As Government is Poised to Cut EPA Budget, 1% for the Planet Invites Individual Membership to Grow Support for Environment
BURLINGTON, Vt., Mar. 22 / - Even in the best of times, government support for the environment is inadequate. Moreover, total U.S. philanthropy allocated to the environment is currently stuck at a mere 3%, and both the political power and resources to address environmental issues are poised to decline markedly. 1% for the Planet is launching Individual Membership to increase environmental giving. Now, for the first time in the organization’s 15-year history, individuals can become a part of the 1% for the Planet movement by giving 1% of their annual salary or net worth to vetted environmental nonprofits.
1% for the Planet, a global organization, accelerates smart environmental giving by bringing businesses—and now individuals—together to support approved environmental nonprofits, amplifying their impact on the most pressing issues facing the planet. Since its start in 2002, the 1% for the Planet network has given more than $150 million to environmental nonprofits.
“Everyone, everywhere, has the power to have a positive impact on the health of our planet; and our planet needs us now more than ever,” said Kate Williams, CEO, 1% for the Planet. “We’re thrilled to invite individuals to join our global movement for the first time as members. We look forward to supporting individual members alongside our business members, ensuring that all 1% donations will have a meaningful impact.”
According to Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, Inc., co-founder of 1% for the Planet, and—now—a Founding Individual Member: “We founded 1% for the Planet to encourage businesses to support environmental activism. Because of the success of the business concept, many people requested that membership be opened up to individuals—not just businesses. I’m very proud to be among the first to join as an Individual Member.”
In addition to Chouinard and 1% for the Planet co-founder Craig Mathews, Founding Individual Members range from millennials to millionaires. The organization hopes that their collective passion to protect the planet and their desire to act will inspire and anchor this growing movement.
1% for the Planet is a proven and trusted model that takes the guesswork out of environmental giving. The organization has helped thousands of business members develop giving strategies by advising, researching, and recommending environmental nonprofits that best align with member goals. 1% for the Planet uses a screening process to vet all nonprofits in its network—reviewing charitable status, environmental focus, and transparency of mission delivery. The organization ensures that donated dollars fuel real positive impacts in areas of broad public interest including climate, food, land, water, wildlife, and pollution.
Anyone can join through 1% for the Planet’s simple online platform at any time. Individual Members will then have until the end of the calendar year to choose which nonprofit partners to support with their 1% donations. 1% for the Planet is available to provide ongoing support to Individual Members—answering questions, identifying nonprofit partners, and providing access to strategic giving resources. To learn more about Individual Membership, get to know the Founding Members, or to join this global movement, visit www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/individuals.
About 1% for the Planet
1% for the Planet is a global organization that connects dollars and doers to address the most pressing issues facing our planet. We are a network of more than 1,200 member businesses, numerous individuals, and thousands of nonprofit partners in more than 40 countries. Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, our members have given more than $150 million to environmental nonprofits.
For more information about 1% for the Planet, please visit onepercentfortheplanet.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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