Environmental Conservation Funders

3M FOUNDATION

The 3M Foundation invests in an array of conservation projects in communities in which the company maintains a business presence.

444S FOUNDATION

The 444S Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to environmental preservation, including wild lands and wildlife protection efforts. This also includes northern wild lands and forests.

ADAMS LEGACY FOUNDATION

This small funder is mainly focused on California. It funds innovative efforts involving the intersection of nature and education, art and architecture, and conservation, among others. The application process is open to all, and the foundation puts few restrictions on how its grants can be used. 

ADDAX & ORYX FOUNDATION

Addax & Oryx considers its environment programs to be the foundation of all its other projects. Grantmaking here is broad, but often supports sustainable agriculture, conservation and environmental education.

AGUA FUND

The Agua Foundation supports conservation organizations advocating for clean water, protecting watersheds and sustainable agriculture.

AINSLIE FOUNDATION

The Ainslie Foundation makes grants in a variety of areas but prioritizes support for education, health and the environment.

ALPHAWOOD FOUNDATION

Tax filings suggest environmental conservation is an important grant area for Alphawood. However, it does not have a stated grantmaking strategy here. Related grants are made through the foundation’s Advocacy program.

ALSTOM FOUNDATION

The Alstom Foundation funds conservation projects where Alstom has an employee and operational presence.

AMERICAN HONDA FOUNDATION

Honda does not name strategies or goals in the space; however, past environmental conservation awards tend to prioritize oceans, waterways and marine conservation.

ANDERSON-ROGERS FOUNDATION

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation supports U.S.-based environmental conservation organizations working in the United States and around the world.

AON FOUNDATION

Though an area of giving of less importance for this grantmaker, environmental conservation giving generally prioritizes local and regional conservation initiatives, but it also gives to major national and international organizations.

APPLIED MATERIALS FOUNDATION

The Applied Materials Foundation’s environmental conservation grantmaking prioritizes youth education, as well as community-based sustainability projects with the goal of “building a more sustainable future for all.”

ARCADIA FUND

The Arcadia Fund supports on-site and off-site conservation efforts as well as policy advocacy and conservation leadership.

ARGOSY FOUNDATION

The Argosy Foundation supports a broad range of conservation efforts across the United States. Its investments include, but are not limited to, education, research, the use of new technologies, sustainable design and advocacy.

ARKAY FOUNDATION

The Arkay Foundation supports efforts to combat the effects of climate change and the influence of money in American politics.

ASHDEN TRUST

The Ashden Trust’s conservation-related grantmaking focuses on the critical role forests play on the planet’s weather and supports organizations concerned with the “rapid destruction” of the world’s forestlands.

AVON FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN

While not much information is available on the foundation’s website, records indicate that it conducts environmental grantmaking through its Healthy Forests, Beautiful World Fund.

CAMERON AND JANE BAIRD FOUNDATION

The Cameron and Jane Bird Foundation awards grants to support a variety of environmental conservation organizations across the country but appears to emphasize those located in New York and the Northeastern region of the United States.

BALL FOUNDATION

This foundation’s environmental conservation grants center on recycling.

BANCKER-WILLIAMS FOUNDATION

This foundation broadly funds organizations and projects related to sustainability, biodiversity and wildlife conservation.

BAND FOUNDATION

The BAND Foundation awards grants to a wide variety of environmental conservation organizations around the globe.

BARNWOOD FOUNDATION

The Barnwood Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to farming and conservation.

BAUMAN FOUNDATION

This progressive funder mainly supports advocacy and policy work, and has a keen interest in the nexus between environmental issues and human health, as well as making changes on a systemic level.

BAY & PAUL FOUNDATIONS

Conservation and the environment is a primary focus, here; grants go nationally for research, to preserve or repair biodiversity, and emphasize culturally significant natural heritage.  

THE BEDARI FOUNDATION

The Bedari Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to using its experience and resources to enable significant cultural shifts in the fields of mental health and wellness, community displacement, and environmental conservation.

BENJAMIN FUND

Benjamin broadly funds environmental work, as well as climate change and clean energy work.

BERGER CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

Berger supports the search for clean and sustainable energy solutions, as well as local clean-up and conservation initiatives.

