Report Title:	Intermediary Profile Report
Report Date:

Organization:	Environmental Support Center	Program ID Number: I-1
Date Profile Created:	December 1, 2005	Date Profile Last Updated: December 1, 2005

Program Summary:
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 Packard Foundation, and many other foundations.