ABOUT
EGA

MEMBERSHIP

EGA welcomes all foundations and giving programs whose philanthropy includes protection of the natural environment, and who are primarily grantmakers rather than grantseekers. While we recognize that it is inevitable that people serve dual roles as grantmakers and grantseekers, we require that only the grantmaker function be exercised at EGA events. Dues are assessed annually, based on the amount of environmental grants awarded over the past fiscal year. Participation in events and committees is open to all staff and board members. The involvement of our members keeps EGA vibrant, dedicated, and active in our mission. Nonmembers may attend one Retreat and then should apply for membership. Note that we also allow for individual memberships under certain circumstances. Please contact us at 646.747.2655 for a membership application, or to learn more about membership policies for individuals, government employees, or grantmakers not based in the USA.

Please note: if you are a grantseeker, please click here.

Summary of Membership Benefits

• Collaboration and cooperation within the environmental grantmaking community
• Discounted fees to all EGA meetings, briefings, and events
• Copies of all EGA publications and materials
• Access to the EGA listserv and ‘member’s only’ section of the website
• Opportunity to develop and participate in member initiatives, EGA committees and working groups

MEMBER SERVICES

Convening

The cornerstone of EGA is our gatherings. We produce a number of annual and biannual meetings, providing members with rich information on a broad spectrum of environmental issues.

Fall Retreat ~ A tradition that has grown over time in size and scope, the Retreat gathers as many as 350 participants and 80 speakers for up to five days of learning and networking. Held at locations around North America, Retreat programming addresses local, regional, national, and international environmental issues. The culture of the Retreat reflects the social and environmental values of EGA, respectful of the diversity of participants and opinions, and mindful to lessen our gathering’s impact on the planet.

Briefings ~ Responding to current events and member needs, other annual and biannual meetings vary in number and topic from year to year. Recent years have included sessions on state policies, federal policy, international policy, local-global links, and delegations to international events.

Collaboration

Another key aspect of EGA is forging alliances with other funders. EGA hosts a two working groups, which members organize to discuss pressing issue areas, hold briefings, and produce reports. Currently, these are the Funders Network on Trade and Globalization and the Sustainable Consumption and Production Funders. EGA's Enhancing the Field program includes projects promoting affinity group collaboration, tracking the field of environmental grantmaking, inclusivity and diversity within the environmental movement, as well as stewardship of the planet through environmentally responsible business practices at foundations and NGOs.

Communication

Sharing vital and timely information with our members, EGA maintains a website (with a useful Member’s Only section) and a listserv, and publishes a newsletter, briefing books, and other reference materials to keep everyone up-to-speed on the organization, colleagues, issues, and events.

MEMBER INITIATIVES

We urge our members to initiate and organize regional and topical meetings, print briefing materials, and host in-person briefings. Past materials provided thought-provoking overviews of topics such as globalization and sustainable consumption and production. In-person briefings allow colleagues to participate in discussions with each other and hear from relevant speakers. We have also assited members in organizing retreats, most recently for emerging leaders in environmental philanthropy.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS

For information on how to join, please contact Jason K. Babbie at 646.747.2655, jkb@ega.org for a membership application or answers to any other membership questions.