ARTHUR M. BLANK FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Blank Foundation conducts some environmental giving in Paradise Valley, Montana. Its current focuses are the upper Yellowstone River watershed, wildlife conservation, and “working landowner sustainability.”

BOBOLINK FOUNDATION

The Bobolink Foundation is exclusively dedicated to environmental conservation and justice across all of its focus areas.

BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES

Bloomberg’s Environment program partners with “cities, businesses, public health and environmental advocates, and citizen’s groups” to address pressing issues concerning climate change, conservation and environmental justice.

BLOSSOM FUND

The Blossom Fund supports programs that “increase the use and awareness of Boston area outdoor resources.”

BOEING COMPANY

Boeing primarily supports education, workforce development, the environment, financial stability, and health. Boeing divides its giving by state, and gives in 20 states total (plus Washington, D.C.). 

BOHEMIAN FOUNDATION

The Bohemian Foundation funds conservation efforts around the world as part of its broader global grantmaking mission.

LOUIS L. BORICK FOUNDATION

The Louis L. Borick Foundation funds conservation groups that focus on preserving wilderness areas and open spaces. 

BRIGHT HORIZON FOUNDATION

The Bright Horizon Foundation invests in environmental conservation efforts across the United States.

BROMLEY TRUST

This foundation funds wildlife conservation work.

L.P. BROWN FOUNDATION

The L.P. Brown Foundation supports a broad range of organizations in the United States dedicated to environmental conservation and preservation.

BROWN FOUNDATION

The Brown Foundation maintains broad interests in environmental conservation.

PETER AND CARMEN LUCIA BUCK FOUNDATION

This foundation funds conservation in Upstate New York, the Hudson River Valley, and throughout Connecticut. While the foundation is regional in its giving, there’s a multibillion-dollar fortune waiting in the wings.

BULLITT FOUNDATION

The Bullitt Foundation’s conservation grants largely invest in building sustainable and healthy communities.

BURNING FOUNDATION

The Burning Foundation works for environmental causes in Washington and Oregon and deals with teen pregnancy prevention in Washington State.

BUTLER CONSERVATION FUND

The Butler Conservation Fund’s grantmaking broadly centers on environmental conservation causes.

CALDERA FOUNDATION

The Caldera Foundation invests in organizations that address climate disruption and advocate for the sustainable use of the planet’s natural resources.

CAMPION FOUNDATION

The Campion Foundation’s conservation grantmaking focuses on protecting wilderness and wilderness systems.

CAPTAIN PLANET FOUNDATION

The Captain Planet Foundation is dedicated to the environmental education of children in all aspects of their lives — schools, communities, and at home.

CARGILL INC. 

Cargill funds organizations that protect U.S. national resources and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

MARGARET A. CARGILL PHILANTHROPIES

Cargill supports international and community-based approaches to combat ecosystem degradation and climate change on coastal, river, tropical forest and grassland communities.

CATERPILLAR FOUNDATION

The Caterpillar Foundation invests in organizations that alleviate the root causes of poverty, focusing on education, the environment and basic needs.

HARRY CHAPIN FOUNDATION

Chapin gives grants for the environment through an education lens. Most grants here focus on farming and food.

CERES TRUST

The Ceres Trust supports the environment, climate change resiliency, animals and wildlife, film and sustainable agriculture in Hawaii, the Upper Midwest and Central California.

CHINO CIENEGA FOUNDATION

While this funder does not have a dedicated grantmaking program for environmental causes, it does list climate change and environmental sustainability in its list of funding priorities.

CHILDREN’S INVESTMENT FUND FOUNDATION

The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation supports large-scale land restoration activities.

LIZ CLAIBORNE AND ART ORTENBERG FOUNDATION

The foundation funds projects that encourage local communities to address the depletion of natural resources and wildlife habitats.

CLIF FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Clif Family Foundation supports grassroots groups with inspiring ideas and limited funds. Grantmaking addresses food systems and communities, enhancing public health, and safeguarding the environment and natural resources.

NAOMI AND NEHEMIAH COHEN FOUNDATION

The foundation’s Environment program “makes a limited number of environmental grants in the areas of science-based ocean conservation, environmental health and recycling/reuse.”

COMMON STREAM

Common Stream broadly funds conservation grants to organizations that operate across the United States.

