Nonprofit · EIN 52-1436778
SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER
Tax-exempt · CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2025 | 990 | $58,167,590 | $50,454,619 | $7,712,971 | $280,923,159 | $19,957,386 | $260,965,773 |
| March 31, 2024 | 990 | $62,847,748 | $43,104,630 | $19,743,118 | $259,911,032 | $13,722,435 | $246,188,597 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended March 31, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $49,880,755
- Program service revenue
- $557,833
- Investment income
- $7,644,738
- Net gain from sales of assets
- $1,519,040
- Other revenue
- $84,264
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $86,416
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $2,945,297
- Other salaries and wages
- $23,369,338
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $32,099,193
- Professional fundraising fees
- $162,978
- Accounting fees
- $85,636
- Occupancy
- $3,551,808
- Travel
- $879,228
- Depreciation
- $613,692
- Program services (functional)
- $41,800,174
- Management and general (functional)
- $3,263,692
- Fundraising (functional)
- $5,390,753
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $259,911,032
- Total assets, end of year
- $280,923,159
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $19,957,386
- Net assets, end of year
- $260,965,773
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $5,800,605
- Publicly traded securities
- $242,665,063
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $233,750,623
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $27,215,150
- Gross receipts
- $71,895,905
- Employees
- 267
- Volunteers
- 43
- Year formed
- 1985
- State of legal domicile
- NC
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended March 31, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJ GERKEN | PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Trustee or director, Officer | 50 | $321,468 | $63,834 |
| DERB CARTER | SENIOR ADVISOR & SENIOR ATTORNEY Highest-paid employee | 50 | $252,098 | $46,584 |
| JOHN SUTTLES | DEPUTY DIRECTOR Key employee | 50 | $256,257 | $34,067 |
| KATIE SHEVLIN | CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Key employee | 50 | $227,893 | $50,202 |
| ERIN MALEC | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Key employee | 50 | $215,939 | $24,821 |
| TRIP POLLARD | SENIOR ATTORNEY Highest-paid employee | 50 | $190,553 | $47,926 |
| SARAH FRANCISCO | DIRECTOR, VA OFFICE Key employee | 50 | $192,201 | $43,362 |
| ALYS CAMPAIGNE | CLIMATE INITIATIVE LEADER Highest-paid employee | 50 | $194,511 | $35,946 |
| MARY MACLEAN ASBILL | DIRECTOR, NC OFFICE Key employee | 50 | $177,188 | $52,961 |
| NAT MUND | DIRECTOR OF FEDERAL AFFAIRS Highest-paid employee | 50 | $202,745 | $24,008 |
| DAVID CARR | GEN. COUNSEL, TRES -(5/24- 11/24) Officer | 50 | $194,361 | $29,866 |
| GILBERT ROGERS | DIRECTOR, GA OFFICE Key employee | 50 | $190,269 | $28,408 |
| DEBORAH MURRAY | SENIOR ATTORNEY Highest-paid employee | 50 | $187,393 | $30,857 |
| GEOFF GISLER | PROGRAM DIRECTOR Key employee | 50 | $174,882 | $41,083 |
| CHANDRA TAYLOR | ENVIRON. JUSTICE INITIATIVE LEADER Key employee | 50 | $178,991 | $30,738 |
34 more people on this return
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAYLEY PARRISH | ASSIS. TO ED & BOARD ADMIN. Officer | 50 | $110,275 | $21,542 |
| CHRISTIE WIGGANS | FIN. & INVEST. TRES. (4/24-5/24) Officer | 50 | $95,455 | $22,464 |
| HOLLY HUESTON | DIR. FIN. & ADMIN./TRES (TO 4/24) Officer | 50 | $80,496 | $22,237 |
| CALI BUSCH | CONTROLLER, TREASURER (FROM 11/24) Officer | 50 | $42,276 | $3,400 |
| LAURA D GATES | CHAIR OF THE BOARD Trustee or director, Officer | 11 | $0 | $0 |
| C GREY MCLEAN | VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD Trustee or director, Officer | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| JOEL B ADAMS JR | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 7 | $0 | $0 |
| MARCIA A ANGLE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DELL S BROOKE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 4 | $0 | $0 |
| CATHY S BROWN | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| WENDY B BROWN | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 7 | $0 | $0 |
| ANNE DAVIS | TRUSTEE (UNTIL 11/24) Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| MELVIN T DAVIS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| J STEPHEN DOCKERY III | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| LAURA B FJELD | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 6 | $0 | $0 |
