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• Mar 31, 2025
• Non-Profit & Charities

Top 10 Environmental Groups in Chicago City

Top 10 Environmental Groups in Chicago City

Chicago, a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture and towering skyline, is also home to a thriving network of organizations dedicated to improving the environment and uplifting communities. These groups work tirelessly to address ecological challenges, promote sustainability, and support social causes. In this blog, we explore the Top 10 Environmental Groups in Chicago City, shedding light on their missions, services, and contributions. From tackling climate change to fostering community welfare, these organizations represent the heart of Chicago’s green movement. Keywords like Non-Profit Organizations Chicago, Environmental Charities Chicago, and Community Service Groups Chicago reflect the diverse efforts shaping a better future for the city and beyond.

Exploring Chicago’s Leading Environmental Advocates

Chicago’s environmental groups blend innovation with compassion, addressing both local and global issues. These organizations range from grassroots initiatives to established non-profits, each playing a unique role in sustainability and social good. Whether it’s through Volunteer Services Chicago, Fundraising Agencies Chicago, or direct action, they inspire change. Let’s dive into the top 10 groups driving environmental progress in the Windy City, spotlighting their work in areas like Educational Charities Chicago, Youth Development Programs Chicago, and Disaster Relief Organizations Chicago.

Highlighting Key Players in Chicago’s Green Movement

This section celebrates the diversity and impact of Chicago’s environmental champions. These groups not only focus on ecological preservation but also intersect with causes like Women Empowerment Organizations Chicago, LGBTQ+ Advocacy Groups Chicago, and Mental Health Charities Chicago. Their efforts ripple across the city, fostering resilience and hope. Below, we detail the top 10 environmental organizations, showcasing how they contribute to a healthier planet and stronger communities.

Openlands

Openlands stands as one of Chicago’s oldest conservation organizations, founded in 1963. This group protects natural spaces across Northeastern Illinois, ensuring cleaner air and water. With a mission rooted in Environmental Charities Chicago, Openlands has preserved over 55,000 acres of land, including parks and wildlife refuges. Their services include urban farming support and community garden initiatives, aligning with Community Service Groups Chicago. Headquartered in Chicago, they employ around 30 staff and engage countless volunteers through Volunteer Services Chicago.

Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC)

The ELPC leads environmental advocacy in the Midwest, driving policy changes for sustainability. Known for its work in Public Policy Organizations Chicago, this group develops clean energy solutions and protects the Great Lakes. Founded by Howard Learner, ELPC employs approximately 50 people and operates from its Chicago headquarters. Their services blend legal action with economic analysis, supporting Legal Aid Organizations Chicago and offering robust customer support at (312) 673-6500.

Friends of the Forest Preserves

This organization unites people to safeguard Cook County’s forest preserves. With a focus on restoration, they align with Environmental Charities Chicago and Philanthropic Organizations Chicago. Founded in 1998, they employ a small team of 10-15 and rely heavily on Volunteer Services Chicago. Their Chicago-based headquarters oversees projects like prairie restoration, funded through Fundraising Agencies Chicago, with an estimated annual revenue of $500,000.

Chicago Botanic Garden

A leader in plant conservation, the Chicago Botanic Garden combines education and research. Located in Glencoe, just outside Chicago, this group employs over 200 staff and supports Educational Charities Chicago. Founded in 1972, their services include public programs and ecological restoration, with a budget exceeding $30 million annually. Contact them at (847) 835-5440 for customer support or volunteer opportunities.

The Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum champions tree conservation and education from its Lisle base near Chicago. Established in 1922 by Joy Morton, it employs around 250 people and serves as a hub for Environmental Charities Chicago and Cultural Non-Profits Chicago. Their offerings include tree research and public gardens, with an average employee salary of $50,000. Reach their support line at (630) 968-0074.

Faith in Place

Faith in Place merges spirituality with environmental action, engaging diverse communities. Founded in 1999 by Rev. Clare Butterfield, this Chicago-based group employs 20-25 staff and supports Religious Charities Chicago and Social Welfare Groups Chicago. They advocate for sustainable food systems and climate justice, with services accessible at (312) 726-8000. Their work also intersects with Women Empowerment Organizations Chicago.

