Women for a Healthy Environment
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
WOMEN FOR A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT USES A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO ACHIEVE EQUITABLE LIVES FREE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS THROUGH ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS.
- Income
- $1.8 million
- Spending
- $2.9 million
- Spent on programs
- 89%
- Reserves
- 0.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 63%
- Employees
- 27
- Volunteers
- 17
- Highest pay
- $147,405, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 34 out of 100. Higher than 3% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.2 months of spending.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 40% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 59% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 22% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1589% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2515 of 15 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $1.6 million spent. HEALTHY HOMES: THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) REPORTS AMERICANS SPEND ABOUT 90% OF THEIR TIME INDOORS. A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF THAT TIME IS SPENT IN OUR HOMES, SO THESE PLACES SHOULD BE AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE. WOMEN FOR A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT (WHE) EDUCATES COMMUNITY MEMBERS ABOUT THE MANY POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS IN AND AROUND THE HOME (SUCH AS LEAD, RADON, MOLD, POOR AIR QUALITY, PESTICIDE EXPOSURE, AND THE ARRAY OF TOXICS FOUND IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS) THAT IMPACT PUBLIC HEALTH. AS PART OF OUR OUTREACH, PROGRAMMING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, STAFF PROVIDE INFORMATION ON REDUCING EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL HARMS. SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SCHEDULE O.CHILDREN ARE OUR MOST VULNERABLE POPULATION. POUND FOR POUND CHILDREN BREATHE MORE AIR, DRINK MORE WATER AND CONSUME MORE FOOD THAN ADULTS. THEREFORE, WHE OFFERS SOLUTIONS FOR CREATING A HEALTHY AND SAFE HOME ENVIRONMENT FOR FAMILIES, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON WORKING IN DISINVESTED COMMUNITIES. THIS PROGRAMMING ENGAGES FAMILIES VISITING SOCIAL SERVICE AND HEALTH CARE AGENCIES WITH TOOLS, INFORMATION AND RESOURCES THAT FOCUS ON CREATING A GREEN AND HEALTHY HOME ENVIRONMENT. THE WORKSHOPS AND ONLINE MATERIALS EDUCATE PARTICIPANTS ON POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN THE HOME AND PROVIDE SOLUTIONS FOR CHANGE LIKE UTILIZING SAFER CLEANING METHODS AND PRODUCTS, PROVIDING WATER AND AIR FILTERS, AND CONNECTING FAMILIES TO LEGAL AID AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES. WITH A HUD HEALTHY HOMES PRODUCTION GRANT, WHE ENGAGED TRAINED CONTRACTORS TO TEST AND MITIGATE FOR LEAD (PB) AND RADON IN 23 HOMES WHILE ALSO RENOVATING THESE SPACES TO IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY FOR CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH ASTHMA. WHE'S HEALTHY HOMES PROGRAM EDUCATED OVER 3,300 INDIVIDUALS DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR, INCLUDING DELIVERING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION VIA 30 WORKSHOPS REACHING 446 INDIVIDUALS AND ATTENDING OVER 65 COMMUNITY EVENTS REACHING OVER 2,900 PEOPLE. HEALTHY HOMES EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS WERE TRANSLATED INTO SPANISH, ARABIC, NEPALI, BURMESE, AND SWAHILI; SEVEN PRESENTATIONS COMPLETED IN THESE LANGUAGES.NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED WORK WAS DELIVERED IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY'S DISINVESTED COMMUNITIES BY WHE'S COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS. THIS INCLUDED CONDUCTING 78 HEALTHY HOME ASSESSMENTS. STAFF ALSO DISTRIBUTED OVER 185 HEALTHY HOME KITS THAT INCLUDED A COMBINATION OF SUCH ITEMS AS GREEN CLEANING SUPPLIES, AIR FILTERS, DEHUMIDIFIERS AND WATER PITCHERS THAT REMOVE LEAD AND PFAS (A KNOWN CARCINOGEN). WHE STAFF PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES WHO HAD CONCERNS ABOUT LEAD EXPOSURE IN THE HOME, SOME WITH CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH ELEVATED BLOOD LEAD LEVELS. DURING THE LAST YEAR, WHE SERVED AS A COLLABORATOR WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH'S THE PITTSBURGH STUDY, PITTSBURGH WATER'S COMMUNITY LEAD RESPONSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, PHILADELPHIA REGIONAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, PA ASTHMA PARTNERSHIP, PA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE PA STATE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND PA'S RADON EQUITY WORK GROUP.
