Funding helps youth and young adults to be environmentally stewards
GIG HARBOR (Wash., March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Russell Family Foundation(TRFF), announced 32 grants totaling $779,550Its Environmental Education portfolio will increase access to approximately 119,000 youth and young adult to outdoor environmental learning opportunities in Puget Sound.
The grants awarded to 32 community organizations provide support for in-person programming, including maritime and ecology lessons, sailingboat voyages, overnight camps, summer internship programs, and support for other initiatives such as summer internships, maritime and ecology lessons and overnight camps. Multiple grantees are also focused on expanding programming to low-income and BIPOC communities. These organizations serve youth in Pierce, Jefferson, Kitsap, KingThurston and Thurston Counties
TRFF CEO, said that environmental education remains a priority area for the Foundation to prioritize when it grants. Kathleen Simpson. “We look forward seeing these young people become stewards for the environment and champion our shared values in a sustainable future.”
Each grantee has their own strategies for supporting and encouraging environmental responsibility.
“We are inspired and motivated by the efforts of these community organisations to connect youth with nature,” said Fabiola GreenawaltTRFF Program Officer. “Each organization has its own approach and commitment to experiential learning.
Here are the details for each grant:
Braided Seeds, $12,000
Braided Seeds is an organization that is Black-centered and aims to remove barriers for BIPOC communities to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The funding will be used to pay for its 2022 Reclamation Trips, summer internship program, and other costs.
Camp Fire Central Puget Sound, $20,000
Camp Fire Central’s Outdoor Education Program offers outdoor experiences for children living in the Puget Sound Region. This grant will help staff and seasonal naturalists at Camp Sealth in Washington. Vashon IslandSchools can also be supported to bring youth to overnight camping experiences, which is a cost-saving option for many students who otherwise might not be able. They help children develop leadership, confidence, and social skills through outdoor education programs.
Camp Solomon Schechter, $7,500
Camp Solomon Schechter provides environmental education in elementary schools throughout the Pacific Northwest. This grant will pay for the Youth Mentor Training Program, which prepares high school students to mentor elementary school students at Camp Solomon. It provides hands-on lessons on ecology, team building and leadership. Thurston County youth.
Puget Sound Voyaging Society – Community Boat Project, $25,000
The Community Boat Project is an alliance that aims to strengthen communities by providing mentorship and job training for youth. This grant will be used to support the general operations of its Voyaging/Sailor Scientist and Community Builders programs, as well as Shelter from The Storm.
Ocean Foundation fiscally sponsors Deep Green Wilderness, $20,000
Deep Green Wilderness is committed towards achieving meaningful change in the environment, community, and future. This grant will support their general operations as well as provide scholarships for youth. King, Pierce, Jefferson, KitsapParticipation by countries in summer voyages aboard the Orion’s sailboat, Orion.
Environmental Science Center, $25,000
The Environmental Science Center is a collaboration of diverse communities that promotes environmental stewardship and academic achievement through science based education. The grant will be used to support youth leadership programs, stewardship, education and experiential learning in the south. King County.
Foss Waterway Seaport, $80,000
Foss Waterway Seaport has one mission: to celebrate Tacoma’smaritime heritage. This grant will support the Seaport’s partnership with the Seaport in addition to their year-round programs. TacomaSchool District to implement Science of the Sea program that increases students’ understanding of marine science and environmental science. It also teaches them how to coexist with the marine environments in which they live.
Friends of North Creek Forest, $25,000
Friends of North Creek Forests was established with the mission of preserving and improving the ecological function of North Creek Forest by education, stewardship and conservation in perpetuity. The funding will be used to support a variety operating costs including student-led projects, equipment for lessons, and stipends for education interns.
Garden Raised Bounty, $20,000
GRuB is a non-profit organization that works at a crossroads of education, food and health to create healthy food, people, communities, and food. The funds will be used to support the general operation of their GroundED youth program, which is a partnership between GRuB & Capital Region Educational Service District 113. It engages diverse youth in Thurston County.
Great Peninsula Conservancy, $30,000
Great Peninsula Conservancy, a non-profit land trust, is dedicated to protecting the natural habitats and rural landscapes of the Great Peninsula region in the West Puget Sound. The grant will help fund its Land Lab sites that engage the public. Kitsap CountyMiddle school students learn about environmental science through projects.
IslandWood, $25,000
IslandWood is an environmental education non-profit that promotes innovative education. They offer a variety of immersive programs in the Puget Sound area. Funds will be used to support environmental programs for youth, including school overnight programs and summer camps.
Northwest Natural Resource Group, $12,500
Northwest Natural Resources Group works closely with landowners to improve forest health across western Canada WashingtonAnd Oregonto promote “ecological forestry”. The grant will help them partner with Camp Waskowitz, an outdoor education camp in Highline School District, to provide youth with environmental education outside of urban centers.
Northwest Youth Corps, $20,500
Northwest Youth Corps’ mission it to provide opportunities for youth, young adults, and their families to learn and grow. Funding will support the Sound to Summit program (S2S), as well as their partnership with Metro Parks and Tacoma Public School District. TacomaSouth Puget Sound environmental stewardship for teens and adults
Pacific Education Institute, $33,120
The Pacific Education Institute has been working for almost two decades to promote civil and scientific literacy, and deepen student engagement through real world science outdoors. Students who participate in the Youth Engaged Sustainable Systems (YESS) will receive stipends. Courses that focus on green economy workforce skills. This partnership includes the Highline School district and Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust.