| MELANIE P GRINNEY | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| JAMES G HANES III | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| CLAY HAYNES | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| PHYLLIS DK HILDRETH | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DONALD A HOLZWORTH | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DEBORAH H KENNEDY KENNARD | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| ALLEN M MCCALLIE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| EDWARD M MILLER | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 4 | $0 | $0 |
| DEADERICK C MONTAGUE | TRUSTEE (UNTIL 11/24) Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| JEAN C NELSON | TRUSTEE (UNTIL 11/24) Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| CHARLES W PATRICK JR | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| JULIE G PRICE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| B CLAYTON ROLADER | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 7 | $0 | $0 |
| WILLIAM H SCHLESINGER | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| JOHN SIMPKINS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| THOMAS F TAFT SR | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| HEATH P TERRY | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 4 | $0 | $0 |
| WILLIAM L WANT | TRUSTEE (UNTIL 11/24) Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| ZAKIYA A SEYMOUR | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended March 31, 2024: 45 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJ GERKEN | PRES. & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Trustee or director, Officer | 50 | $303,456 | $57,822 |
| DERB CARTER | SENIOR ADVISOR & SENIOR ATTORNEY Highest-paid employee | 50 | $244,526 | $46,536 |
| JOHN SUTTLES | DEPUTY DIRECTOR Key employee | 50 | $243,710 | $32,780 |
| HOLLY L HUESTON | DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMIN. Officer | 50 | $194,257 | $49,484 |
| MARIE HAWTHORNE | FORMER KEY EMPLOYEE Former | 50 | $210,000 | $18,394 |
| ERIN MALEC | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Key employee | 50 | $202,368 | $23,604 |
| FRANK HOLLEMAN | SENIOR ATTORNEY Highest-paid employee | 50 | $183,228 | $39,497 |
| TRIP POLLARD | SENIOR ATTORNEY Highest-paid employee | 50 | $178,122 | $43,213 |
| SARAH FRANCISCO | DIRECTOR, VA OFFICE Key employee | 50 | $180,466 | $38,460 |
| MARY MACLEAN ASBILL | DIRECTOR, NC OFFICE Key employee | 50 | $164,347 | $48,052 |
| GILBERT ROGERS | DIRECTOR, GA OFFICE Key employee | 50 | $176,217 | $36,032 |
| DAVID CARR | GENERAL COUNSEL Highest-paid employee | 50 | $184,359 | $27,236 |
| NATHANIEL MUND | DIR. OF FEDERAL AFFAIRS Highest-paid employee | 50 | $188,623 | $22,581 |
| GEOFF GISLER | PROGRAM DIRECTOR (FROM 2/23) Key employee | 50 | $157,517 | $36,555 |
| CHANDRA TAYLOR-SAWYER | ENVIRON. JUSTICE INITIATIVE LEADER Key employee | 50 | $162,273 | $27,263 |
| HAYLEY M PARRISH | ASST. TO ED & BOARD ADMIN. Officer | 50 | $106,916 | $19,289 |
| JEFFREY M GLEASON | FORMER OFFICER (SEE SCH. O) Former | 50 | $102,309 | $9,252 |
| LAURA D GATES | CHAIR OF THE BOARD Trustee or director, Officer | 11 | $0 | $0 |
| C GREY MCLEAN | VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| JOEL B ADAMS JR | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 7 | $0 | $0 |
| MARCIA A ANGLE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DELL S BROOKE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 4 | $0 | $0 |
| CATHY S BROWN | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| WENDY B BROWN | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 7 | $0 | $0 |
| MELVIN T DAVIS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| J STEPHEN DOCKERY III | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| LAURA B FJELD | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 6 | $0 | $0 |
| MELANIE P GRINNEY | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| JAMES G HANES III | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| PHYLLIS DK HILDRETH | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DONALD A HOLZWORTH | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DEBORAH H KENNEDY KENNARD | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| ALLEN M MCCALLIE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| EDWARD M MILLER | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 4 | $0 | $0 |
