Michigan Association Of Conservation Districts

What Michigan Association Of Conservation Districts does

The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) is a Michigan-based nonprofit association founded in 1937 that supports and coordinates 75 active Conservation Districts covering all 83 counties in the state. Its stated mission is to strengthen Conservation Districts through leadership, information, and representation at the state level via outreach and advocacy, educational programming, and business services. MACD delivers value through tiered membership dues (Basic $650, Advanced $1,300, Individual $350, Sponsoring $1,500 per year), event-driven engagement centered on the Annual Conference, corporate sponsorships, and pass-through federal grant funding (notably USDA agreements supporting the MCSFP cost-share program).

Its core programmatic products include MIFarmLink (farmland connection service linking landowners with beginning farmers), the Michigan Conservation Stewardship for Farmers Project (MCSFP, a cost-share program providing direct payments for on-farm conservation investments), the Michigan Envirothon (a high school environmental education competition), the Forest & Water Fund (stewardship project support), and Farmer-Led Conservation Group initiatives. MACD operates without a proprietary technology platform; its digital footprint consists of a public website, a member portal, a YouTube channel, and standard social media accounts. The organization is governed by a board representing 10 geographic regions and supported by a professional staff of approximately 7-10.

MACD's go-to-market motion is hybrid: a community-led membership model supplemented by event-driven engagement (annual conference, regional meetings, Envirothon) and direct-to-farmer outreach through programs like MIFarmLink and MCSFP. Its revenue mechanics combine recurring membership dues, sponsorship fees, and pass-through federal grants. Strategic relationships with the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and Michigan Farm Bureau anchor its institutional position within Michigan's conservation ecosystem.

Name

Michigan Association Of Conservation Districts

Legal name

Michigan Association of Conservation Districts

Website

https://macd.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1940

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) is a 1937-founded Michigan nonprofit that supports 75 local Conservation Districts across the state's 83 counties through advocacy, training, and programs including MIFarmLink, the Michigan Conservation Stewardship for Farmers Project, and the Michigan Envirothon.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Conservation District Association Services

NAICS

Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Parks, Recreation & Protected Areas Administration (BPAIAMAH)

Keywords

• Conservation district services
• Natural resource stewardship
• Agricultural conservation programs
• Environmental education programs
• Soil and water protection

Headquarters

HQ city

Flint

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from Conservation Districts (Basic $650, Advanced $1300) and individual members ($350/year). Revenue supports advocacy, training, and organizational operations.
2. Event Sponsorships: Corporate and organizational sponsorships for annual conferences and events. Tiers range from Event Sponsor ($10,000) to Snack Sponsor ($850) and Exhibitor Tables ($650 standard, $400 non-profit).
3. Grant Funding: Federal funding through USDA agreements (e.g., NR233A750004G081 for MCSFP). Supporting Conservation Districts with grant umbrella services.
4. Training and Events: Fee-based training workshops, conferences, and educational programs. Discounts provided to members. Non-member pricing applies standard rates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

MACD is a statewide membership association that strengthens Michigan's 75 Conservation Districts through leadership, advocacy, training, and representation at the state level. It delivers programs including MIFarmLink (farmland connection), the Michigan Conservation Stewardship for Farmers Project (MCSFP) cost-share program, the Michigan Envirothon student competition, the Forest & Water Fund, and Farmer-Led Conservation Group initiatives. Member districts receive legislative advocacy, training workshops, grant collaboration, networking, and business services such as insurance and HR support.

Product overview

The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) offers a portfolio of conservation-focused programs rather than a unified software product. Its main programs include MIFarmLink (farmland connection service), the Michigan Conservation Stewardship for Farmers Project (MCSFP, a cost-share program), Michigan Envirothon (youth environmental education competition), Forest & Water Fund (conservation project support), and Farmer-Led Conservation Group initiatives. These programs are delivered through MACD's network of 75 local Conservation Districts covering all 83 Michigan counties, with support from state and federal partners including USDA and MDARD.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MIFarmLink: Program that connects landowners, farmers, and farmland opportunities across Michigan to support land access and long-term agricultural success.
• Michigan Conservation Stewardship for Farmers Project (MCSFP)
• Michigan Envirothon
• Forest and Water Fund
• Farmer-Led Conservation Group

Products and services

• MIFarmLink A farmland connection program that connects landowners, farmers, and farmland opportunities across Michigan to support land access and long-term agricultural success.
• Michigan Conservation Stewardship for Farmers Project (MCSFP) A relaunched cost-share program providing direct support for practical on-farm improvements, helping farmers improve soil health, protect water resources, and strengthen long-term farm resilience through conservation stewardship.
• Michigan Envirothon Michigan's premier environmental and natural resource education program engaging high school students in hands-on environmental learning, teamwork, and natural resource education while inspiring future conservation leaders.
• Forest & Water Fund Supports stewardship projects that protect forest health, improve water quality, and strengthen conservation across Michigan.
• Farmer-Led Conservation Group Supports farmer-led conservation initiatives and water quality improvement efforts across Michigan.

