Become A Member
Since 1980 the Environmental Council has been a convening place for our state’s most impactful environment and conservation organizations (or ECOs). We know that organizations like yours possess unique knowledge and influence to make Michigan a national environmental policy leader—and we want you on our team.
Membership benefits
We know that we are strongest when we stand together, united as an environmental movement. As an Environmental Council member, you will join a powerful network of advocates calling for enduring and equitable policies that protect the health of our communities and offer unparalleled stewardship of our air, water and beloved places. You’ll also get access to these exclusive benefits.
You’ll help drive the Lansing policy agenda
To build the future we want for Michigan, we have to drive systemic change at Michigan’s Capitol. Our ability to work with with policymakers across political divides, build uncommonly effective campaigns and get things done in Lansing is what defines us. As a member organization, you’ll help us craft a visionary policy agenda that puts our people, and this place we love, first.
You’ll get to network with fellow ECOs across the state
From Detroit to Menominee, Kalamazoo to the Sault, Environmental Council members represent every community and provide expertise on every environmental challenge facing the state. As a member you’ll be connected to this deep and expansive network, amplifying your own knowledge and capacities and building the strength of our movement in making progress.
In strengthening our movement, you can strengthen your organization
Our Environmental Council members are driving critical impacts on the ground in communities across Michigan. We believe in the important work your team tackles day-to-day, and we strive to be a catalyst for support. In 2023, we facilitated more than $2 million in spending on member-driven projects and priorities, from court battles to advocacy campaigns. We know that when you succeed, so does our movement.
Additional membership benefits
Member organizations nominate outstanding volunteers to receive the Petoskey Prize, and $5,000 is awarded to the member organization that nominates the winner.
All members have access to the Michigan ECOSystem, a private digital community. Movement Builders can build private spaces within the network for their team.
Start-up and early-stage nonprofits can leverage our 501(c)3 status and our professional staff to help them focus energy on their missions rather than administration or back office functions.
At our annual conference, you can connect with fellow ECOs, attend trainings and vote to elect Environmental Council board members. Movement Builders receive one complimentary admission.
We maintain an endowed fund to support multi-member actions on strategically significant issues that build momentum. Movement Builders can apply for grants of $250 to $1,500.
In 2023, we passed through more than $363,000 in grant funding to member organizations through a collaborative grant process. Movement Builders have priority access as partners on grants.
Core membership
The Core member tier ensures that you have a clear voice in the governance of our organization and are helping shape our policy agenda. In addition, members have access to better networking and professional development opportunities.
Movement Builder membership
The Movement Builder tier offers you an expanded tool set to strengthen the movement and your organization. This includes a funding source for joint member projects, a ticket to our new movement-wide conference, discounts on professional development training, and invitations to be priority partners on our grants.
Become a member
Ready to join our ecosystem? Apply today or contact us to connect with our Movement Building team and learn more about Environmental Council membership.