CRAIGSLIST CHARITABLE FUND

CCF funds causes related to biodiversity, climate change, domesticated animals and environmental education.

CROSSCURRENTS FOUNDATION

While the foundation’s giving for environmental issues is not as robust as in other areas, CrossCurrents has made grants totaling almost a quarter-million in recent years to conservation and climate change organizations.

CROWN FAMILY PHILANTHROPIES

Crown Family Philanthropies focuses its conservation-related grantmaking on organizations located in the U.S. Midwest.

DALIO FOUNDATION

Ray Dalio’s philanthropy has ramped up in recent years, and he has a keen interest in the environment. He’s also signed the Giving Pledge. The Dalio Explore Fund supports environmental research projects.

SHELBY CULLOM DAVIS CHARITABLE FUND

The Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund supports environmental conservation organizations across the country.

ARTHUR VINING DAVIS FOUNDATIONS

The environmental engagement, stewardship and solutions program has considerable overlap with the foundations’ private higher education initiative

SARAH K. DE COIZART PERPETUAL CHARITABLE TRUST

The Sarah K. DeCoizart Perpetual Charitable Trust invests in conservation organizations that protect ecologically important areas, work in land use policy, and study the impact of urban sprawl.

CRUISE INDUSTRY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

This foundation’s conservation work centers on maritime education.

RE:WILD

In addition to funding wildlife conservation, LDF’s wildlife and landscape program also supports projects that are focused on land conservation.

ROY AND PATRICIA DISNEY FOUNDATION

The foundation’s environmental justice grantmaking has an urban focus and supports organizations working in the areas of environmental inequity, community wellbeing and advocacy.

DOMINION ENERGY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

This foundation funds environmental stewardship in the states in which it works and serves. It focuses on preserving and supporting wildlife and animal habitats, particularly those that are water-related. It also funds higher education efforts centered on conservation.

WILLIAM H. DONNER FOUNDATION

Environmental grantmaking broadly focuses on land conservation in the U.S. and around the world.

DONNER CANADIAN FOUNDATION

The foundation takes a holistic approach to the conservation of lands, water, wildlife and ecosystems while generating community support for local conservation projects.

CORNELL DOUGLAS FOUNDATION

This small foundation funds projects and efforts around environmental health and justice, land conservation, sustainability of resources, mountaintop removal mining, and watershed protection. It accepts proposals year round.

MAX AND VICTORIA DREYFUS FOUNDATION

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports the environment, the arts, education, health and housing. However, its grantmaking is broad based. 

DORIS DUKE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

Doris Duke funds conservation work, but much of it is toward climate change, land conservation, wildlife, energy development and environmental stewardship. Unsolicited proposals are not accepted, but unsolicited letters of inquiry are.

EAGLEMERE FOUNDATION

Eaglemere does not name a specific strategy toward environmental giving; however, related giving is broad and has dealt with restoration, resiliency, climate change, and ecosystem conservation.

ECOLAB FOUNDATION

Ecolab Foundation is a hearty supporter of environmental conservation programs, particularly those that have a community education component.

EDISON INTERNATIONAL

This funder has an array of environmental interests, many of which focus on SoCal. However, funding here predominantly focuses on mitigating climate change.

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

The Educational Foundation of America’s environment program may sound broad, but it centers on climate change and clean energy.

ELMO FOUNDATION

While the Elmo Foundation does not appear to have visible grantmaking programs, it prioritizes broad giving for environmental conservation.

EMERSON COLLECTIVE

The Emerson Collective supports organizations working in the fields of education, immigration reform, the environment, health and social justice.

ENTERGY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

The foundation’s Environmental program is committed to both conservation and clean energy solutions.

EPPLEY FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH

Eppley offers broad grants in the U.S. and abroad focused on research into climate change, whole ecosystem studies, as well as research on single species if they are of particular significance in their environments.

MOSES FELDMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION

Conservation efforts supported include those related to conserving open spaces for both recreational and educational purposes, renewable energy and population stabilization as it relates to the sustainable use of global natural resources.

FIDELITY FOUNDATION

Environmental giving here tends to focus on high-impact conservation organizations in its giving regions.

JOSEPH AND MARIE FIELD ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION

While it keeps a low public profile, the Joseph and Marie Field Environmental Foundation’s grantmaking includes support for African conservation organizations.