| DEADERICK C MONTAGUE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 4 | $0 | $0 |
| JEAN C NELSON | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| CHARLES W PATRICK JR | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| JULIE G PRICE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| B CLAYTON ROLADER | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 7 | $0 | $0 |
| WILLIAM H SCHLESINGER | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| ZAKIYA A SEYMOUR | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 6 | $0 | $0 |
| JOHN SIMPKINS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 5 | $0 | $0 |
| THOMAS F TAFT SR | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| HEATH P TERRY | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 4 | $0 | $0 |
| WILLIAM L WANT | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 120 GARRETT ST STE 400, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902-5613
- In care of
- % MIDDLETON
- Principal officer (990 for 2024)
- DJ GERKEN, 120 GARRETT STREET 400, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902
- Signed the 990
- DJ GERKEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PRESIDENT
- Phone
- (434) 977-4090
- Website
- WWW.SOUTHERNENVIRONMENT.ORG
- Return prepared by
- GELMAN ROSENBERG & FREEDMAN
Mission
THE MISSION OF THE SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER IS TO PROTECT THE BASIC RIGHT TO CLEAN AIR, CLEAN WATER, AND A LIVABLE CLIMATE; TO PRESERVE OUR REGION'S NATURAL TREASURES AND RICH BIODIVERSITY; AND TO PROVIDE A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL.
Program accomplishments
- ENERGY: GOALS TO PROMOTE AND SECURE A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY POLICY ACROSS THE SOUTH THAT PROTECTS THE PEOPLE AND NATURAL RESOURCES OF THE REGION, ENHANCES THE ECONOMY, AND MINIMIZES THE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND ECONOMIC HARM OF ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND AIR POLLUTION, INCLUDING GREENHOUSE GASES. IN PURSUIT OF THESE GOALS, SELC LITIGATES CASES TO REDUCE FOSSIL FUEL USE AND AIR POLLUTION, PROMOTE CLEAN ENERGY, AND REDUCE CONSUMERS' ENERGY BILLS AND TO ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS.Expenses $17,069,914 · grants $16,166
- WATER: GOALS - TO PROTECT AND RESTORE WATER QUALITY AND WATER FLOW TO ENSURE SURFACE AND GROUND WATERS IN OUR REGION CAN MEET LONG-TERM HUMAN AND ECOLOGICAL NEEDS. IN PURSUIT OF THESE GOALS, SELC LITIGATES CASES TO PROTECT DRINKING WATER AND WATERWAYS FROM POLLUTION AND TO ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS.Expenses $9,086,592 · revenue $238,574
- LAND AND COMMUNITY: GOALS - TO PROMOTE VIBRANT COMMUNITIES, PROTECT NATURAL/RURAL AREAS, REDUCE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS/POLLUTANTS THROUGH SMARTER GROWTH/SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS. SELC LITIGATES CASES BENEFITING CITIZENS BY ENFORCING EXISTING LAWS.Expenses $4,193,528 · grants $57,250
- WETLANDS AND COASTS: GOALS - TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE WETLANDS AND HIGH PRIORITY COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS IN THE SOUTH FOR THE BENEFIT OF WILDLIFE, MARINE LIFE, AND PEOPLE. IN PURSUIT OF THESE GOALS, SELC LITIGATES CASES TO PROTECT WETLANDS, WILDLIFE, AND MARINE LIFE, SAFEGUARD COMMUNITIES FROM FLOODING, AND ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS.Expenses $3,766,928
- NATIONAL FORESTS AND PARKS: GOALS - TO ENSURE THAT SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN NATIONAL FORESTS ARE MANAGED PRIMARILY FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE, CLEAN WATER, RECREATION, SCENIC BEAUTY, AND TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS, SHENANDOAH, AND OTHER NATIONAL PARK UNITS. SELC LITIGATES CASES TO PROTECT THESE FORESTS AND PARKS, PUBLIC RESOURCES THEREIN, AND ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS.Expenses $2,878,094 · grants $10,000
- AIR: GOALS - TO ACHIEVE HIGH AIR QUALITY ACROSS THE REGION, WITH SPECIFIC FOCUS ON HEAVILY INDUSTRIALIZED COMMUNITIES. IN PURSUIT OF THESE GOALS, SELC LITIGATES CASES TO REDUCE HARMFUL AIR POLLUTION AND ENFORCE EXISTING PUBLIC HEALTH PROTECTIONS AND TO ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS.Expenses $2,321,973