Quantifiable outcome

• 85+ students engaged in conservation education annually through Envirothon program
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Michigan Farm BureaucoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLogo partner displayed on MACD website homepage, indicating collaborative relationship in agricultural and conservation community
• Fischer InsurancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLogo partner offering insurance services to Conservation Districts, with dedicated portal benefits for MACD members
• Alpha NurseriesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLogo partner supporting conservation and native plant initiatives in Michigan
• Michigan ClassminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLogo partner collaborating on conservation education and programming
• MDARD (Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner for Conservation District oversight, funding coordination, and agricultural programs. MDARD staff participate in MACD committees and events including Envirothon
• NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal conservation agency partner providing technical assistance and funding through Conservation Districts. Steve Law brings 40+ years of NRCS experience to MACD leadership
• National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational parent organization providing leadership, resources, and programs including Envirothon National Championship. 2026 NACD Summer Meeting coming to Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Kent County Farm BureauminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal sponsor supporting Cedar Springs High School Envirothon participation through generous donations
• Kent Conservation DistrictminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal partner sponsoring Cedar Springs High School Envirothon participation enabling first-year competition
• Keep Growing DetroitminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban agriculture partner for MCSFP funding region serving Detroit, connecting urban farmers with conservation cost-share programs
• Conservation Districts Executive Managers (CDEM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional organization of Conservation District managers partnering on training, brown bag webinars, and district capacity building
• Michigan Conservation Stewardship for Farmers Regional PartnerscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRegional contacts including Lenawee County Conservation District, Monroe County Conservation District, Washtenaw County Conservation District, Hillsdale County Conservation District providing local MCSFP outreach and technical assistance
• Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide network connecting educators with training, resources, and networking for outdoor and environmental education
• Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState environmental agency offering Environmental Lending Station—free borrowable teaching kits with models, games, and interactive materials for educators
• Project Learning TreeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAward-winning environmental education program using forests and trees as窗口 into natural environment, available as educator resource
• Project WET (Water Education Today)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWater-focused conservation education program available as MACD educator resource
• Project WILDminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWildlife-focused conservation and environmental program fostering understanding of ecological principles and wildlife management
• National Conservation Foundation EnvirothoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational competition organization hosting annual Envirothon championship; Cedar Springs to represent Michigan at 2026 Mississippi competition

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Ducks Unlimited: National habitat-focused conservation nonprofit with significant Michigan wetlands work and farmer partnership programs. Comparable as a large conservation membership organization operating in Michigan with overlapping farmer-led conservation interests.
• The Nature Conservancy - Michigan: National land and water conservation organization with a Michigan chapter focused on private land protection, science, and policy. Comparable on conservation mission and Michigan footprint, though TNC operates via land acquisition rather than district coordination.
• National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD): NACD is the national umbrella for all U.S. Conservation District associations including MACD. It is comparable as the parent-tier membership organization that MACD coordinates with and through, sharing mission around conservation advocacy, training, and Envirothon national competition.

Direct peers

• Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts: Ohio's statewide association of soil and water conservation districts operates a near-identical model to MACD: district coordination, advocacy, training, and grant administration. Direct structural and functional peer.
• Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts: Indiana's parallel state association serving local Soil and Water Conservation Districts with membership dues, advocacy, training, and youth education programs. Closely comparable structure, mission, and revenue model to MACD.
• Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE): Michigan-based network for environmental and outdoor educators. Comparable as a MACD partner organization serving similar educator and youth audiences with overlapping programming and advocacy roles.

Others

• Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): USDA's NRCS is the federal technical and financial backbone for Conservation Districts nationwide. Directly comparable as the funder and partner that MACD's member districts work through daily for farm bill conservation programs.
• Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD): MDARD is MACD's core state agency partner responsible for Conservation District oversight and funding coordination. Directly comparable because MACD's programs and district governance are intertwined with MDARD's regulatory and funding roles.

Emerging players

• Keep Growing Detroit: Detroit-based urban agriculture and conservation nonprofit partnered with MACD for MCSFP urban farmer outreach. Comparable on conservation stewardship programming for farmers, though scoped to urban Detroit rather than statewide.

Regional players

• Michigan United Conservation Clubs: Michigan-based conservation nonprofit focused on wildlife habitat, hunting/fishing advocacy, and outdoor education. Comparable as a Michigan-headquartered conservation membership organization, though it targets individual sportsmen rather than Conservation Districts.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@MichiganConservationDistricts
• Facebookfacebook.com/MACDMI
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/macdmi
• Instagraminstagram.com/macd_1937

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 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 Michigan Association Of Conservation Districts