Empowering communities to achieve their vision for a healthy, equitable and sustainable future
The University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center (EFC) advances finance solutions to environmental challenges. With more than 30 years serving the Mid-Atlantic region, we work to strengthen the capacity of local leaders to deliver effective programming, access funding and financing, and catalyze action.
Through direct technical assistance, policy analysis and applied research, EFC equips communities with knowledge and tools to create more sustainable environments, more resilient societies, and more robust economies. We work hand-in-hand with local governments, water utilities, community organizations, state agencies and others to understand their needs and deliver solutions.
Technical assistance, education, and training
Delivering customized, one-on-one technical assistance, online education, and virtual or in-person training to equip leaders with tools and resources to access funding, develop financing strategies, and improve policies and programs.
Applied research, policy analysis, financial assessments
Helping communities evaluate programs and policies, analyze budgets, plan for capital needs, assess utility rates, create financing strategies, and develop greenhouse gas inventories and resilience and climate action plans.
Community outreach and facilitation
Designing community outreach and education campaigns, facilitating focus groups, conducting survey research, and building consensus around community priorities.
Serving Communities | Building Local Capacity | Advancing Finance Solutions
UMD EFC is a founding member of the Environmental Finance Center Network, a coalition of university- and nonprofit-based organizations creating innovative solutions to the how-to-pay issues of environmental protection and environmental infrastructure.
Let's connect!
Contact us at efc@umd.edu. Follow us on LinkedIn.
EFC is certified as a UMD Green Office through the Office of Sustainability Green Office Program. Our team utilizes natural light in our office space, tracks our commuter carbon footprint, purchases compostable kitchen supplies and shared office equipment, recycles ink and toner cartridges, participates in Terrapin Trader for surplus equipment and generally strives to create a sustainable workplace environment.