American Conservation Coalition Surpasses 100,000 Grassroots Members, Achieving Major Growth Milestone Ahead of Schedule
WASHINGTON: The American Conservation Coalition (ACC) closed out 2025 with a significant organizational milestone, reaching 100,000 grassroots members nationwide, a goal originally set for the end of 2026. The achievement places the nonprofit a full year ahead of schedule and underscores growing national engagement around conservative-led environmental stewardship. The milestone marks a period of exceptional growth for ACC. At the end of 2024, the organization counted approximately 60,000 members, meaning its grassroots base expanded by nearly two-thirds in just one year. American Conservation Coalition had publicly shared its ambition to reach 100,000 members during the 2023 Atlas Smart Bets Competition, positioning the target as a long-term objective. Surpassing that benchmark ahead of schedule reflects both accelerating interest in ACC’s mission and the effectiveness of its grassroots strategy. Founded to advance a market-driven, innovation-focused approach to conservation, American Conservation Coalition has steadily built a nationwide presence by engaging young conservatives, community leaders, and local organizers. The organization’s growth in 2025 was driven by a strong emphasis on in-person engagement, local organizing, and leadership development. “Our rapid expansion is a testament to what we have long believed: conservative environmental leadership has real momentum nationwide,” said Danielle Franz, Chief Executive Officer of ACC. “Our members are stepping up, organizing, and advancing responsible stewardship and innovation in their communities. Young conservatives across the country have the passion and drive to carry forward the legacy of Teddy Roosevelt.” A key driver of ACC’s membership surge was the work of its Grassroots Team, which hosted nearly 500 events across the country in 2025. These events ranged from local meetups and educational forums to large-scale gatherings designed to foster collaboration, policy discussion, and leadership training. Among the highlights was the 2025 ACC Summit, held at Montgomery Bell State Park outside Nashville, Tennessee, which brought together 200 grassroots members for several days of programming, networking, and strategic planning. In addition to large events, ACC’s Community Ambassador Program played a critical role in expanding the organization’s reach. In 2025, 84 community ambassadors were active nationwide, working year-round to recruit new members, organize local initiatives, and represent ACC’s mission within their regions. These ambassadors served as on-the-ground leaders, helping translate national priorities into community-level action and engagement. ACC’s leadership attributes much of the organization’s success to its decentralized, community-first model. Rather than relying solely on digital outreach, American Conservation Coalition has invested heavily in empowering local leaders and fostering peer-to-peer engagement. This approach has allowed the organization to build durable networks, strengthen member commitment, and sustain momentum beyond election cycles or single-issue campaigns. The milestone also reflects broader shifts in how environmental issues are being discussed within conservative circles. |
American Conservation Coalition
ACC positions conservation not as a partisan issue, but as a shared responsibility rooted in innovation, economic growth, and responsible resource management. By emphasizing pragmatic solutions and stewardship, the organization has attracted a diverse and expanding base of supporters. Looking ahead to 2026, American Conservation Coalition plans to build on this momentum by expanding its grassroots infrastructure, increasing policy engagement, and continuing to invest in leadership development.
The organization has indicated that future priorities will include deeper regional organizing, expanded educational programming, and continued collaboration with policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders. ACC leadership views the 100,000-member milestone not as an endpoint, but as a foundation for the next phase of growth. With a rapidly expanding base and an active nationwide network, the organization believes it is well positioned to influence the national conversation around conservation, energy, and environmental innovation.
For more information about membership opportunities and American Conservation Coalition’s initiatives, visit the organization’s official website.
