Our Mission, Vision, & Values

Our mission is to inspire and advocate for environmentally sustainable, natural death care through education and certification
 
Our vision is to ensure universal access to information and environmentally sustainable death care
 
Our values include:
  • Respect for rituals that create meaning for both the living and the dead
  • Honor the earth and recognize the importance of caring for her in how we bury our dead
  • Honor that funeral and burial traditions and practices are sacred
  • Integrity in all aspects of our operation by holding ourselves to the highest standards
  • Sustainability both environmentally and operationally so that future generations may benefit from our work
  • Leadership in making certifiable, sustainable death-care practices available to all
Picture
Family-led shroud lowering at the Meadow Natural Burial Ground at Moles Greenacres Memorial Park, Ferndale, Washington

Organizational Structure

The Green Burial Council is comprised of two distinct nonprofit entities. Both organizations work together to further the movement toward more sustainable burial practices and support those who are actively engaged in green burial activities.

The 501(c)6 certification and provider support organization oversees certification conducted by independent third party experts. This team works to maintain up-to-date standards for cemeteries, product providers, and funeral directors offering green services.

The 501(c)3 educational and outreach organization develops materials and opportunities for providers and the public to learn more about natural burial. These include writing articles and books, working with the media to increase public awareness, hosting webinars and conferences, presenting to industry professionals and the public, and creating educational opportunities for professional development.

Financial Health

Both nonprofit entities are in good standing with the State of California and the IRS, and are listed on GuideStar, the nonprofit information service specializing in reporting on U.S. nonprofit companies. Both are financially solvent and well managed by the accounting firm of Prod'hon CPA.
​
2017 is still awaiting IRS acceptance, delayed by fires and government shutdown
GBC c6 2016 IRS Tax Return
GBC c6 2015 IRS Tax Return
GBC c6 2014 IRS Tax Return

c3 has been dormant since this tax record was filed so there is no further financial activity to report
GBC c3 2015 IRS E-Postcard
GBC c3 2014 IRS E-Postcard
GBC c3 2013 IRS E-Postcard
GBC c3 2012 IRS EZ
Picture
Foxfield Preserve, Wilmot, OH