Kailua, HI

EARTHTRUST

EIN 99-0172970

Environment & Animal Welfare Wildlife & Habitat Conservation

Mission

EarthTrust strives to make the earth a better place for wildlife and mankind by tackling “impossible” environmental issues that others have given up on, repeatedly failed at, or never properly understood. The organization combines donors, experienced strategists, and innovative advocacy to pursue high-impact conservation campaigns.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

Claim this page Visit earthtrust.org

About EARTHTRUST

EarthTrust is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) environmental advocacy organization founded in 1976 and headquartered in Kailua, Hawai‘i. Led since its founding by DJ (Don) White, the organization focuses on high-leverage, science-driven campaigns—often global in scope—aimed at protecting marine life, preventing extinctions, and addressing systemic threats to ocean ecosystems.

Despite a comparatively small staff and low overhead model, EarthTrust maintains an active public web presence and runs several ongoing initiatives (including the FutureSeas campaign on ocean acidification, an ET Orca research program, and the Bottleneck Foundation initiative). The organization has continuous federal tax-exempt status and recent tax filings show annual revenue and modest operating activity consistent with a small but active campaign-focused charity.

EarthTrust’s work is characterized by long-term strategic campaigns, scientific research, undercover market and DNA forensics work in wildlife trade, and advocacy that has historically targeted high‑impact industry and international policy change.

Notable achievements

High‑seas driftnet ban (global campaign)

Played a central, strategic role in the international campaign to end large‑scale high‑seas driftnetting, a campaign EarthTrust describes as one of its largest conservation victories; the effort helped remove vast stretches of deadly driftnets from the world’s oceans and changed international fisheries policy.

Dolphin cognition research (Delphis work)

Conducted pioneering laboratory research demonstrating self‑awareness and advanced cognitive abilities in dolphins, work EarthTrust cites as changing scientific perspectives on non‑primate self‑awareness and informing advocacy for cetaceans.

Tuna industry transformation & ‘Flipper’ standard

Developed and promoted early dolphin‑safety certification concepts (the 'Flipper' standard) and played a negotiating role in improving tuna procurement standards industry‑wide, contributing to broader 'dolphin‑friendly' practices in commercial tuna sourcing.

At a glance

Total assets: $163K
Annual revenue: $80K
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 99-0172970
Location: Kailua, HI
Website: earthtrust.org
On Mahalo since: May 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Recognized as a U.S. 501(c)(3) tax‑exempt organization in continuous good standing since 1976 (EIN 99‑0172970).

Listed and tracked in major nonprofit databases (ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, Charity Navigator listing), reflecting available Form 990 filings and public financial summaries for recent years.

Subject of coverage and citation in mainstream media and conservation press over multiple decades; EarthTrust’s FutureSeas materials reference mainstream outlets (e.g., Newsweek) in public education on ocean acidification.

Is this your organization?

Claim this page to keep it current — add your logo, publish campaigns, and reach the donors and advisors discovering you on Mahalo.

Claim this page