Eligibility Criteria

EarthShare New York requires applicant charities to meet numerous criteria before they are considered for membership in the federation. These criteria are listed below.

Any EarthShare New York member (and EarthShare New York itself) each year must demonstrate that it:

• Is an organization that is dedicated to and has demonstrated a commitment to and devotes substantial resources to working for the improvement or preservation of the environment of New York State. The accomplishment of these goals is achieved through one or more of the following: conservation activities, advocacy, grassroots organizing, direct service, research, education and litigation.
  
  
• Meets the following Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) requirements:

• It provided or conducted real services, benefits, assistance, or program activities in New York over the three-year period immediately preceding the start of the campaign application year.
• The Internal Revenue Service ( IRS) recognizes the applicant organization as one which is tax-exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) and to which contributions are tax deductible pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 170.
• The expenses of the applicant organization connected with lobbying and all attempts to influence voting or legislation at the local, State or Federal level would classify it as a tax-exempt agency under 26 U.S.C. 501(h). Or, the applicant organization does not engage in lobbying nor does it attempt to influence voting or legislation at the local, state or Federal level.
• It is a human health and welfare organization providing services, benefits, or assistance to, or conducting activities affecting human health and welfare.
• It accounts for its funds in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• It has spent 25% or less of its total support and revenue on administrative and fundraising expenses during the year covered by the submitted IRS Form 990.
• If the organization's overhead exceeds 25%, it must provide EarthShare New York an explanation of the organization's management, general, and fundraising expenses and a formal plan to reduce these expenses to 25% or less of its total support and revenues.
• It has an active and responsible governing body, whose members have no material conflict of interest and a majority of which serve without compensation, directs the organization named in this application.
• It conducts publicity and promotional activities based upon its actual program and operations, that these activities are truthful and non-deceptive, include all material facts, and make no exaggerated or misleading claims.
• It effectively uses the funds contributed by federal personnel for its announced purposes.
• It is chartered/incorporated under a governmental entity.
• It has in the preceding year received no more than 80 percent of its total support and revenues from government sources.
• It prepares and makes available to the public an annual report that includes a full description of the organization's activities and supporting services and identifies its directors/governing body and chief administrative personnel.
  
  
• Annually completes an audit or review under New York Executive Law Article 7A, and files IRS Form 990.
  
  
• Has been in existence for two years prior to applying to the Federation as evidenced by two years of IRS Form 990s.
  
  
• Is established as a "permanent" organization (i.e. one whose mission is not limited by the termination of a project or campaign).
  
  
• Is not a chapter, subsidiary or parent of any current EarthShare New York member.
  
  
• Agrees to use funds raised through EarthShare New York for programs taking place within New York State.
  
  
• Meets all other requirements for membership with the Federation as set forth in its By-laws, and is committed to working cooperatively and positively with all other EarthShare New York members though they may disagree on organizational policies and environmental issues.
  
  
• Is not a private foundation, private operating foundation or community foundation.
  
  
• Does not advocate illegal direct action.