- $373,971 spent. HEALTHY SCHOOLS: WHE'S HEALTHY SCHOOLS PROGRAM WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY, INCLUDING ADMINISTRATORS, STAFF (SCHOOL NURSES, FACILITY DIRECTORS, FOOD SERVICE DIRECTORS), TEACHERS AND PARENTS, TO IDENTIFY AND REMEDIATE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS IN SCHOOLS ACROSS SOUTHWESTERN PA. WE PROVIDE INFORMATION, SUPPORT, AND HANDS-ON EXPERTISE SO THAT CHILDREN CAN THRIVE AND LEARN IN HEALTHY, TOXIC-FREE SETTINGS. WHETHER A SCHOOL DISTRICT IS RENOVATING A SCHOOL, BUILDING A NEW FACILITY, OR MAINTAINING EXISTING BUILDINGS, MANY ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO NEGATIVE HEALTH IMPACTS. SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SCHEDULE O.TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: THE 1000 HOURS A YEAR PROGRAM SUPPORTS SCHOOLS AND EARLY LEARNING CENTERS THAT WISH TO TEST AND REMEDIATE FOR LEAD (PB) AND RADON, TWO KNOWN, YET PREVENTABLE, ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS THAT IMPACT PUBLIC HEALTH. FOUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS RECEIVED ONGOING INDOOR AIR QUALITY MONITORING AND FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS. FOURTEEN SCHOOL BUILDINGS WERE GIVEN 33 FILTERED WATER FOUNTAIN/BOTTLE FILLER UPGRADES (SIX DISTRICTS AND FOUR STANDALONE SCHOOLS). SIX WATER FOUNTAIN UPGRADES WERE GIVEN TO AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS. IN ADDITION, TWENTY-SIX SCHOOL BUILDINGS TESTED FOR RADON. TEN CHILDCARE CENTERS RECEIVED A LEAD INVENTORY AND RISK ASSESSMENT (LIRA) AND MITIGATION, WHEN NECESSARY, BASED ON RESULTS OF ASSESSMENT.TRAINING AND RECOGNITION: HEALTHY SCHOOLS PA OFFERS TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEMBERS. TO THAT END, WHE CONDUCTED EIGHT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TRAINING SESSIONS AND WEBINARS REACHING EDUCATORS AND NONPROFITS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH OF PA. 17 SCHOOLS/DISTRICTS WERE RECOGNIZED IN WHE'S HEALTHY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM. IN ADDITION, WHE CONDUCTED THE ECO-STUDENT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM, WHICH INCLUDED UP TO 32 LESSON PLANS FOCUSED ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TOPICS DELIVERED TO OVER 505 STUDENTS IN GRADES 6-12. STUDENTS COMPLETED SEVEN COMMUNITY SERVICE-LEARNING PROJECTS INCLUDING: TWO COMMUNITY GARDEN INSTALLATIONS, A SUSTAINABLE FASHION SHOW, TWO NEIGHBORHOOD TREE PLANTINGS, AND AN INITIATIVE TO COLLECT AND DISTRIBUTE ECOFRIENDLY PERSONAL CARE ITEMS TO RESIDENTS IN NEED.
