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How to Donate to the Washington Native Plant Society

The WNPS is a non-profit 501-(c)3 organization, incorporated in the spring of 1976 “to promote the appreciation and conservation of Washington’s native plants and their habitats through study, education, and advocacy." WNPS complies with all IRS rules in acknowledging and documenting the generosity of its donors.

Sources of WNPS income

As with most non-profit groups, membership dues cannot cover all our outlays for operations, programs, and grants awarded.

Contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations have been essential to expanding our outreach and accomplishments. Applying for grants is highly competitive in the environmental arena. While WNPS has successfully secured grants of cash (some requiring matching funds), hours, expertise, and materials, these grants require another layer of supervision and accounting. Statewide fund raising recently has focused on building the endowment fund. Individual chapters present varying opportunities for fund raising through sales of plants, books, and other items as well as interesting presentations and special events.

What your donations support at WNPS

Operations: The day-to-day management of an expanding education and conservation environmental group cannot rely on talented volunteers alone. General donations received are applied to the operations of the Society including maintaining an office in Seattle, communications, publications, mailing, a vast array of projects, and outreach support.

Endowment Fund: The budding endowment is intended to ensure the sustainability of WNPS for the future.

Special Programs: WNPS has added three special programs: Stewardship Training Program (1996 in King and 2000 in Snohomish counties); Ivy OUT (2000); and Growing Wild (2003). These programs have been funded by various means, including grants, in-kind services and supplies, volunteers, and donations. Please contact the WNPS to discuss any contribution you might wish to target towards one of these special programs.

WNPS Grants: Grants are awarded by the Society to conservation, education and research projects in the state on an annual basis.

Ways for you to donate to WNPS

With your membership: When first joining and at renewals, please consider enrolling at a category of support above the basic membership. Funds received in this way go to essential operational needs.

You can receive a wonderful signed limited edition print of Cypripedium parviflorum Salisb. by donating to the Washington Native Plant Society at the $250.00 level.

Gift Memberships: Share the benefits, knowledge and fun of WNPS with another family member or friend and help WNPS grow too.

In Honor of and In Memoriam: Gifts honoring a family member, friend, a mentor, or an outstanding volunteer all enrich the WNPS endowment.

Workplace Giving: Many businesses and organizations conduct annual giving campaigns through United Way or Earth Share of Washington.

Donations of Goods: It’s best to discuss any intended gift of personal items with WNPS first. While your books, photos, office equipment, garden tools and even native plants might seem a beneficial match, sometimes WNPS cannot accommodate your wishes. If inopportune for WNPS, helpful suggestions may steer you to another organization that will appreciate your generosity.

Donations of Time and Talents: Being a WNPS volunteer is both a personal benefit and an opportunity to contribute your special skills. Please check our web site, newsletters, list serves, and with the office if you would like to get involved. The office needs helpers; weeds need removing; field trips need to be led; plants need propagating or salvaging; events need to be planned and staffed; schools appreciate volunteer educators; the newsletters want articles and artwork….just to name a few of the fun things that await your “Yes”.

Estate Planning – Wills, Trusts & other Philanthropy:
To explore giving opportunities in greater detail please call the Society office at 206-527-3210.