A contentious, years-long fight over a proposed mine next to one of the South’s last truly wild places ended abruptly Friday, when a nonprofit group announced it would spend nearly $60 million to acquire thousands of acres of land near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in rural Georgia. The Conservation Fund, which works around the … Land deal ends controversial mining fight near Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp

Leaning into their ongoing commitment to the strength and well-being of Indigenous communities, the MacArthur Foundation is introducing a new program on Native self-determination. “Indigenous Peoples and their rights, land, and culture are part of the fabric of communities across our country and our world. And yet their perspectives and the issues that impact their … MacArthur Foundation introduces a Native Self-Determination Program

The Heinz Endowments has announced $6 million for the second phase of a special fund aimed at assisting local nonprofit organizations facing challenges due to federal funding and policy changes. This past March, the Endowments distributed $4 million through its Community Partners Fund to help alleviate the impact of federal actions on some of our … Heinz Endowments seeks applicants for Community Partners Fund Phase 2

Today, the National Geographic Society, in collaboration with The Alfred Kobacker and Elizabeth Trimbach Fund, are proud to announce For Nature. Announcement of the new program comes in anticipation of the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity, (May 22). For Nature will support National Geographic Explorer Callie Veelenturf’s vision to advance the Rights … For Nature: A program to continue advancing the Rights of Nature Movement

I was a teenager when the first Earth Days were organized in the early Seventies. Despite fierce worldwide struggles against war, violence, and oppression, environmentalism was animated by optimism. People spoke unironically about peace, love, and harmony as they promoted bicycling, recycling, vegetarianism, river clean-ups, and an end to nuclear testing and weapons. Their efforts catalyzed the global environmental movement and gave rise to changes in policy and practice that we still benefit from today.

On September 12, 2024, Panama established the Saboga National Wildlife Refuge, protecting critical sea turtle habitats in the Pearl Islands. This initiative aligns with Panama’s “Rights of Nature” law, championed by marine biologist Callie Veelenturf, advancing legal protections for nature and endangered species in the region.

“Indigenous knowledge and leadership are at the heart of addressing the biodiversity and climate crisis,” said Erik Stegman, CEO of Native Americans in Philanthropy. “Our Collaborative with the Biodiversity Funders Group demonstrates the power of public-private solutions, leveraging $1.6 million in private funding to unlock over $51 million in public resources for groundbreaking Tribal conservation projects. We’re grateful to our partners in philanthropy and government for working together to remove barriers and develop new models for investment in Tribally-led environmental conservation.”

Renu Mittal is a program officer with the Walton Family Foundation Environment Program’s oceans initiative. Renu’s work supports communities in Chile, Mexico, Peru, Indonesia, and the United States in striving to make fishing the sustainability success story of the 21st century. Read Renu’s article about Elsa Vega, a Peruvian woman who went from fish processor to boat owner to industry leader and activist, all while breaking barriers for women in a male-dominated realm.

Oak Foundation recently announced comprehensive scoping studies that explore opportunities that exist for philanthropic partnership in the Global South. These studies offer a treasure trove of information, including detailed philanthropic landscape analyses, profiles of prospective partners, and essential principles and practices for effective support.

Leah Penniman is interviewed on The Heinz Endowments’ “We Can Be” podcast. “We Can Be” explores candid conversations about the big issues of the day with some of the most accomplished, caring and action-oriented individuals in the social change arena.