DONATE to the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET)

Drive It. Fund It. Protect It.

For generations, Massachusetts’ coastal waters, rivers, wetlands, and estuaries have sustained our communities, economy, and wildlife. Since 1988, the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) has protected and restored these vital ecosystems by funding cleaner waterways, healthier habitats, endangered species protection, climate resilience, environmental education, and conservation projects across the Commonwealth. 

While many know MET through our specialty environmental license plates, our work depends on supporters like you. Unlike most state agencies, MET does not receive annual taxpayer funding. Your donation directly supports conservation, restoration, research, and education projects that protect the waters and wildlife we all depend on.

Ways to Donate

Donate Online Donate Online +

Via Credit Card or ACH transfer. Fast, secure, and easy to use.

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Send us a Check Send us a Check +

Make your check payable to: Massachusetts Environmental Trust and send it to us at 100 Cambridge St., 10th Floor Boston, MA 02114 

Donor Advised Funds Donor Advised Funds +

You may also donate to MET through your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) sponsoring organization. Click here for details. 

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Your contribution helps power real conservation action statewide

100% of your tax-deductible donation is dedicated to critical work in conservation, education, habitat protection, research, and whale rescue .

 Give in Honor or Memory: Celebrate a loved one or special occasion with a meaningful gift that supports environmental protection

Become a Sponsor: MET welcomes partnerships with individuals, businesses, and foundations committed to protecting Massachusetts’ natural resources and wildlife

Already Have a MET Specialty Plate? Even if you already display a Whale, Trout, Striped Bass, or Blackstone Valley plate, your additional support helps expand MET’s conservation impact

Stay Connected. Stay Inspired: Follow our work and see your donations in action

Terms and Conditions 

How Your Gift Creates Change

Make a secure, tax-deductible donation to help protect whales, sea turtles, rivers, fish, and aquatic habitats across the Commonwealth. Every gift  directly supports local organizations and state-wide initiatives dedicated to:

Wildlife Rescue: Providing life-saving assistance to endangered North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles

Species Protection: Ensuring the future of brook trout, striped bass, and other vital aquatic species

Habitat Restoration: Preserving the rivers, coastal waters, and streams that define our landscape 

Education & Advocacy: Funding environmental education programs that inspire the next generation of stewards 

38 Years of Environmental Impact  38 Years of Environmental Impact  +

Providing catalytic funding that helps organizations grow and secure lasting state and federal support

$29+ million awarded in environmental grants $29+ million awarded in environmental grants +

average grant award $31,500 

~1,000 Grants Funded ~1,000 Grants Funded +

through partnerships with 431 organizations

Statewide Reach Across 17 Regions  Statewide Reach Across 17 Regions  +

Supporting conservation along our 1,500+ miles of coastline, rivers, streams, wetlands, estuaries, and lakes 

Terms and Conditions

By contributing to the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, you acknowledge and agree to our Terms and Conditions: 

• All donations (“Gifts”) made to MET are charitable contributions. No goods or services will be provided in exchange for any donation.  
• All donations are irrevocable once made.  
• Donations may be used by MET for any lawful purpose consistent with its enabling legislation, trust declaration, mission, or policies, in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  
• MET does not provide financial, legal, or tax advice. Donors are responsible for consulting with a qualified advisor regarding their donation and for ensuring proper reporting to the Internal Revenue Service.  
• Under Massachusetts law (G.L. c. 268A), in order to maintain transparency, donations or agreements involving public entities may be publicly disclosed to ensure compliance with the law and avoid any perception of conflict.  
• These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in its courts.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MET?

The Massachusetts Environmental Trust is a state-supported conservation fund dedicated to protecting and restoring rivers, streams, coastal waters, and marine wildlife — including endangered North Atlantic right whales. Funding comes from charitable donations and proceeds from MET specialty license plates.  

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a confirmation email or acknowledgment letter for your records. 

How are donations used? 

Your donation directly supports conservation activities including whale and sea turtle rescue, fisheries and habitat research, environmental education, and grants to local conservation organizations. 100% of donations support conservation work — no funds are diverted to the state’s general fund.  

Does MET receive state funding? 

No. MET does not rely on annual state appropriations. Funding comes from: 

• Individual and corporate donations 
• Specialty license plate revenue 
• Occasional settlement funds  

Can I make a gift in honor or memory of someone? 

Yes. Donations may be made in honor, memory, or celebration of a person or special event. MET can also send acknowledgment notifications upon request.  

Can my employer match my donation? 

Many employers offer matching gift programs that may double or triple your contribution. Check with your HR department for eligibility.  

Is my information secure? 

Yes. MET uses a secure, state-approved payment platform and never shares donor information. 

Giving through Donor Advised Funds

You may also donate to MET through your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) sponsoring organization by using your DAF sponsoring organization's online portal or grant recommendation form. The processing of the grant is managed entirely by your DAF provider (e.g., Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, Bank of America).  

Please provide your DAF sponsor with the following required Recipient information to ensure the grant is processed correctly: 

• Legal Name of Recipient: Massachusetts Environmental Trust    
• Mailing Address: 100 Cambridge Street, 10th Floor, Boston, MA 02114    
  • Note: Include "EEA" or "c/o Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs" if the DAF form requires a department or a care-of name. 
• Employer Identification Number (EIN): 04-6002284 
  • Crucial Note for DAF Sponsors: MET is a state trust and a governmental unit of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. State agencies often share a common tax ID. This EIN is shared by the Commonwealth and may appear in the IRS database under the name of the University of Massachusetts Lowell or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts itself, but it is the correct Federal Tax ID for MET. 
• Recipient's Website: Massachusetts Environmental Trust 
• Verification: To request a copy of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs W9, please email [e-mail]. 
• Grant Purpose/Use of Funds: Unless a specific restricted use has been agreed upon by MET in advance, please instruct your DAF sponsor to grant the funds for MET’s general charitable purposes in support of marine and freshwater species conservation, habitat protection, and environmental education. 

If you have questions, please contact Kim Tilas at [e-mail]