filer's total
    $0 + $1,302,005 related

  • N LOUIS MKANGANWI

    CFO AND TREASURER

    Total calculated
    $387,741
    From this org
    $0
    From related orgs
    $344,267
    Other
    $43,474
    Hours/week
    4 + 36 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $0 + $329,267 related
    Bonus
    $0 + $15,000 related
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $0 + $28,323 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0 + $15,151 related
    Filer's total
    $0 + $387,741 related

  • DAVID KIEVE

    PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $287,680
    From this org
    $0
    From related orgs
    $250,381
    Other
    $37,299
    Hours/week
    36 + 4 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $0 + $240,381 related
    Bonus
    $0 + $10,000 related
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $0 + $21,045 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0 + $16,254 related
    Filer's total
    $0 + $287,680 related

  • Ronora Pawelko

    Sr Dir, Sr Cnsl-Pol Law & Secy

    Total calculated
    $189,039
    From this org
    $0
    From related orgs
    $178,827
    Other
    $10,212
    Hours/week
    36 + 4 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $0 + $175,816 related
    Bonus
    $0 + $3,011 related
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $0 + $2,839 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0 + $7,373 related
    Filer's total
    $0 + $189,039 related

  • Ashley Lough thru 1023

    Dir, Board & Ext Rel & Secy

    Total calculated
    $105,205
    From this org
    $0
    From related orgs
    $96,458
    Other
    $8,747
    Hours/week
    40

  • CODDY JOHNSON

    CO-CHAIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • ELIZABETH B STRICKLER

    CO-CHAIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 2 related

  • FRANK LOY

    CHAIR EMERITUS

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 2 related

  • CHRISSY ARMSTRONG

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • Thomas F Darden II

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • Richard H Davis

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • Susan Ford Dorsey

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 2 related

  • Kirsten J Feldman

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 2 related

  • Carl Ferenbach

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 2 related

  • Charles J Hamilton Jr

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 2 related

  • Kevin Johnson

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 2 related

  • The Honorable Thomas H Kean

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 2 related

  • Neal Kemkar

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • John C Kerr

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • Abby Leigh

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 2 related

  • Susan Mandel

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 2 related

  • Mary Powell

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 2 related

  • Jon Powers

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • Clara Pratte

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 2 related

  • Thais Lopez Vogel Esq

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • Jeffrey P Williams

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 2 related

  • Joanne Witty

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

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

  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan

Answered no

  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 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
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

The filer's explanations (Part III)

PART I, LINE 4B:
FREDERIC D. KRUPP, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RECEIVED A PAYMENT FROM A SECTION 457(F) PLAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $152,706, WHICH IS REPORTED ON SCHEDULE J, PART II, COLUMN (B)(III).

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

The 10 largest by cash amount. The API serves every itemized grant.

Related organizations on this return

Schedule R Part II: tax-exempt organizations related to the filer by control. It does not record shared board members or money.

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2023
Filed
9 July 2025
IRS schema version
2023v6.0
Source object
202541909349300839

Check it against the return as filed: the GivingTuesday Data Lake hosts a public copy of the original XML.

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