Support Ecologists Without Borders through the Washington State Combined Fund Drive
EcoWB is proud to be a nonprofit founded and registered in Washington State and an approved charity in the Washington State Combined Fund Drive (CFD). Each year, thousands of state employees and retirees give through CFD, raising millions for nonprofits like ours.
Ecologists Without Borders, Washington State Combined Fund
Drive Number: 1481489
What We Do
EcoWB is a Seattle-based nonprofit that partners with communities hit hardest by environmental and climate crises—connecting them with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to protect and restore the ecosystems their lives depend on.
Founded in 2011 by three fisheries biologists from the Pacific Northwest, EcoWB was created to close the gap between communities facing environmental challenges and the expertise they need—expertise that exists but is often out of reach due to geography, cost, or institutional barriers.
They launched EcoWB to bridge that gap, connecting global specialists with local communities—not as outside experts, but as project collaborators.
Today, our network of 1,000+ volunteer professionals—including ecologists, environmental scientists, and other technical experts—works alongside in-country partners to design and deliver science-based solutions shaped by local knowledge. Together, we help communities facing environmental threats restore ecosystems, protect livelihoods, and strengthen resilience.
Our Projects
From coastlines to cities, forests to farmlands, EcoWB's work gives communities the tools and partnerships they need to face environmental challenges and build a healthier, more sustainable future.
Reservoir Rehabilitation in Kenya
In Nairobi, Kenya, we’re supporting the community living in Africa’s largest informal settlement to tackle waste pollution in a reservoir that is a vital source of water for local families—co-designing practical clean-up and prevention plans the community can lead themselves.
Ways to Get Involved
Whether you're a current Washington State employee or a retiree, there are many ways to get involved with EcoWB through CFD and beyond.
Volunteer Your Expertise
Put your expertise—whether in ecology, engineering, GIS, communications, project management, fundraising, or another field—to work on projects that fit your schedule and interests. Most roles are remote, with occasional in-person opportunities, and every contribution helps communities create lasting solutions. You can also log your hours through CFD’s Volunteer Tracker for statewide recognition.
Volunteer Your Time
On Sunday, November 30, EcoWB will be an official charity partner of the Seattle Marathon, and we’re seeking volunteers to help with course marshalling and our water station. It’s a fun way to support our work, be part of the event, and cheer on runners. Friends and family can join, and if you’re running, you can even sign up to run for EcoWB.
Make a Donation
Every gift—no matter the size—supports volunteer coordination, community collaboration, and project delivery. Through CFD, state employees can give directly from their paycheck, and retirees can contribute through their pension. You choose monthly, one-time, or set-period giving, making it easy to support EcoWB at the level that works for you.
Team Up With Your Colleagues
Organize a fundraising activity with your team at work—anything from a bake sale to a fitness challenge—and choose EcoWB as your cause. Each year, over 14,000 Washington State employees raise $4–5 million for more than 1,700 charities through workplace campaigns. It’s a great way to come together, have fun, and drive environmental action.
Your Impact at Every Level
Payroll and pension deductions through CFD make it simple to give—and when gifts are spread out monthly, even the smallest contributions add up to powerful change.
$20
Keeps EcoWB moving
Sustains the core work that makes every project possible—helping us respond faster, manage projects well, and grow our reach.
$50
Kickstarts collaboration
Covers the first calls, translation, or materials needed to bring a community and EcoWB volunteer together to address an urgent environmental challenge.
$250
Connects a community with the right expert
Finds and matches the volunteer with the exact skills needed—whether that’s a marine biologist for a fishing community or a hydrologist for a watershed project—covering outreach, coordination, and onboarding so help arrives quickly.
$1,000
Launches a new project
Funds the launch of a new project, from planning and community engagement to site assessments and volunteer coordination. This support can launch initiatives like mangrove restoration, wildlife protection, or forest regeneration.
