Building Power for People and the Environment in Illinois
Join us to cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and powerful movement ensuring a healthy environment for all Illinoisans.
Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund
The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund has convened the state’s environmental movement through education, communication, and collaboration.
Goals and Impacts
Raise Awareness
We raise awareness of key environmental issues by hosting events, tracking legislation, and communicating with the public.
Inform Decision-makers
We create and support informed decision-makers through policy education, town halls, and site tours.
Develop Strong Policy
We facilitate policy development for maximum environmental protection by partnering with our affiliates and policymakers.
Effective Education. Stronger Communities.
IECEF is dedicated to telling stories and creating resources Illinoisans need to build power for people and the environment in Illinois.
StoryMap
A Rural Illinois Community Fights Back Against Factory Farms
By Midstory and IECEF
After hearing that a confined feeding operation was to be constructed within view from her house, Sharon DeWeerth was unsure what this would mean and what she should do about it. So she did her homework, and in doing so, rallied the troops to protect the way of life she and her community had enjoyed for generations.
This StoryMap, produced in partnership with us, the Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund, combines data and narrative to chronicle DeWeerth’s journey of late-night research, neighborhood visits and public hearings as she fought against the proposed CAFO construction. She says she would do it all again in a heartbeat.
"These are Not Farms. They are Factories."
Resource
Civics for Environmentalists
IECEF Lunch & Learn
At IECEF, we believe it’s our job to give Illinoisans the knowledge they need to help make our environment stronger and healthier! Civics for Environmentalists is back in session. We’ll equip passionate Illinoisans like you with the insider knowledge, strategies, and skills to make a real, lasting impact.
Blog
Empowering Environmental Champions: 2025 Legislative Tours
By IECEF
Building strong relationships with Illinois legislators is essential to advancing environmental leadership. This year, we joined legislators and partners on educational tours across the state—from Cook County forest preserves to southern Illinois farms, including a record number of canoe tours. These visits showcased the many ways Illinoisans are putting environmental stewardship into action. Explore the highlights and meet the people who made these tours memorable.
We're Building a Powerful Movement
IECEF coordinates our over 150 affiliate member organizations to share resources, create informed decision-makers, and facilitate robust policy development to maximize environmental protection. Learn more about our work in our Environmental Policy 101 Lunch & Learn series.