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Program Summary:
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The Environmental Support Center (ESC) helps
organizations working at the regional, state and local level on
environmental issues in the U.S. It also assists
groups in Mexico and Canada that are engaged
in trans-boundary efforts. Founded by grassroots environmental activists,
state environmental policy advocates, environmental justice
organizations, and foundations that fund environmental work, its mission
is to promote the quality of the natural environment, human health, and
community sustainability by increasing the organizational effectiveness
of local, state, and regional organizations working on environmental
issues and for environmental justice. The Training and Organizational
Assistance Program, Leadership and Enhanced Assistance Program,
Fundraising for Sustainable Organizations, and Technology Resources
Program help vital environmental groups become better managed, funded and
equipped.
ESC customizes its assistance as much as
possible to be responsive to the unique needs of each group, and works to
make sure clarity exists about what is needed and how best to provide
help. Capacity-building grants of $500-$5,000 are available, and
applicants can work with ESC staff to develop
their funding request. A new Fundraising for Sustainable Organizations
Program helps groups diversify their revenues. A list of over 100
consultants is maintained, and ESC helps
organizations select trainers/consultants that fit well in terms of area
of competence, cultural competence, etc. The Technology Resources Program
provides equipment, software, training on their use, and ongoing
consultation for groups from communities of color and low income
communities in the U.S. Southeast and Southwest. ESC typically
provides funding for grantees to attend training done by others, but it
does provide its own training as part of the long-term, intensive
Leadership and Enhanced Assistance program.
Many ESC initiatives are geographically or
issue targeted to match funder interests. Some initiatives focus on
specific communities – e.g. low income, or communities of color. Overall
the intent is to help grass roots environmental organizations that are
advocacy-oriented and are using some advocacy tools to advance their
mission. Additionally, ESC participates in
and convenes regional and national discussions on building the capacity
of environmental organizations. Collaborators with ESC include the
Institute for Conservation Leadership, River Network, Green Media Tool
Shed, and the Land Trust Alliance.
Every engagement with a group is evaluated, and approximately every two
years specific programs are evaluated. Every five years an overall
evaluation of ESC is undertaken. Among its current funders are the Nathan
Cummings Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, David and Lucile
Pakard OFundaiton, and many other
foundations.
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