My Nonprofit Reviews

A Life Transformed: My Journey with EALgreen

When I arrived in the United States as a 17-year-old immigrant, I could not have imagined that a single scholarship would change the trajectory of my life. That scholarship came from EALgreen, a nonprofit organization with a visionary business model that simultaneously funds education and prevents surplus inventory from ending up in landfills. As the first beneficiary of EALgreen’s mission, my personal and professional journey has been deeply intertwined with this organization, allowing me to witness firsthand the power of its impact.

EALgreen is not just another nonprofit. It operates as a self-funded, circular economy-driven model that harnesses excess inventory from businesses and transforms those goods into scholarships for students with financial need. This dual-benefit approach addresses two major societal challenges: access to education and environmental sustainability. By repurposing surplus products that would otherwise go to waste, EALgreen has not only prevented millions of pounds of materials from filling landfills but has also funded scholarships for over 25,000 students.

For me, receiving an EALgreen scholarship was more than just financial aid; it was a gateway to a future filled with opportunities. I earned a degree in Economics from North Park University, which laid the foundation for a fulfilling career. But my connection to EALgreen didn’t end with my graduation. Nearly three decades ago, I joined the organization as a staff member, driven by a passion to give back and ensure that others could benefit from the same transformative support that I had received.

As CEO of EALgreen, I have had the privilege of seeing the organization evolve and expand its reach. Through strategic partnerships with businesses and institutions, we continue to prove that doing good for people and the planet can go hand in hand. Our work demonstrates that companies can play a critical role in creating positive social impact while making sustainable choices for their supply chains.

My journey with EALgreen is a testament to what is possible when innovation meets purpose. The organization has not only changed my life but has also empowered thousands of students to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society. I encourage business leaders, educators, and changemakers to explore how nonprofits like EALgreen are reshaping the way we think about philanthropy, sustainability, and education. By supporting and replicating these models, we can create a world where opportunities for success are not limited by financial constraints, and where businesses actively participate in building a more sustainable future.

EALgreen is proof that when we keep growing, we can keep giving—and in doing so, we change lives.

Thank you so much for this amazing award! I really appreciate it .The aid will really help me and my family to help pay for my tuition and other college expenses. It is an honor to have been chosen for this amazing award! The reason I chose Defiance College as the College that I attended was because of how strong and successful the Business and Graphic Design Programs are.
My goals after I graduate are to start my career in Graphic Design and in Marketing. I also plan on settling down and for one day to have a family of my own. Thank you so much for this amazing award! I feel really honored so happy too. Thank you!
WW, Defiance College

I can still remember the day EAL changed my life. I was 19 years old and had nothing but a dream to attend college. A single act of kindness to award me a scholarship in 1982 changed my life forever. This year, I celebrate the legacy of EAL's mission as we awarded the 18,000th scholarship, yes, that's right. We have helped 18,000 students make their dreams come true and better their lives through education. Being EAL's President & CEO has brought my dream full circle.

It may seem obvious that I would give EALgreen a Five Star rating. After all, this extraordinary nonprofit shaped my life into the person I am today. With nothing bigger or more valuable than a dream, I came to the United Stated from Argentina in the early 80's. In a stroke of good luck, I met the founders of EAL who had sat out to find private sector solutions to public problems. Their pay-it-forward formula was based on their dream to help financially disadvantaged college students receive an education. Their noble intent was born out of their own experience of receiving a helping hand in their pursuit of becoming college educated. And indeed, they did. Not only they became successful corporate leaders, they believed that education was and still is the answer to many of our own problems. They had first hand-experience of the power of education. Much more than a scholarship, the EAL business model is an ingenious and pioneering model that's a triple win for businesses, society and the planet. Almost 40 years ago, Swede and Dan had a powerful vision to turn surplus inventory into savings for colleges and less waste for the environment. By engineering a marketplace of corporate donors and institutions of higher education, they created a successful new model that has help fund the college education of more than 16,000 students nationwide. Today, the EALgreen team remains committed to education. Our team is innovative, skilled and passionate about our mission to help improve the world for all.

EALgreen helps solve three problems: lack of funds for college students, too much waste created by overconsumption, and the need for businesses to do well while doing good. EALgreen unique model generates scholarships for students with financial need by redistributing excess and obsolete inventory to institutions of higher education. Savings are converted into financial aid extending the useful life of obsolete products and helping students afford their education. I know - first hand - what it means to be given the opportunity to go to college. I was the first student 35 years ago to benefit from this visionary idea and innovative business model. Today, more than 15,000 students have received more than $18 million in financial aid through the partnership between EALgreen corporate donors and schools. A true win-win-win. Visit us to learn more at www.ealgreen.org