FIREDOLL FOUNDATION

This foundation’s environmental grantmaking addresses both land and marine conservation efforts, as well as agricultural sustainability efforts and climate change work.

EILEEN FISHER FOUNDATION

The foundation’s environmental giving focuses on environmentally safe and sustainable materials and manufacturing processes in its supply chain.

FLAHIVE FAMILY FOUNDATION

Flahive’s environmental giving often supports organizations that work to preserve natural landscapes and animal habitats.

FLUOR FOUNDATION

Fluor’s environmental funding centers on restoring and maintaining habitats. It also has a Global Shore Cleanup initiative.

FRANKEL FAMILY FOUNDATION

Frankel’s environmental giving centers on climate change, but also on environmental education and environmental policy change.

FRIEDKIN CONSERVATION FUND

The Friedkin Conservation Fund (FCF) provides assistance to the Tanzanian government in preserving its protected areas, helps uplift rural communities, and conducts wildlife monitoring and research.

F THREE FOUNDATION

The F Three Foundation’s grantmaking for the environment has declined in recent years, but a few grants have supported land trusts and conservation programs.

GARFIELD FOUNDATION

The Garfield Foundation funds innovative models for change in three program areas: Collaborative Networks, Advancing Systems Change Practices, and Environmental Sustainability.

GEORGIA-PACIFIC FOUNDATION

The philanthropic arm of the paper manufacturer makes conservation grants through its broader environmental focus; unique in that all grants are for general operating support.

GEORGE FAMILY FOUNDATION

The George Family Foundation supports environmental organizations that work in Minnesota; Vail Valley, Colorado; and the San Francisco Bay Area.

WALLACE ALEXANDER GERBODE FOUNDATION

Gerbode’s environmental funding is purposefully broad and lacks a major strategy.

WOMEN FIRST INTERNATIONAL FUND

Women First, formerly the Virginia Glidersleeve International Fund, makes conservation grants focus largely on efforts that benefit girls and women.

GILDER FOUNDATION

The Gilder Foundation supports a number of environmental conservation organizations across the United States.

GILLESPIE FOUNDATION

The Gillespie Foundation has demonstrated a commitment to environmental conservation, with grants going to land conservation, wildlife protection and environmental education initiatives in California.

T.S. AND K.D. GLIDE FOUNDATION

The Glide Foundation funds organizations involved in land conservation, as well as wildlife and habitat conservation.

LISA AND DOUGLAS GOLDMAN FUND

The Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund supports efforts to combat corporate waste, reduce greenhouse gases and promote environmentally sustainable business practices in the San Francisco area and nationally.

GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION

Grand Circle’s environmental giving interests tend to be broad and often centers on climate change. The foundation often works with grassroots and indigenous groups to protect and preserve land and natural resources that are vital to the global struggle against climate change.

CHARLES M. AND MARY D. GRANT FOUNDATION

This funder just started giving to environmental conservation, so its interests are evolving.

GROVE FOUNDATION

The Grove Foundation’s conservation grants tend to focus on protecting and conserving natural resources in the United States.

HAMILL FAMILY FOUNDATION

Support for the environment tends to involve local and regional Chicagoland organizations.

WILLIAM AND FLORA HEWLETT FOUNDATION

Hewlett’s grants for conservation focus nationally on the U.S.

HIGH MEADOWS FOUNDATION

Established by financier Carl Ferenbach, High Meadows supports environmental science, research, education, policy work, and more. 

LYDA HILL PHILANTHROPIES

Lyda Hills Philanthropies’ nature program advocates for “systemic changes in protecting and managing our environmental resources” and funds “research projects making meaningful change ‘on the ground.’”

CHARLES EVANS HUGHES MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

The Charles Evans Hughes Memorial Foundation awards conservation-related grants to a diverse set of causes.

CRAWFORD IDEMA FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Crawford Idema Family Foundation broadly supports organizations that “promote the preservation of the natural environment” in Santa Barbara, California, and beyond.

IMPACT LEBANON

Impact Lebanon supports efforts in the Lebanese community through initiatives related to activism, volunteerism and diverse programming.

INSTITUTE FOR JOURNALISM & NATURAL RESOURCES

This foundation’s grantmaking focuses on environmental journalism.