- $320,088 spent. HEALTHY EARLY LEARNING CENTERS: THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS' COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAS STATED THAT "THOSE WHO CARE FOR CHILDREN (CHILDCARE STAFF, PARENTS OR GUARDIANS, PHYSICIANS, SCHOOLS) SHOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO MINIMIZE THE NEGATIVE HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL EFFECTS OF TOXIN EXPOSURE. DURING INFANCY, CHILDREN OFTEN EXPLORE THEIR ENVIRONMENT ON THE FLOOR, EXPOSING THEMSELVES TO POTENTIALLY HARMFUL POLLUTANTS BROUGHT INDOORS FROM OUTSIDE, CLEANING PRODUCTS USED ON FLOOR SURFACES, AND PESTICIDES USED ON OUTDOOR GROUNDS. SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SCHEDULE O.THROUGH STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT, INFANTS AND TODDLERS FREQUENTLY PLACE OBJECTS IN THEIR MOUTHS FURTHER INCREASING EXPOSURES. THEY HAVE HIGHER RESPIRATORY AND METABOLIC RATES, AS WELL AS AN IMMATURE BLOOD/BRAIN BARRIER AND IMMUNE SYSTEM. CAREGIVERS MUST TAKE PRECAUTIONS, BECOME INFORMED ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS, AND MAKE EFFORTS TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE CERTAIN TOXINS IN THEIR ENVIRONMENTS." THROUGH WHE'S HEALTHY EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM STAFF PROVIDES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOCUSED ON CREATING A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE YOUNGEST POPULATION, INFANTS AND CHILDREN. THROUGH A COMBINATION OF MINI-GRANTS, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, WHE STAFF PROVIDE WORKPLACE INCENTIVES VIA ITS HEALTHY CHILDCARE CHAMPION PROGRAM. THIS PROGRAM PARTNERS WITH CHILDCARE PROFESSIONALS TO ELIMINATE OR REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS FOUND WITHIN OR AROUND EARLY LEARNING FACILITIES. DURING FY 25, STAFF CERTIFIED 47 CENTERS AS HEALTHY CHILDCARE CHAMPIONS ACROSS PA. RESOURCES WERE DISTRIBUTED TO THE CENTERS TO CREATE A HEALTHIER LEARNING ENVIRONMENT SUCH AS GREEN CLEANING SUPPLIES. WHE STAFF WORKS WITH CENTERS TO MINIMIZE AND MITIGATE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS, WHICH BOTH CHILDREN AND EMPLOYEES MAY ENCOUNTER DAILY. THROUGH THE HEALTHY EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM, STAFF DELIVERED 18 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEBINARS FOCUSED ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TOPICS, REACHING OVER 164 EARLY LEARNING DIRECTORS AND STAFF MEMBERS. WHE CONTINUED TO CONVENE THE PA HEALTHY CHILDCARE PARTNERSHIP, BRINGING TOGETHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES SUCH AS THE OFFICE OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND EARLY LEARNING (OCDEL) WITH EARLY LEARNING PROVIDERS TO ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS IN THE CHILDCARE SETTING. LASTLY, THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES FUNDS AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO CENTERS FOR LEAD AND RADON TESTING, AS WELL AS REMEDIATION. ELEVEN CHILDCARE CENTERS WERE SUPPORTED THROUGH THE 1000 HOURS A YEAR PROGRAM AND RECEIVED LEAD AND/OR RADON TESTING, AS WELL AS LEAD ABATEMENT AND RADON MITIGATION SYSTEMS WHEN NECESSARY, CREATING A HEALTHY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. IN ADDITION, 21 AIR FILTERS AND OVER 100 WATER PITCHERS THAT REMOVE LEAD FROM DRINKING WATER WERE DISTRIBUTED.
