Environmental Community Action, Inc. (ECO-Action) Company Profile

Background

Overview

Environmental Community Action, Inc. (ECO-Action) is a non-profit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to promoting environmental justice and empowering communities to address environmental health hazards. Established in 1989, ECO-Action has assisted over 140 community-based organizations across 95 of Georgia's 159 counties.

Mission

ECO-Action's mission is to provide organizing and technical assistance to Georgia's low-income communities and communities of color, enabling them to eliminate air, land, and water pollution.

Vision

The organization's vision is a Georgia where communities enjoy clean and safe air, water, land, and energy, and have the power to impact decisions affecting their lives.

Industry Significance

ECO-Action plays a crucial role in environmental advocacy within Georgia, focusing on vulnerable populations and fostering community resilience against environmental threats.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Empower low-income and communities of color to address environmental health hazards.

• Promote sustainable and equitable environmental practices.

• Enhance community capacity to respond to environmental challenges.

Areas of Specialization

• Community organizing and leadership development.

• Environmental education and advocacy.

• Policy analysis and implementation support.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for environmental mapping.

• Data analysis tools for environmental impact assessments.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Low-income communities.

• Communities of color.

• Rural and urban areas across Georgia.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

• Total Funds Raised: Approximately $766,548 in the fiscal year ending June 2023.

Recent Funding Rounds

• United States Energy Foundation: $150,000 to support education and outreach for a clean energy future.

• Emory University: $135,840 for research and subcontracting.

• Kresge Foundation: $75,000 to implement green stormwater infrastructure strategies and build community leadership capacity.

Notable Investors

• United States Energy Foundation

• Emory University

• Kresge Foundation

Utilization of Capital

• Enhancing community organizing and technical assistance programs.

• Developing and implementing environmental education initiatives.

• Conducting research and policy analysis to support environmental justice.

Pipeline Development

Key Initiatives

• Atlanta Watershed Learning Network (AWLN): Aims to increase community capacity for engagement with parks and green infrastructure to address flooding, employ residents, and improve health, recreation, and education.

• Resilience, Equity, and Adaptation for Climate and Health (REACH) Atlanta: In partnership with Emory University, Spelman College, and the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, this initiative focuses on understanding how cumulative exposures to pollutants impact health in vulnerable communities.

Target Conditions

• Flooding and stormwater issues.

• Environmental health hazards.

• Climate change impacts.

Anticipated Milestones

• Completion of community engagement and capacity-building phases.

• Implementation of green infrastructure projects.

• Publication of research findings and policy recommendations.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• GIS-based environmental mapping tools.

• Community engagement platforms for data collection and analysis.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Community-based participatory research.

• Environmental impact assessments using GIS and data analytics.

Leadership Team

Executive Director

• Name: Carla Lewis

• Professional Background: Extensive experience in environmental justice and community organizing.

• Key Contributions: Leading strategic initiatives, securing funding, and fostering partnerships to advance ECO-Action's mission.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

• Market Size: The environmental non-profit sector in Georgia is substantial, with numerous organizations addressing various environmental issues.

• Growth Potential: Increasing awareness of environmental justice and climate change impacts presents opportunities for growth and collaboration.

• Industry Trends: A growing emphasis on community-based solutions and policy advocacy in environmental initiatives.

Competitor Analysis

• Georgia Alliance for Social Justice: Focuses on social justice and environmental advocacy in Georgia.

• Georgia Environmental Protection Division: State agency responsible for environmental regulation and enforcement.

• Georgia Conservancy: Works on land conservation and environmental policy in Georgia.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

• Emory University: Collaborates on research initiatives like REACH Atlanta.

• Spelman College: Partners in community engagement and educational programs.

• West Atlanta Watershed Alliance: Joint efforts in watershed management and environmental education.

Operational Insights

• Strategic Considerations: ECO-Action differentiates itself through its focus on low-income and communities of color, providing tailored support to those with limited resources.

• Competitive Advantages: Deep community ties, specialized expertise in environmental justice, and a history of successful grassroots mobilization.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

• Expansion of Community Programs: Increase outreach to underserved communities across Georgia.

• Policy Advocacy: Strengthen efforts to influence environmental policy at local and state levels.

• Capacity Building: Enhance training and resources for community leaders and organizations.

Future Business Directions

• Sustainable Funding Models: Diversify funding sources to ensure long-term sustainability.

• Technological Integration: Leverage technology for data collection, analysis, and community engagement.

• Regional Collaboration: Partner with neighboring states to address regional environmental challenges.

Opportunities for Expansion

• Statewide Initiatives: Develop programs addressing statewide environmental issues.

• National Partnerships: Collaborate with national organizations to amplify impact.

• Educational Outreach: Expand environmental education programs to schools and universities.

Contact Information

• Website: eco-act.org

• Social Media:

• Facebook: ECO-Action Facebook

• Twitter: @ECOActionGA

• Instagram: @ecoactionga