JAMES FAMILY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

The philanthropic vehicle of Blackstone COO Hamilton James and his wife Amabel funds land and fisheries conservation; it doesn’t appear to accept unsolicited proposals.

JEPHCOTT CHARITABLE TRUST

The Jephcott Charitable Trust supports organizations working to preserve natural environments.

JEWISH COMMUNAL FUND

The New York-based Jewish Communal Fund supports Jewish religious, environmental, cultural, educational and human-service-oriented organizations prioritizing the New York City area. The fund also supports higher education and public health in New York and beyond.

EDWARD C. JOHNSON FUND

A foundation of the wealthy family behind Fidelity Investments. Currently, its main focus has been Boston and New England.

JOHNSON FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Johnson Family Foundation’s conservation grants seek to improve overall environmental health. 

SC JOHNSON GIVING

The company’s environmental giving seeks to “encourage sustainability through stewardship of community ecosystems, pollution abatement, natural resource conservation, environmental beautification, renewable energy and wildlife preservation.”

JOYCE FOUNDATION

The Joyce Foundation funds conservation and sustainability efforts in the Great Lakes region.

JPB FOUNDATION

The JPB Foundation supports clean energy, environmental health, and green infrastructure programs in the United States.

KALEIDOSCOPE FOUNDATION

The Kaleidoscope Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to the conservation, education, and community support.

KENDEDA FUND

Kendeda funds conservation, climate change, and sustainable living projects, with an emphasis on building broad support. It prefers community-based solutions and aims to fill the gaps left by other funders. Doesn’t accept unsolicited proposals.

F.M. KIRBY FOUNDATION

The F.M. Kirby Foundation supports a variety of environmental conservation organizations around the United States.

KOHLBERG FOUNDATION

The Kohlberg Foundation’s environmental grantmaking primarily centers on sustainable foodways and local land conservation in the Northeastern United States.

KORSANT FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Korsant Family Foundation’s grantmaking includes broad support for major environmental conservation organizations.

EUGENE M. LANG FOUNDATION

The Eugene M. Lang Foundation supports environmental conservation and historical preservation efforts, with a focus on New York City and Washington, D.C.

LAWRENCE FOUNDATION

The Lawrence Foundation awards grant to environmental organizations located in the United States; however, grantee organizations may operate projects elsewhere in the world.

LAZAR FOUNDATION

This is an active environmental funder in the Pacific Northwest, giving almost $1 million a year to conservation, biodiversity, and strengthening the environmental movement in regional states. Grants go to both local groups and national outfits doing local work. 

LEAR FAMILY FOUNDATION

This family foundation’s grants for environmental conservation are purposefully broad and support large organizations.

LEON LEVY FOUNDATION

The Leon Levy Foundation awards grants to organizations supporting conservation efforts related to natural landscapes, botanical gardens and parks.

LINDEN CONSERVATION TRUST

The philanthropic project of former Goldman Sachs partner Larry Linden, its focus is on market-based approaches that can provide long-term financing, mostly for land protection.  

LOSTAND FOUNDATION

The Lostand Foundation supports organizations involved in social action, land conservation and sustainable development.

LUSH COSMETICS

The cosmetics company Lush focuses its conservation grantmaking on environmental justice.

ROGER I. AND RUTH B. MACFARLANE FOUNDATION

Recent tax filings suggest that MacFarlane broadly supports environmental and conservation issues.

MAKI FOUNDATION

The Maki Foundation’s conservation grants focus on environmental advocacy and policy change for the protection and conservation of wilderness and public lands.

MILTON AND TAMAR MALTZ FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Milton and Tamar Maltz Family Foundation supports arts, health, human services, medical research, education and the environment in Ohio and other places of interest to the family.

MARCUS FOUNDATION

The Marcus Foundation broadly funds environmental conservation work across the United States.

MARISLA FOUNDATION

This foundation’s Environment program focuses on the conservation of biological diversity and sustainable ecosystem management with a special interest in marine resources conservation. It also supports the search for solutions to health threats caused by toxic chemicals.

MCKNIGHT FOUNDATION

This Minnesota-based foundation gives support to restore and protect floodplains and wetlands of the Mississippi. McKnight works in the 10-state region in the river corridor and internationally, with a focus on clean energy, water, and agriculture.