Elevate Energy

Elevate Energy promotes energy efficiency and sustainability across Chicago. Founded in 2000, this non-profit employs about 40 people and operates from its Chicago headquarters. Their services, tied to Environmental Charities Chicago and Humanitarian Organizations Chicago, include energy audits and renewable energy projects. Contact them at (773) 395-1550 for support, with annual revenues around $5 million.

People for Community Recovery

This grassroots group, founded by Hazel Johnson in 1979, fights environmental racism in Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens. With a team of 5-10, they focus on Social Welfare Groups Chicago and Environmental Charities Chicago. Their services include community health research and advocacy, supported by Fundraising Agencies Chicago. Their Chicago headquarters drives local change with modest funding.

Alliance for the Great Lakes

The Alliance protects the Great Lakes through policy and education. Founded in 1970, this Chicago-based group employs 20-30 staff and aligns with Environmental Charities Chicago and Relief Organizations Chicago. Their services include clean water initiatives and volunteer cleanups, reachable at (312) 939-0838. Annual revenues hover around $3 million.

Plant Chicago

Plant Chicago fosters sustainable food systems through urban agriculture. Founded in 2015, this non-profit employs 10-15 people and operates from Chicago’s Back of the Yards. Their work supports Environmental Charities Chicago and Hunger Relief Charities Chicago, offering workshops and farm stands. Contact them at (773) 847-5523 for details on their community-driven mission.

Chicago’s environmental groups extend beyond these 10, touching causes like Animal Welfare Organizations Chicago, Healthcare Charities Chicago, and Disability Support Charities Chicago. Organizations like Non-Profit Organizations Chicago and Charitable Foundations Chicago bolster these efforts, while International Aid Organizations Chicago and Child Welfare Organizations Chicago expand their reach globally. Groups addressing Homeless Shelters Chicago, Elderly Support Services Chicago, and Medical Research Charities Chicago also benefit from their influence, creating a web of support that strengthens the city.

FAQs: Top 10 Environmental Groups in Chicago City

What is Openlands’ mission?

Openlands protect natural spaces and promote urban greening in Chicago.

Who founded Openlands?

It began in 1963 as a Welfare Council project, with no single founder.

How many employees does Openlands have?

Approximately 30 staff work at Openlands.

What is Openlands’ customer support number?

Reach them at (312) 863-6250.

Where is Openlands headquartered?

Their office is in Chicago, IL.

What are Openlands’ major services?

Land preservation, urban farming, and community gardens.

What are ELPC’s financial insights?

ELPC’s annual revenue exceeds $6 million.

Who founded ELPC?

Howard Learner established it in 1993.

How many employees does ELPC have?

Around 50 staff are employed.

What is ELPC’s customer support number?

Call (312) 673-6500.

Where is ELPC headquartered?

Chicago, IL hosts their main office.

What are ELPC’s major services?

Policy advocacy, legal action, and clean energy solutions.

What is Friends of the Forest Preserves’ average salary?

Estimated at $40,000 annually.

Who founded Friends of the Forest Preserves?

It started in 1998 by community advocates.

How many employees do they have?

About 10-15 staff.

What is their customer support number?

Contact them at (312) 356-9990.

Where is their headquarters? Chicago, IL.

What are their major services?

Forest preserve restoration and volunteer programs.

What are Chicago Botanic Garden’s financial insights?

Their budget tops $30 million yearly.

What is The Morton Arboretum’s customer support number?

Call (630) 968-0074.

Chicago’s top 10 environmental groups showcase the power of collective action. From Arts & Heritage Organizations Chicago to Mental Health Charities Chicago, their influence spans diverse sectors. Whether through Youth Development Programs Chicago, Elderly Support Services Chicago, or LGBTQ+ Advocacy Groups Chicago, these organizations weave environmental care with social equity. Their dedication ensures Chicago remains a leader in sustainability and compassion, inspiring residents and businesses alike to join the cause.