About Us

Samantha Eley

Samantha Eley

Samantha Eley joined The Piedmont Environmental Council team in July 2024 and serves as the Data Center Reform Campaign Coordinator. Based in our Warrenton headquarters, Samantha covers outreach and supports coordination of  our statewide data center advocacy campaign across.  

Donations FAQ

Ways to Give

Can I donate from my bank account?

Yes! The Piedmont Environmental Council accepts donations via ACH and wire transfer. Account#: 0005137673071 Routing/ABA#: 051404260. Please follow up on an ACH by contacting Kendra Atkins at [email protected] or 540.347.2334 ext. 7005 so that we know who has donated!

Can I donate by check?

Yes! Make your check, including IRA/QCD transfers, payable to “The Piedmont Environmental Council” and mail it to PO Box 460, Warrenton VA, 20188.

Can I donate using PayPal?

Yes! Donate directly to our PayPal account.

Can I donate stock?

Yes! PEC accepts gifts of appreciated stock. A gift of stock or other securities allows you to receive the full benefit of the market value of the stock gift without paying the capital gains taxes that would be recognized if you sold the stock. Please notify PEC of your gift of securities to ensure proper recording and recognition by contacting Kendra Atkins at [email protected] or 540.347.2334 ext. 7005. To learn more, please visit our gifts of assets page.

Can I dedicate my donation to someone?

Yes! To dedicate your donation in honor or memory of a loved one, colleague, or friend, click the checkbox next to “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone” located below the amount selection boxes. The first and last names of your honoree are required fields. You will also have the option to input contact information and a message to the recipient, which will be automatically sent upon completion of your transaction.

Can I make updates to a recurring monthly donation?

Yes! You have the ability to manage your recurring monthly donation at pecva.org/selfservice. If you have any questions, contact Kendra Atkins at 540.347.2334 ext. 7005 or [email protected].

Are there other ways I can support PEC?

Yes! Other ways to support PEC’s work include giving through IRA distributions or a donor-advised fund. Additionally, you can help secure the future of the Piedmont by making a planned gift through a charitable bequest. Please visit our donate page to learn more.

PEC not only accepts monetary contributions in the form of cash, checks, credit cards and gift of securities, but you can also contribute In-Kind Donations. We are often looking for items for event auctions. Anytime you make an In-Kind Donation, PEC will provide you with an In-Kind Donation Worksheet on which you will place a description of your gift and the value at the time of the gift. PEC is unable to place a value on your gift, IRS regulations require that the contributor provides all of that information. Once you have filled out the worksheet, PEC will record the amount of the donation into your gift record and provide you with a letter of acknowledgment.

Tax and Transparency Information

Will I get a receipt?

Yes, you will receive an email receipt for your online donations and a letter in the mail. If you’ve made a donation and haven’t received a receipt or need a new one, please contact Kendra Atkins at 540.347.2334 ext. 7005 or [email protected].

Is this donation tax deductible?

Yes! The Piedmont Environmental Council is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Our EIN number is: 54-0935569.

Does PEC have a third-party charity rating?

Yes! PEC regularly submits documentation to Candid’s GuideStar and Charity Navigator to promote transparency. We are proud to hold the highest ratings possible from both organizations.

Does PEC have a refund or return policy?

If a contribution of the wrong amount is made, please contact Kendra Atkins at [email protected] or 540-347-2334 x7005 to have your donation adjusted or refunded. If an event that you have registered for has been canceled or you are no longer able to attend, please contact Kendra if you wish to have the registration fee refunded. Refunds or adjustments will be made within 10 business days.

Can I view PEC’s Statements of Financial Condition?

PEC’s financial condition is included in each year’s Annual Report. You can also view a copy of our Form 990 for 2023 or the combined PEC/Piedmont Foundation 2023 Audit online. If you have any questions, please reach out to Elizabeth DiGiulian at [email protected].

What is PEC’s mission?

PEC’s mission is to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities.

Who do I contact with more questions?

Please get in touch with Kendra Atkins at 540.347.2334 ext. 7005 or [email protected].

For PEC Members

What do I get for my membership dues?

Membership with The Piedmont Environmental Council is an investment in your community and the environment.

  • Members at the $40 level will receive our quarterly newsletter “The Piedmont View”; action alerts and invitations to special events and community meetings.
  • Members at the $75 level can choose to receive a free copy of the book, Hallowed Ground: Preserving America’s Heritage
  • Members at the $100+ level will also be recognized in PEC’s annual report and receive a copy of the publication.
  • Members at the $1000+ level will become a major donor. Learn more about becoming a major donor →

How long does my membership last?

One year. We rely on annual contributions to enable our work.

How will I know when it is time to renew my membership?

PEC will contact you approximately two months before your renewal date (i.e. the month in which you joined the organization). If you have not renewed your membership by your renewal date, we will send you a reminder in the month in which your membership is due.

How much of my membership is tax-deductible?

Your entire membership donation is tax-deductible.

How do I claim my dues/donation on my income tax return?

The advancement team of PEC makes every effort to send all donors letter of acknowledgements within a four-week period of the receipt of your gift. The letter will clearly state that you have received no goods or services for your donation. Please retain this acknowledgment for filing with your taxes. If you do not receive an acknowledgment within a timely manner, please contact Kendra Atkins at (540) 347-2334 ext 7005. 

How often am I solicited for funds by mail?

PEC will ask for you to renew your membership once a year, with a reminder two months later should you not renew immediately. We also send out quarterly updates /accomplishments which will include a solicitation envelope. You, of course, do not have to send an additional contribution when you receive these quarterly updates. So we will contact you at least five times per year.

Become a Monthly Sustainer

A recurring gift is a wonderful way to support PEC’s mission all year long. Please use the form below to give a secure, tax-deductible monthly donation. By electing to become a sustaining donor, your credit or debit card will be charged an amount of your choosing on the same day of each month.

PEC Membership

Gifting a PEC membership to a friend or loved one is a heartwarming gesture. An annual membership begins at $40 per year. Please be sure to provide your recipient’s contact information so they can enjoy all of their membership benefits.