MERCK FAMILY FUND

The Merck Family Fund focuses its conservation efforts on ecologically valuable land.

MICHELIN CORPORATE FOUNDATION

The Michelin Corporate Foundation backs a range of environmental conservation projects and organizations. As a result, it does not limit itself to any one area of conservation funding.

MOODY’S FOUNDATION

The foundation works to advance “sustainability in [its] operations, global value chain, business offerings and communities.” Much of this work focuses on climate change.

MOORE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

Moore works in the Bahamas, Colorado, New York and North Carolina to establish new nature preserves, launch new forest management initiatives, enact new programs to conserve and restore threatened waterways, and preserve open space.

GORDON AND BETTY MOORE FOUNDATION

One of the leading funders of environmental conservation worldwide, the foundation seeks to create lasting change in how land, freshwater and coastal marine ecosystems are managed.

JAMES AND REBECCA MORGAN FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Morgan Family Foundation does not name specific goals for its conservation funding, but tax filings suggest a preference for large land and nature conservation outfits working in the State of California. It also funds nationally.

MOSES FELDMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Moses Feldman Foundation’s conservation grants focus on related efforts in the northeastern United States.

CHARLES STEWART MOTT FOUNDATION

The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation is a large, Michigan-based funder that makes millions in environmental grants annually, with a big focus on freshwater conservation, sustainable development and clean energy.

MULAGO FOUNDATION

The Mulago Foundation supports conservation efforts that benefit poor people in developing and least-developed countries around the world.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

National Geographic is a longtime leading supporter of wildlife and conservation. There is a diversity of funding available here.

NEALL FAMILY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

The Neall Family Charitable Foundation’s grantmaking for environmental conservation generally centers on local landscape preservation and sustainability initiatives.

NEW SOCIETY FUND

The New Society Fund supports environmental conservation, justice and education efforts in the United States.

NEW WORLD FOUNDATION

The New World Foundation invests in conservation work that seeks to reverse the impact of global fossil fuel economy.

NORMAN FOUNDATION

The Norman Foundation supports community-based environmental justice and conservation organizations. 

ORSKOV FOUNDATION

The Orskov Foundation does not name environmental conservation as an area of grantmaking interest, but some of its student grants have supported conservation research projects related to agriculture, biodiversity and conservation.

OVERBROOK FOUNDATION

The Overbrook Foundation funds organizations that conserve the environment and biodiversity, as well as those promoting sustainable consumption practices and energy conservation.

PACKARD FOUNDATION

Most of Packard’s conservation funding is focused on the United States, with a big emphasis on the American West and the agricultural sector. This deep-pocketed funder spreads grants quite widely.

PANAPHIL FOUNDATION

Panaphil’s environmental grants show a particular interest in land and wildlife conservation, particularly turtles, as well as oceans. However, grantmaking is otherwise broad.

PASSPORT FOUNDATION

The foundation associated with hedge fund Passport Capital focuses on environmental health and impacts of environmental contaminants. They don’t accept unsolicited proposals. 

PATAGONIA

Patagonia funds nonprofits making efforts to conserve and protect natural landscapes and wildlife. Small organizations that mobilize average citizens and press for public policy change are what it likes the best.

ALICIA PATTERSON FOUNDATION

This foundation’s grants for the environment address environmental journalism.

PEPSICO FOUNDATION

The foundation’s environmental funding focuses exclusively on sustainable waste management and prioritizes the expansion of recycling infrastructure and public awareness of recycling and sustainable waste management.

NANDO AND ELSA PERETTI FOUNDATION

Peretti broadly funds environmental projects at the global level.

PEW CHARITABLE TRUSTS

While Pew is probably better known for its oceans work in green circles, land conservation remains a big focus. Pew is no longer a grantmaking foundation, but still ends up giving large amounts to partners in conservation causes. 

PINK HOUSE FOUNDATION

Although the Pink House Foundation names environmental justice as one of its core goals, only a few grants have supported organizations involved in conservation and/or environmental justice in recent years.

PISCES FOUNDATION

Grantmaking strategies in this area tend to be broad in order to consider a wider range of environmental projects.

IRWIN ANDREW PORTER FOUNDATION

The Irwin Andrew Porter Foundation supports environmental conservation organizations around the world; however, it does not award many grants each year.