- WILDLIFE: GOALS - TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE SOUTH'S RICH BIODIVERSITY AND HABITATS. SELC LITIGATES CASES TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE REGION'S RICH BIODIVERSITY AND WILDLIFE HABITAT AND TO ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS.Expenses $1,927,873 · revenue $319,259
- ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: GOALS - TO PARTNER WITH HISTORICALLY DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES TO ENSURE THAT ALL COMMUNITIES IN OUR REGION HAVE CLEAN AIR, CLEAN WATER, AND A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT. SELC'S PROGRAM AREAS INCORPORATE CONSIDERATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE THROUGH THE ORGANIZATION'S WORK. SELC ACHIEVES THESE GOALS THROUGH ESTABLISHED PROGRAM AREAS, INCLUDING BY LITIGATING CASES TO ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE EFFORTS ARE EMBEDDED ACROSS VARIOUS PROGRAM AREAS AND SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S OVERARCHING MISSION.Expenses $281,801 · grants $3,000
- CLIMATE: GOALS TO ENSURE PROTECTION OF A LIVABLE CLIMATE FOR PEOPLE AND ECOSYSTEMS IN THE SOUTH. SELC INCORPORATES CLIMATE CONSIDERATIONS, INCLUDING MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION, INTO ITS VARIOUS PROGRAM AREAS. SELC LITIGATES CASES TO PROTECT THE SOUTH FROM THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE WHEN APPROPRIATE.Expenses $273,471
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in March, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 31, 2026 | August 17, 2026 | Not on file |
| 2024 | March 31, 2025 | August 15, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | March 31, 2024 | August 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 52-1436778
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 1986
- Accounting year ends
- March
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $280,923,159
- Income (IRS master file)
- $71,895,905
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | March 2025 | $58,167,590 | $50,454,619 | $280,923,159 | XML |
| 990 | March 2024 | $62,847,748 | $43,104,630 | $259,911,032 | XML |
| 990 | March 2023 | $53,489,044 | $40,519,983 | $213,324,163 | IRS |
| 990 | March 2022 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | March 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | March 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | March 2019 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | March 2018 | – | – | – | IRS |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 52-1436778).
Questions about SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER
- What is the EIN of SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER is 52-1436778.
- Is SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1986.
- Are donations to SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER due?
- The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending March 31, 2026) is due August 17, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended March 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER?
- The 990 for the year ended March 31, 2025 names DJ GERKEN.
- Who are the officers and directors of SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER?
- The 990 for the year ended March 31, 2025 lists 49 people; 19 received compensation from the organization, the highest $321,468 (DJ GERKEN, PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR).
- How much revenue does SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER have?
- On its 990 for the year ended March 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $58,167,590, expenses of $50,454,619 and total assets of $280,923,159 at year end.
Other nonprofits in CHARLOTTESVILLE
- JAMES FAMILY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION EIN 13-7051493 · last filed 990-PF for 2024
- FRED AND MARY GODLEY FAMILY FOUNDATION EIN 45-6465021 · last filed 990-PF for 2024
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EIN 54-0485595 · last filed 990 for 2025
- VIRGINIA FOUNDATION FOR THE HUMANITIES AND PUBLIC POLICY EIN 54-1435523 · last filed 990 for 2025
- CAV FUTURES FOUNDATION EIN 88-3593504 · last filed 990 for 2024
- BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE PIEDMONT EIN 90-0395190 · last filed 990 for 2025
- ALL BLESSINGS FLOW INC EIN 82-1806020 · last filed 990 for 2025
- READYKIDS INC EIN 54-0546000 · last filed 990 for 2025