Frequently asked questions from environmental activists and advocates
Frequently asked questions from environmental activists and advocates
Does the Environmental Support Center give grants for programs, staff or general support?
Our financial support helps pay for capacity-building activities that an outside consultant or vendor would charge for. The only exception is the FUNDS program, which might pay for development staff under very specific circumstances.
Can the Environmental Support Center reimburse us for the staff time spent organizing a board retreat, for example, or other overhead costs related to capacity-building?
In most cases, our funds can only help with outside costs.
What do you mean by “environmental activist organization”?
An activist organization uses tactics like public education, community organizing, litigation, etc., to affect public and private sector policies. For a more detailed definition, see our Things You Should Know Before You Apply page.
What is an “environmental justice organization”?
Environmental justice organizations are based in and primarily led by people of color and/or low-income people. They may be working on traditional “green” issues affecting the natural environment, like clean rivers and streams. However, many environmental justice groups focus on the impact that environmental hazards have on the lives of human beings in impoverished or oppressed communities.
For more on environmental justice, see The Environmental Justice Resource Center at Clark Atlanta University.
We need a consultant. Where’s your directory of providers?
If you need help locating a facilitator, trainer or other consultant or nonprofit resource, ESC staff can often tell you about appropriate options. We don’t have the staff resources to keep a catalogue or online directory with hundreds of listings perpetually up to date.
However, the Alliance for Nonprofit Management has an online searchable database of consultants and management support organizations.