PRBB FOUNDATION

The PRBB Foundation supports organizations involved in conservation and environmental advocacy in the U.S. and abroad.

MARTIN R. PRINCE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

The Martin R. Prince Charitable Foundation prioritizes the environment and medical research. It also earmarks funds for educational and religious causes. 

PUFFIN FOUNDATION

The environment is a newer area of grantmaking for the Puffin Foundation, which, until recently, had only made a handful of grants for environmental initiatives, many of which overlapped with its arts grantmaking.

SIGRID RAUSING TRUST

SRT supports groups working “to restore and protect a range of different ecosystems, such as wetlands or grasslands, within [its] regional areas of interest.”

DAVID ROCKEFELLER FUND

Strong interest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy conservation and sustainability. Grants are on the small side, but funding is steady. It gives on the local, state and national levels.

ROTH FAMILY FOUNDATION

These grants support “nonprofit organizations whose mission and programs address the issues of [environmental justice], and include environmental health education and awareness, community participation, organizing and leadership development, and advocacy for policy reform.”

RUMPHIUS FOUNDATION

Rumphius is a small environmental funder, making only a couple of grants a year at this point, but is looking to build its resources with donations. It’s also notably accessible. 

SANDLER FOUNDATION

A progressive funder whose environmental giving takes place under its “Advocate for Vulnerable and Exploited People and Environments” grants category.

HERB AND MARION SANDLER FOUNDATION

The Sandler Foundation makes grants for human rights, democracy, conservation and disease research. It has recently developed an interest in criminal justice reform.

SANGREAL FOUNDATION

The Sangreal Foundation supports animal, wildlife, and environmental conservation programs around the world.

SATTER FOUNDATION

The Satter Foundation supports environmental conservation efforts around the world.

SCHERMAN FOUNDATION

This funder invests in sustainability, building a green economy, and sustainable drinking water.

SCHOONER FOUNDATION

Schooner supports the Nature Conservancy annually, and occasionally makes donations to major international environmental outfits, as well as local conservation groups.

SECUNDA FAMILY FOUNDATION

Bloomberg cofounder Thomas Secunda and his wife Cindy have a strong interest in environmental conservation and have been increasing their giving in this area in recent years. 

SINGING FOR CHANGE

Jimmy Buffett’s organization invests in a broad range of environmental interests, especially those that intersect with agriculture.

STEPHEN M. SILBERSTEIN FOUNDATION

Tax filings suggest this progressive foundation broadly funds environmental conservation. It funds nationally and locally in the Bay Area.

MARTY AND DOROTHY SILVERMAN FOUNDATION

This funde makes regular donations to major national and international environmental nonprofits.

SOLIDAIRE NETWORK

The Solidaire Network supports social justice movements in the U.S. spanning the areas of racial justice, Indigenous rights, criminal justice reform, environmental justice and gender justice.

ALEXANDER SOROS FOUNDATION

The Alexander Soros Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to promoting civil rights, social justice and education, both in the U.S. and abroad.

JENNIFER AND JONATHAN ALLEN SOROS FOUNDATION

The Jennifer and Jonathan Allen Soros Foundation’s environmental grantmaking typically supports local parks and historical landmarks in NYC and beyond.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

Southwest Airlines is committed to “minimizing waste and effectively using our resources (energy, people and materials).”

BERNARD AND ANNE SPITZER CHARITABLE TRUST

The Bernard and Anne Spitzer Charitable Trust awards grants to environmental conservation organizations in the United States.

STRANAHAN FOUNDATION

The Stranahan Foundation’s Ecological Well-Being grantmaking is dedicated to sustainable communities, conservation and environmental education.

BARBARA STIEFEL FOUNDATION

The Barbara Stiefel Foundation supports major conservation organizations globally.

GEORGE B. STORER FOUNDATION

Storer funds organizations that balance the need for energy resource development and the conservation of national resources with the need for building and supporting a “diverse and thriving economy.”

SWIFT FOUNDATION

The Swift Foundation’s conservation grantmaking often centers on indigenous populations.

TAWANI FOUNDATION

TAWANI’s environmental program is a newer area of giving for the foundation. Early grantmaking in this area aims to “make the outdoors more accessible and more impactful both for low-income neighborhoods and the community at large.”

