Environment
We believe it is critical to protect and restore the Great Lakes and take bold action to avert the catastrophic risks from climate change for generations to come.
Our environmental grantmaking strategy encompasses two Lead Pursuits: the Great Lakes and Climate. Both intersect powerfully in the Midwest, which is home to one-fifth of the world’s surface freshwater and the source of roughly 30% of U.S. climate-warming gases.
GREAT LAKES Focus Areas
Improving Water Quality
Investing in solutions that reduce water pollution threats from wastewater treatment, stormwater management, industrial activity, and agricultural runoff.
Protecting Habitat
Investing in conservation programs that plan, fund, and implement protection and restoration in high-priority Lake Michigan watershed locations.
Advancing Great Lakes Policy
Advocating for increased funding and stronger regulations for the Great Lakes at the federal, state, and local level.
CLIMATE Focus Areas
Clean & Efficient Energy
Reducing emissions from the use of fossil fuels by investing in the just transition to clean energy and increasing energy efficiency in buildings.
Agriculture & Food
Minimizing emissions from the agricultural and food systems by reducing food waste and improving farming practices.
Climate & Environmental Justice
Investing in the capacity of environmental and climate justice efforts to achieve more equitable environmental outcomes that benefit all people.
Additional Commitments
Through the Environment portfolio, we also maintain commitments supporting environmental conservation and action in and around Chicago as well as forest health and wildfire prevention work in the Western United States related to improving water quality.
