Environmental
Federation of Oregon
P.O. Box 40333
Portland, OR 97240
(503) 223-9015
info@efo.org

About EFO Mission, History & Allocations | Frequently Asked Questions In the Media | Staff & Board

Mission, History & Allocations

Mission

EFO's mission is to preserve Oregon's natural heritage and ensure the health of its citizens by providing Oregonians with a convenient way to support critical conservation causes. By conducting fundraising efforts in the workplace and offering payroll deduction, EFO offers an easy, convenient way for people to help preserve Oregon's unique environment and to maintain the livability of our state. As the only federation in Oregon dedicated to supporting our state's natural environment through workplace giving, EFO fulfills a special need in the community.

History

In the fall of 1989, 14 Oregon environmental groups came together to explore forming a workplace fundraising organization. Eight months later, the Environmental Federation of Oregon broke national records with its success and support from citizens all across the state. Since 1989 EFO has distributed over $4 million to Oregon's environmental organizations. Because EFO was the third environmental federation to be formed in the country, it serves as an advisor and model for many other similar federations across the United States. Today, EFO encompasses 32 groups and is number two in the country in terms of revenue.

Allocations

Conducting workplace fundraising campaigns is the only way EFO collects funds for its member groups. Payroll deduction offers employees an easy and convenient way to contribute to the environment, and people can donate as little as 1% of their salary and still make a big difference in Oregon's future. Employees can choose where their money goes by designating specific groups within the Federation. If people choose not to designate their donation, EFO divides it equally among all the organizations. EFO then distributes the money to its member organizations on a quarterly basis. Volunteer support keeps EFO's administrative costs to a minimum. EFO's Board of Directors, composed in large part of representatives from the environmental organizations funded by EFO, oversees EFO's finances and allocation process. Contributions to EFO are fully tax deductible and stay in Oregon to benefit the communities and citizens of Oregon.