It was with significant hope and joy I read the recent Special Report in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, March 2024 edition - Power Shift. The next generation of high-profile donors don't give to universities and hospitals, it said. 🙂 😀 Instead they are much more likely to give to the environment and social justice. Wow, that is hopeful news for some environmental nonprofits who, according to statistics, already only see 4% of philanthropic giving.
While I definitely see "social justice" receiving increased significant support in Michigan, I can't say the environment is...yet. That is unless your work is perceived to impact water quality, specially the Great Lakes, yet most of the water that reaches a Great Lake falls onto soil...not other water. Did you know 60% of the remaining sensitive ecosystems, forests, creeks and pollinator habitat in SE Michigan is in private hands? 60%! Conservation Easements protect private land forever, eliminating impervious surfaces, storing carbon, creating wildlife corridors, ensuring our pollinators and song birds thrive, and bonus...that land stays on the tax rolls while we partner with landowners on conservation practices. In my short 5 years working in the land trust world I have watched 3 Michigan-based foundations stop accepting grant requests for land protection due to programmatic giving priority changes. Clearly the need is great if we hope to counter the climate trends, habitat loss and improve water quality. So you next generation of high-worth philanthropists in Michigan, take some time to talk with your local land trust. #Legacylandconservancy.
Sustainable Materials Management Program Director | TRUE Zero Waste Advisor
9moWhy do I think NY just created a mandatory organics waste diversion law to also be doing this? What am I missing?