Sustainable Sandhills

What Sustainable Sandhills does

Sustainable Sandhills is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 and headquartered in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It operates as a regional sustainability initiative spanning nine counties in central and southeastern North Carolina (Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond, Robeson, and Scotland) and, through its BRACE Program partnership with the NC Department of Health and Human Services, extends into Bladen and Sampson Counties, collectively serving over one million residents. The organization traces its origins to a February 2003 steering committee formed jointly by Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty) and the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, making it a hybrid military-civilian sustainability effort rather than a typical grassroots nonprofit.

The organization delivers a portfolio of community programs organized around eight impact areas: energy, water, air quality, waste management, public health, land and wildlife conservation, local economic development, and sustainable infrastructure. Core offerings include the Earth Day is Every Day Festival (folded into the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival), the Go Green Initiative (a Cumberland County Schools partnership since 2011), Carbon Bank Data Collection (community-science monitoring of local carbon sequestration forests via the third-party NASA GLOBE Observer app), monthly Litter Sweeps, textile and municipal recycling education, the Drive Electric Car Show, Natural History Hikes, and the "Wreck the Recycling Raccoon" educational mascot with associated video content. Seven volunteer programs (Litter Busters, Garden Gurus, Media Wizards, Office Operators, Sustainability Ambassadors, Tree Huggers, and Event Extraordinaires) and a Community Action Team in each county form the operational backbone.

Revenue is generated through individual donations, foundation grants (a named example is a $2,700 grant from the Cumberland Community Foundation in April 2025), tiered event sponsorships (Champion, Sustainer, and Friend of the Sandhills), modest Earth Day vendor fees ($75-$125 per day), and fee-for-service contracts with municipalities. The go-to-market is community-led, relying on volunteer mobilization, events, educational content, and partnerships rather than paid sales channels. The organization is small, with approximately 5-10 paid staff, and is led by Executive Director Jonelle Kimbrough, who returned to the role in January 2025 to head the organization's 20th-anniversary year.

Name

Sustainable Sandhills

Legal name

Sustainable Sandhills

Website

https://sustainablesandhills.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Sustainable Sandhills is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2005 that delivers community-based sustainability and environmental education programs across nine North Carolina counties, serving over one million residents through volunteer-led initiatives and partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Environmental Consulting Services (541620), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241)

SIC

Sanitary Services (4950), Refuse Systems (4953)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainability Engagement, Training & Behavior Change Programs (On-site) (BPABALAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Environmental Conservation & Sustainability Volunteering (EDAIAGAB), Environmental Science & Sustainability Programs (Ecology, Climate, Conservation) (EDAMABAD), Eco-Certification, Auditing & Standards (Green Lodging, Tour Operator Certification) (THAAANAA), Soil Carbon & Regenerative Agriculture Removal (Soil Organic Carbon Credits) (EUABAFAG)

Keywords

• Environmental education
• Sustainability programs
• Community outreach
• Waste management
• Volunteer programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Fayetteville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donations from community supporters, with contributions staying in the Sandhills region to support local environmental programs
2. Grants: Foundation grants such as the $2,700 grant from Cumberland Community Foundation's Waverly C. Broadwell Family Environmental Education Fund for Earth Day outreach
3. Sponsorships: Tiered sponsorship packages for the Earth Day is Every Day Festival with different levels: Champion of the Sandhills, Sustainer of the Sandhills, and Friend of the Sandhills
4. Volunteer Services: Community volunteers contribute labor through various programs including litter sweeps (20,000+ pounds removed in 2024), carbon bank monitoring, and event support
5. Vendor and Partner Fees: Vendor spaces at Earth Day events ($125 for both days or $75 for one day); education tables free for non-profits

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Sustainable Sandhills is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that delivers community sustainability programs, environmental education, and volunteer-led conservation initiatives across nine counties in central and southeastern North Carolina. Its portfolio spans eight impact areas (Energy, Water, Air Quality, Waste Management, Public Health, Land and Wildlife Conservation, Local Economic Development, and Sustainable Infrastructure) and includes flagship offerings such as the Earth Day is Every Day Festival, the Go Green Initiative for schools, the Carbon Bank Data Collection community-science program using the NASA GLOBE Observer app, monthly Litter Sweeps, and the Wreck the Recycling Raccoon recycling education program.

