What We Do
EFI researches global, regional and local sustainability issues and strategies being used to address them. Based on that research we create and provide educational programs, resources and learning tools for higher education, concerned citizens and policy sectors that increase understanding of the social, economic and environmental challenges and build capacity to create solutions. Our programs have been used in graduate, undergraduate, professional and continuing education in the United States and Africa for individuals in fields ranging from academia, health care, government, community development and art to natural and life sciences, environmental studies, agriculture and engineering .
Why We Do It
There are multiple, parallel challenges confronting our world today. Globally, cultural groups are becoming more adversarial, the gap between rich and poor is widening and the health of the natural environment is deteriorating. The growth of the human population from over 7 billion today to 9 billion by 2050 is accelerating these increasing cultural tensions, income disparities and rates of natural resource consumption. To reverse these trends and support the earth’s growing population, improve living standards and preserve the natural resource base on which we all depend will require a 400% to 1000% improvement in how effectively we use the resources we have. Global change on that scale over several decades will take innovation on an unprecedented scale and require rethinking and reinventing every aspect of how we live and work. At EFI, that means providing education and training that increases recognition and understanding of the challenges and develops individuals who have the skills and knowledge to tackle them.
Meet Our Team
We are a diverse and dynamic team of experts, consultants, and students from around the world committed to researching and developing innovative strategies and solutions to address climate change and sustainability challenges. Our programs are managed from Washington, DC and Richmond, VA.
Staff Members




Senior Research Advisors and Fellows



Research Fellows
The Research Fellowship Program recruits young professionals interested in scientific, socio-economic and policy issues related to sustainability and climate change. Fellows are early to mid-career professionals from around the world and from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from environmental studies and public health to urban studies and computer science. In this unpaid program, Research Fellows volunteer a few hours-per-week and train in academic and policy research skills and are immersed in the latest trends and concepts in sustainability and climate change issues. Fellows are trained and guided by a small group of pro-bono senior experts.
As part of the program, Research Fellows develop, author, and publish original education and policy materials for free distribution through EFI’s web platform and for use in EFI’s online courses. Through this program, EFI fulfills two goals: contribute to the professional and intellectual development of a new generation of sustainability professionals and provide valuable and innovative educational and policy materials for global audiences. To learn more about our current Research Fellows contact us at info@environicfoundation.org. You can also visit our education modules at www.environicfoundation.org/our-approach.







Board of Trustees
Send a note to volunteers@environicfoundation.org or call us at 804-360-9130.
EFI is a member of the The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.
SDSN aims to accelerate joint learning and promote integrated approaches that address the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society.
EFI also enjoys special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This status is granted to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that focus on specific areas of ECOSOC.
The consultative status with ECOSOC grants EFI the right to participate in United Nations conferences and meetings, to submit written statements and reports, to make oral interventions, and to organize panel discussions in UN buildings.