Funding & Reports

EWG is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded by individual contributions, private foundation grants, charitable events and event sponsorships.
Pie chart illustrating revenue sources with labeled segments: Events, Foundations, Individuals, and more.

*This figure reflects EWG 2024 revenue.

Individual donations make up one-half of EWG’s annual revenue and includes online contributions, recurring donations and private major gifts..

Approximately one-third of EWG’s funding is from private charitable foundations. These grants support EWG’s scientific research, education and advocacy work and other programs. 

The remainder of annual revenue is raised through licensing and consulting fees associated with our EWG VERIFIED® program, in-kind (non-monetary) donations and EWG’s fundraising and partner events.

Four nonprofit seals: Charity Navigator 4★, GuideStar Platinum, Candid Platinum, 1% for the Planet
Give Confidently. EWG is Guidestar Platinum and Charity Navigator Certified.

EWG is GuideStar Platinum, Charity Navigator Certified, Candid Platinum Transparency and 1% for the Planet.

Overview

EWG provides one of the best returns on each philanthropic dollar. Each year we reach tens of millions of people online, through our social media channels and in media coverage. We inform and guide the market towards less toxic chemicals, safer product formulations and less hazardous business practices. Through our massive consumer reach and business partnerships, EWG shapes public health and policy conversations at all levels.

With more than 30 years of scientific research, education and consumer advocacy, we’re a trusted leader in the environmental health space. 

We draw from our scientific rigor to ensure that action taken by manufacturers and policymakers will protect public health the way consumers expect and deserve.

Where your donations go

81 cents of each dollar spent at EWG goes to program funding. That includes scientific research and analysis, consumer tools and resources development, as well as the toxicologists, analysts and other issue experts that lead their respective programs.

Colorful pie chart depicting various expense categories and their amounts. Total: $19,089,166.

*This figure reflects EWG 2024 expenses.

Annual reports

Type2024202320222021202020192018
Annual report AR2023AR2022AR2021AR2020AR2019AR2018
IRS Form 990IRS2024IRS2023IRS2022IRS2021IRS2020IRS2019IRS2018
Annual auditAA2024AA2023AA2022AA2021AA2020AA2019AA2018

 

Common Questions

Is EWG funded by the organic industry?

EWG is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded by individual contributions, private foundation grants, charitable events and event sponsorships.

While EWG has occasionally partnered with other non-profit organizations that support organic food initiatives, such as our 2013-2018 partnership with Organic Voices Action Fund to advocate for labeling genetically modified foods, the organization does not receive funding from the organic industry, and all research and advocacy are conducted independently.

Does EWG accept corporate funding?

EWG receives financial and in-kind support from companies that offer a wide range of products and services, including organic food, personal care products, and financial services.

Revenue generated through EWG Verified, EWG’s licensing and certification program, allows EWG to assess whether products qualify for the program and ensures that EWG is able to continually review and assess our research to keep our databases, guides, and other resources accurate and up to date for consumers, companies, policymakers, and beyond.

In order to maintain our scientific and intellectual independence, EWG does not accept:

  • Programmatic funding from brands or businesses operating in the industries or product categories we research, evaluate or rate. This includes food, household cleaning supplies and personal care products.
  • Funding for corporate-sponsored research.
  • Payment of any kind for inclusion or scoring in our consumer product databases including Skin Deep®, Guide to Healthy Cleaning and Food Scores. Instead, we update products and scores independently as new product information becomes available to best inform the consumer.