Report: In Environment, Biggest Groups Get Biggest Bucks
By Chris Thomas
Public News Service Washington
February 27, 2012
The biggest national environmental groups get the most charitable dollars, while important conservation projects taken on by smaller groups often are overlooked. This finding is one of several in a new report from the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP).
It says people at the local level are likely to be those most affected by environment and climate challenges in their area, but only 15 percent of foundation grant money for environmental work goes to grassroots organizations addressing these challenges. Aaron Dorfman, NCRP executive director, urges the charitable funders to change that.
"They've got the freedom to take risks and experiment. Foundations are supposed to be society's 'passing gear,' to really invest in things that might not attract support otherwise. We just don't see that happening."
The report says half of all environmental grants are awarded to large national organizations with budgets of $5 million or more. Sharing the wealth with smaller groups can result in bigger "wins" overall for the environment, says Dorfman.
Read the full article and listen to the interview.
This article also appeared in the Lake Stevens Journal.