TD CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

TD’s vibrant planet funding initiative is its newest area of giving. The foundation has made an ambitious target of directing $100 billion in Canadian dollars to support the development of a low-carbon economy by 2030.

THRESHOLD FOUNDATION

Threshold’s environmental conservation work focuses on protecting forests and wetlands from “the policies and billions in subsidies which now drive and reward deforestation and the most destructive forms of agriculture.”

TIGER BARON FOUNDATION

The Tiger Baron Foundation appears to have an emerging interest in the environment, having made recent grants to national organizations.

TOMBERG FAMILY PHILANTHROPIES

The Tomberg Philanthropies awards environmental conservation grants to organizations working in the U.S. and around the world.

EMILY HALL TREMAINE FOUNDATION

The Tremaine Foundation makes grants for the environment, taking a cross-sector approach “to leverage knowledge and experience for the good of everyone.”

TRIAD FOUNDATION

This funder broadly invests in environmental causes that align with its conservative views.

TURING FOUNDATION

Turing supports organizations primarily focused on sustainable land use in developing countries.

TURNER FOUNDATION

The Turner Foundation gives a large number of small to medium-sized grants to a diverse range of environmental work.

UPS FOUNDATION

This funder is particularly interested in reforestation and conservation, carbon reduction efforts, and environmental research and education.

VAN SLOUN FOUNDATION

The Van Sloun Foundation invests in a variety of conservation efforts, which include those related to water and land.

WALLACE GENETIC FOUNDATION

This foundation’s environmental giving overlaps with its global development, sustainable agriculture and climate change efforts, focusing on water, pollution and land conservation.

WALT DISNEY COMPANY

This fund “supports the study of wildlife; the protection of habitats; the development of community conservation and education programs in critical ecosystems; and experiences that connect kids to nature across the globe.”

WALTON FAMILY FOUNDATION

Walton has become one of the biggest environmental funders in the U.S. While it mainly funds marine and river conservation, it gives a smaller number of grants to other environmental groups, including for land conservation and ecology education.

VIRGINIA WELLINGTON CABOT FOUNDATION

The Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation supports a variety conservation organizations around the country.

WELLS FARGO 

Wells Fargo is interested in sustainable agriculture and forestry, water quality, land conservation and support for building healthy urban ecosystems, as well as clean technology.

WEM FOUNDATION

WEM has primarily to biodiversity programs and environmental education groups.

WIANCKO FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Wiancko Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to environmental and wildlife conservation.

WILBURFORCE FOUNDATION

Wilburforce is all about conservation in Western North America. It supports work in a dozen priority regions (although not in California), with programs in conservation science, law and policy, and organizational capacity-building.

REID WILLIAMS FOUNDATION

Conservation is a smaller area of giving for the Williams Foundation, but a few grants have gone to U.S.-based conservation organizations in recent years.

WINSLOW FOUNDATION

This funder gives broadly to environmental conservation organizations located in the U.S.

WOODCOCK FOUNDATION

Woodcock’s environmental conservation grantmaking focuses on land conservation, wildlife habitat preservation and marine conservation projects.

ROBERT W. WOODRUFF FOUNDATION

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation has several interests, including supporting large-scale conservation and natural resource stewardship efforts in the Atlanta metro area and throughout Georgia.

WEYERHAEUSER FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Weyerhaeuser Foundation invests in organizations that promote and build sustainable forest communities. 

WUNDERKINDER FOUNDATION

Wunderkinder mainly supports environmental conservation organizations in the U.S.

WYNCOTE FOUNDATION

Wyncote focuses its environment grants on conservation and land protection in the U.S.

WYSS FOUNDATION

The Wyss Foundation embodies its founder’s love for the landscapes of the American West, keeping a lookout for western land areas to protect and well-placed partner organizations to help protect them.

XCEL ENERGY FOUNDATION

Xcel Energy Foundation conservation grants focus on programs and projects that have a positive impact on the natural environment of the communities in which Xcel Energy operates.

XEROX FOUNDATION

The Xerox Foundation funds science education, environmental affairs and a variety of other issues.

ZEGAR FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Zegar Family Foundation tends to offer its environmental conservation grants to large national organizations rather than local and grassroots organizations.