- $257,628 spent. COALITION GET THE LEAD (PB) OUT, PITTSBURGH CAMPAIGN AND LEAD SAFE ALLEGHENY COALITION: DURING EARLY 2018, WHE STAFF CONVENED A GROUP OF NONPROFITS AND ACADEMIC RESEARCHERS INTERESTED IN FOCUSING ON LEAD EXPOSURE, INCLUDING STRATEGIES THAT ADDRESS PRIMARY PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION. THIS LED TO THE CREATION OF A COUNTYWIDE COALITION, INCLUDING PARTICIPATION FROM GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO NONPROFITS, THAT HAVE A COMMON GOAL OF DEVELOPING STRATEGIES AND RESOURCES TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH ELEVATED BLOOD LEAD LEVELS. IN FY 25, WHE ALSO WAS THE RECIPIENT OF A CDC CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING PREVENTION GRANT THAT ALSO SUPPORTS THIS WORK. THE GOAL OF THAT GRANT IS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN SCREENED FOR LEAD AND THE NUMBER OF HOME INVESTIGATIONS THAT OCCUR WHEN A CHILD IS DIAGNOSED WITH AN ELEVATED BLOOD LEAD LEVEL. THIS PAST FISCAL YEAR, THE COALITION WORKED WITHIN ALLEGHENY COUNTY TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY THAT ADVANCES STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND FOSTERS COLLABORATION AMONG THE COMMUNITY BY FOCUSING ON PRIMARY PREVENTION AND ULTIMATELY CREATING A LEAD SAFE ENVIRONMENT. THE COALITION ADVOCATES TO ENSURE WE MAINTAIN PUBLIC VIGILANCE UNTIL WE HAVE ACHIEVED OUR OVERALL GOAL OF PROTECTING CHILDREN BY ELIMINATING HARMFUL EXPOSURE TO LEAD IN ALL SOURCES. UNDER THE EPA RENOVATION, REPAIR AND PAINTING (RRP) REGULATION, CONTRACTORS MUST BE CERTIFIED WHEN WORKING IN HOMES, CHILDCARE FACILITIES AND PRESCHOOLS BUILT BEFORE 1978 WHERE LEAD PAINT WILL BE DISTURBED. DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR, WHE SUBSIDIZED THE TRAINING FOR ONE RRP CLASS THAT WAS HELD IN A HIGH PRIORITY COMMUNITY BASED ON THE PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WITH ELEVATED BLOOD LEAD LEVELS. THE LEAD SAFE ALLEGHENY COALITION HOSTED ITS FIFTH ANNUAL LIFE WITHOUT LEAD SUMMIT THAT EDUCATED INDIVIDUALS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF LEAD PREVENTION AND CHILDHOOD LEAD SCREENING. THE CONFERENCE HAD OVER 100 REGISTRATIONS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTY. WHE STAFF ALSO PROVIDED LEAD EDUCATION VIA COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS AND PARTICIPATED IN OUTREACH EVENTS - IN PERSON AND VIRTUALLY - TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT LEAD PREVENTION AND CONNECTED FAMILIES TO LOCAL RESOURCES. OVER 30 COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS WITH MUNICIPALITIES IN HIGH PRIORITY COMMUNITIES WERE HELD. WHE COORDINATED SIX LEAD INVENTORY AND RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED THAT HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN. IN ADDITION, THE COALITION WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN CALLING FOR THE FORMATION OF A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE. WHE IS THE CONVENOR OF THE RADON IN PA SCHOOLS WORKGROUP, A PARTNERSHIP AMONG SCHOOL PERSONNEL, HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, RADON PROFESSIONALS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS AFFECTED BY CANCER. THIS WORKGROUP CONTINUES TO MEET TO RAISE THE PUBLIC'S AWARENESS OF RADON EXPOSURE IN THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDUCT EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS WITH GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS. WHE CONTINUES TO BE THE "GO-TO" SOURCE FOR RELIABLE SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS THAT IMPACT PUBLIC HEALTH. TO CELEBRATE WHE'S FIFTEEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY, IT HELD TWO EVENTS DURING FY 25. THE FIRST WAS A VIRTUAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTING THE CLIMATE CHANGE ADVOCACY WORK OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ACROSS THE PITTSBURGH METRO REGION. THESE YOUNG LEADERS SHARED THEIR EXPERIENCES, CHALLENGES, AND SUCCESSES IN PUSHING FOR POLICY CHANGES, RAISING AWARENESS, AND ORGANIZING COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS. THE SECOND EVENT WAS PART OF WHE'S ANNUAL SPEAKER SERIES. THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER WAS ANDREA VIDAURRE, CLIMATE JUSTICE LEADER, ADVOCATE FOR FRONTLINE COMMUNITIES, AND 2024 GOLDMAN ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE WINNER FOR PROTECTING FRONTLINE COMMUNITIES FROM TOXIC AIR POLLUTION IN HER HOME STATE.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 2015.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.