Product overview

Sustainable Sandhills is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates as a community sustainability initiative rather than a commercial product company. The organization offers a portfolio of environmental programs and community engagement initiatives organized across eight impact areas: Energy, Water, Air Quality, Waste Management, Public Health, Land and Wildlife Conservation, Local Economic Development, and Sustainable Infrastructure. Key offerings include the Earth Day is Every Day Festival, Go Green Initiative (school sustainability program), Carbon Bank Data Collection, Litter Sweep Program, Textile Recycling Program, and the educational mascot Wreck the Recycling Raccoon. The organization also runs volunteer programs, community events (Natural History Hikes, Drive Electric Car Show), and provides recycling education across nine counties in central and southeastern North Carolina.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Earth Day is Every Day Festival Annual Earth Day festival celebrating environmental awareness, hosted as part of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival and featuring vendors, eco-activities, and educational exhibits for residents of the Sandhills region.
• Go Green Initiative School-based sustainability program in partnership with Cumberland County Schools (since 2011) that helps schools attain and maintain Green School certification through sustainability education, carbon bank management, and environmental stewardship projects.
• Carbon Bank Data Collection Community science volunteer program that collects data from local carbon sequestration forests using the NASA GLOBE Observer app and a carbon calculator to measure carbon sequestration for regional environmental monitoring.
• Fayetteville Beautiful Cleanup Bi-annual city-wide cleanup program co-organized in partnership with the City of Fayetteville Solid Waste Department to address litter and illegal dumping.
• Litter Sweep Program Monthly volunteer-driven community litter collection program including Second Saturday Litter Sweeps, Creek Sweeps, and Wildlands Sweeps that removed over 20,000 pounds of litter from roadways in 2024.
• Textile Recycling Program Education and resource program for textile recycling that directs Sandhills region residents to municipal drop-off locations and niche recycling programs.
• Volunteer Programs Structured volunteer program offering seven engagement tracks (Event Extraordinaires, Garden Gurus, Litter Busters, Media Wizards, Office Operators, Sustainability Ambassadors, and Tree Huggers) that mobilize community members across the nine-county region.
• Drive Electric Car Show Annual electric vehicle showcase event promoting clean transportation, fuel economy awareness, and EV adoption in the Sandhills region.
• Natural History Hikes Immersive outdoor educational experiences exploring regional flora, fauna, history, and natural resources across the Sandhills region's state parks and public lands.
• BRACE Program Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) program in partnership with the NC Department of Health and Human Services, addressing public health impacts of climate change and extending services into Bladen and Sampson Counties.
• 5 For Friday Campaign Campaign that encourages businesses in the Sandhills region to reduce waste and adopt sustainability practices as part of Sustainable Sandhills' waste management impact area.
• Fee-for-Service Sustainability Contracts Fee-for-service consulting and program implementation contracts available for municipalities and organizations seeking sustainability program support, environmental compliance, and program implementation services.

Quantifiable outcome

• Removed over 20,000 pounds of litter from roadways in 2024
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered founding, core and minor.

• Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg)foundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2003Founding partner through the original Sustainable Fort Bragg initiative. In 2003, Fort Bragg and North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources established the steering committee that created Sustainable Sandhills. The partnership recognized that environmental, economic, social and mission impacts affect communities beyond the installation's fence line.
• North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (now NC DEQ)foundingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2003Co-founded Sustainable Sandhills initiative alongside Fort Bragg in February 2003. Established steering committee to develop regional sustainability programs modeled after Sustainable Fort Bragg's six focus areas.
• Cumberland County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGo Green Initiative partnership since 2011, with three Go Green Initiative Directors (Gloria Lengel, Eurika Jennings, Mikayla Ramos) working directly with schools on sustainability programs and Green School certification.
• NC Department of Health and Human ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) Program, extending services to Bladen and Sampson Counties in addition to the core nine-county service area.
• Wana Navu Kava BarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChampion of the Sandhills sponsor for Earth Day is Every Day Festival 2025. Veteran-owned and operated, dedicated to supporting local vendors and small businesses.
• Powers-Swain ChevroletminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSustainer of the Sandhills sponsor for Earth Day is Every Day Festival 2025.
• MetronetminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSustainer of the Sandhills sponsor for Earth Day is Every Day Festival 2025.
• AAA (American Automobile Association)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFriend of the Sandhills sponsor for Earth Day is Every Day Festival 2025.
• Cape Fear Botanical GardenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEarth Day is Every Day Festival 2025 partner providing educational materials and activities.
• City of FayettevillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarth Day Festival partner and co-organizer of Fayetteville Beautiful bi-annual cleanup; Solid Waste Department partners on waste management initiatives.
• Cumberland CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarth Day Festival 2025 partner; collaboration on various environmental programs.
• Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning OrganizationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEarth Day is Every Day Festival 2025 partner.
• North Carolina Clean Energy Technology CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEarth Day is Every Day Festival 2025 partner.
• North Carolina Department of Environmental QualityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEarth Day is Every Day Festival 2025 partner.
• Fayetteville Marksmen HockeyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership featuring Marky the Fox mascot in Wreck the Recycling Raccoon educational videos; joint environmental messaging.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Groundwork USA: Network of community-based environmental nonprofits doing place-based sustainability work, volunteer mobilization, and local partnerships. Closely comparable mission and operating model to Sustainable Sandhills' nine-county, volunteer-driven approach.
• Eco-Schools USA: National K-12 sustainability certification program administered by the National Wildlife Federation. Directly comparable to Sustainable Sandhills' Go Green Initiative, which helps schools attain and maintain Green School certification.
• NC Conservation Network: Statewide coalition of environmental advocacy groups in North Carolina. Comparable to Sustainable Sandhills on environmental advocacy, civic engagement, and regional partnership work in the same NC geography.
• NC GreenPower: North Carolina nonprofit advancing renewable energy and carbon offset programs. Comparable to Sustainable Sandhills' Carbon Bank Data Collection program and energy resiliency/renewable energy initiatives in NC.

Broad incumbents

• Keep America Beautiful: National nonprofit focused on litter prevention, recycling, and community beautification. Highly comparable to Sustainable Sandhills' Litter Sweep Program, Fayetteville Beautiful cleanup, and Wreck the Recycling Raccoon educational content, but at a national scale.
• EarthShare: Federation that connects workplace giving campaigns to environmental nonprofits. Comparable to Sustainable Sandhills as a fundraising channel for environmental causes, though at a national federated level rather than regional.
• Sierra Club (North Carolina Chapter): National environmental organization with a North Carolina chapter active in clean energy, air quality, and conservation advocacy. Comparable to Sustainable Sandhills on energy, air quality, and PFAS advocacy in overlapping NC regions.
• The Nature Conservancy (North Carolina): Major conservation organization with active NC chapter. Comparable to Sustainable Sandhills on land and wildlife conservation, water quality, and regional partnership work, but operates at a much larger scale and global brand.

Regional players

• Cape Fear River Watch: Wilmington, NC-based nonprofit focused on protecting the Cape Fear River through water quality monitoring, advocacy, and education. Comparable to Sustainable Sandhills' Water Quality programs and PFAS advocacy in the same river basin.

Emerging players

• GreenSquared: Smaller-scale community sustainability and engagement organization. Comparable to Sustainable Sandhills on volunteering, education, and community outreach, though operating at a smaller geographic scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sustainablesand
• Facebookfacebook.com/sustainablesandhills
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sustainable-sandhills

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sustainable Sandhills