As director of Virginia Forest Watch i first applied to ESC for financial assistance in 2003 to help us with board development and organization planning. ESC provided funds to pay a facilitator and assist in expenses for the meeting facility and meals. Since that time they have continued to assist us with similar events and in 2007 we were selected to participate in the FUNDS program. With their assistance over the years we have been about to continue to bring in funds sufficient to keep in operation. I am now the Director of The Clinch Coalition, a local grassroots forest activist organization in Southwest Virginia. ESC assisted us two years ago by providing funds to send staff and board members to a extensive training program in NC which continue for almost a year. it was primarily focused on board development and internal/non-foundation fund raising. This spring they provided us with a staff member who facilitated a board retreat for us and is continuing to work with us on board development and strategic planning. We have received great assistance from the ESC!!
I have been a supporter of the Environmental Support Center for many years. I am always amazed by the wonderful stories from the grassroots environmental groups across the country that they help. Their work with environmental justice organizations and dismantling racism is so inspiring.
