About
Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Working across all six New England states — Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont — CLF uses the law, science, and the market to protect the region's environment for the benefit of all people. The organization has been recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity since 1967 and describes itself as having tackled New England's environmental challenges for more than 50 years.
Mission
CLF protects New England's environment for the benefit of all people. In the organization's words, it uses "the law, science, and the market to create solutions that preserve our natural resources, build healthy communities, and sustain a vibrant economy." CLF emphasizes that no organization or government agency is too big to be held responsible for its actions, and it brings legal expertise, regional knowledge, and tenacity to confront polluters of air, water, communities, and climate.
What they do
CLF advocates "in courtrooms, in statehouses, and in boardrooms from New England to D.C." Its core focus areas are:
- Climate change
- Oceans
- Clean air and water
- People and justice
- Healthy communities
Track record
Accomplishments highlighted by the organization include:
- Restoring Boston Harbor
- Preventing oil and gas rigs on Georges Bank
- Improving water quality in Lake Champlain
- Working to close New England's remaining coal-fired power plants
Financials
According to ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer, for the fiscal year ending July 2025 CLF reported total revenue of $24,173,291, total expenses of $28,599,586, and net assets of $43,677,682. Contributions made up 88.2 percent of revenue, with program services (5.9 percent) and investment income (3.5 percent) accounting for most of the remainder.
Governance
CLF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit classified by the IRS as an environmental alliance/advocacy organization; its federal tax exemption was issued in July 1967. Per its most recent IRS filing summarized by ProPublica, the organization is led by President Bradley Campbell. CLF states that its work is guided by the values of courage, collaboration, creativity, integrity, justice, and optimism. Its headquarters are at 62 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110.