About
Our Mission
The EFC at UNC is dedicated to enhancing the ability of governments and other organizations to provide environmental programs and services in fair, effective, and financially sustainable ways.
Our Programs
Financial Sustainability/Viability of Service Providers
Learn more about Financial Sustainability and Viability of Service Providers
Resiliency
Affordability/Equity
Benchmarking
Innovative Funding Solutions
View Our Resources
Read documents, interact with online dashboards, use calculators, and access other multimedia resources designed to assist environmental service providers and their partners.
Services
Trainings
Webinars, in-person workshops, conference sessions, university courses, specialized trainings and presentations by invitation, facilitated peer-to-peer discussions, and more.
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Advising and Direct Assistance
Advising decision-makers, managers, staff, officials, partners, residents, and other groups on financial and managerial issues of environmental service provision. Ranges from answering phone/email questions all the way up to in-depth assistance that can take months, depending on funding and availability.
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Applied Research
From a specific analysis for a single client to multi-year projects funded by organizations. All research is applied and aimed towards working with practitioners in solving their particular issues. Often involves collaborations with university and external experts and partners.
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Funding & Giving

Funding
The EFC at UNC’s funding comes from a diverse combination of contracts, grants, service agreements and cooperative agreements with federal, state, and local governments, Foundations, private organizations, the UNC School of Government, and donors. Nearly all of the funding is linked to providing specific services and programs, while a portion is used for administrative and educational programs.
Private Giving
Private gifts help the EFC at UNC engage students and highly respected scholars in research that improves knowledge in environmental finance topics. The EFC translates this knowledge into practical teaching, best practices, and hands-on advising for local and regional practitioners. This engagement with students and scholars provides highly valuable job training and experience that often leads to full-time placement in environmental, policy, consulting, and public administration roles. Over the years, the EFC has provided real project experience to over 130 students and staff.
To make a gift to fund the EFC, visit the UNC School of Government’s Make a Gift page and designate the Environmental Finance Center Fund (050533) in your gift. Thank you for supporting the Environmental Finance Center!