Port Townsend Marine Science Center, $25,000
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center provides programs for youth that enable them to have first-hand experiences in the marine environment. This grant will help students participate in outdoor activities and programs. JeffersonAnd Kitsap counties.
Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, $25,000
The Puget Soundkeeper Alliance is the first and only organization that focuses exclusively on stopping water pollution in the Puget Sound Basin. Funding will be used to support the partnership between Puget Soundkeeper Alliance (UTB) and Unleash the Brilliance, a youth-mentorship organisation, to create a paid internship program for UTB’s Youth Leaders. The program will use Springbrook Creek to provide an outdoor learning environment.
Sea Potential, $20,000
Sea Potential has a mission to create a full circle of BIPOC representation in maritime industry. Through healing activities and ocean justice conversations, funding will encourage youth appreciation and connection with the marine ecosystem. Pierce CountyAnd South King County.
SHADOW, $3,000
SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve is located in South King CountyIt acquires and restores land that is critical to the protection and preservation of endangered wildlife habitat. The Nature Preserve will provide funding for environmental education programs that engage youth.
South Sound Estuary Association, $12,230
The Puget Sound Estuarium created the South Sound Estuary Association because of community interest in providing opportunities for the public learn more about Puget Sound. The funding will be used to support Thurston youth on educational field trips. PierceThere are many marine and estuary topics that cover the counties.
Summer Search, $30,000
Summer search SeattleIt is one of five sites in the country that support young people to succeed and become financially independent adults with a strong sense if purpose in life. Funding will be used to support their Experiential Outdoor summer program in the Olympic and North Cascade National Parks.
Trout Unlimited, $22,000
Trout Unlimited brings together people with diverse interests to help restore streams and rivers so that children can enjoy the wild and native salmon and trout. Two positions will be funded to coordinate the Lake Sammamish STEAM Connections program that engages diverse economic and cultural demographics.
University of Washington Botanic Gardens, $20,000
Through a variety of experiential learning opportunities, UW Botanic Gardens engages with families and children about environmental issues and the natural realm. This grant will provide internship stipends to high school students, and will also fund an internship coordinator position in the Inclusive Pathways program for environmental leadership.
University of Washington Foundation – Mount Rainier Institute, $30,000
Mount Rainier Institute is an outdoor school for students in grades 5-12.ThGrades, specifically for the Puget Sound region and Mount Rainier region. The funding will be used to support the day and overnight programs that serve participants from traditional schools, families, and homeschool groups.
Vashon Nature Centre, $22,500
Vashon’s mission at Vashon is to create transformative natural experiences that benefit their island, the Salish Sea, and surrounding region through community science and education. Vashon Nature Centre’s staff will be able to pay for program expenses and to provide programs to students. Vashon IslandAll the way beyond.
Washington Outdoor School Consortium WashingtonEducation of the school principal, $24,000
The Washington Outdoor School Consortium consists of a group of educational institutions. WashingtonOutdoor school providers that aim to reduce barriers to students having access to high-quality programs. Funding will be used to support a variety of coalition activities, including convening summits and providing and maintaining technology infrastructure that allows for contact management.
Washington Trails Association, $25,000
Washington Trails Association (WTA), mobilizes hikers, and anyone who loves the outdoors, to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands. This funding will be used to support the Outdoor Leadership Training Program at WTA. Pierce CountySouth Puget Sound region – empowering youth group leaders and teachers with the skills and resources to lead young people in safe, fun outdoor experiences.
WaYa Outdoor Institute, $25,000
Wa-Ya Outdoor Institute, a Native women-led organisation, provides youth with outdoor skills, environmental science, Tribal knowledge, and Tribal knowledge to maintain a connection with the natural world. Funding will cover training costs and stipends to youth interns during summer programming, as well as additional expenses like supplies.
Western Washington University Foundation(SEA Discovery Center)., $25,000
The SEA Discovery Center is an educational resource that was established by the community to serve the community. It has a long history. These funds will be used to pay staff to deliver programs for fifth- and sixth graders. Kitsap CountySchools for the public and tribal.
Wild Society, $25,000
Wild Society is an international nonprofit organization. Kitsap CountyTo foster wonder and belonging in nature. The funding will be used to fund general operations as well as programs for outdoor experiences.
World Relief Seattle, $25,000
As Washington’sWorld Relief Seattle, the largest refugee resettlement and services organization, works with immigrants and refugees. The funding will be used to support paid youth internships, which allow refugee youth to combine sustainability training and place-based environmental service learning at a community gardening.
YMCA of Greater Seattle Camp & Outdoor Leadership, $40,000
The YMCA’s vision is to promote community and individual resilience. YMCA’s Earth Service Corps will be able to offer programming to 1,000 youth. It will provide them with the opportunity to play a direct role in creating a healthier environment for their schools and communities, as well as fostering a respect for the natural world.
YMCA of Pierce & Kitsap Counties $25,000
The YMCA has a long history of serving the communities and people surrounding it. PierceAnd Kitsap counties. This funding will help support general operations of Outdoor Environmental Education, which will serve approximately 5,000 young people from around the country. Kitsap, Pierce, KingAnd Thurston Counties.
Visit www.RussellFamilyFoundation.org for more information about its Environmental Education Program. www.trff.org/environmental-education/.
About The Russell Family Foundation
Founded by George and Jane RussellThe Russell Family Foundation (TRFF), provides an opportunity for extended families to make a positive, quiet impact on the community through The Russell Family Foundation. TRFF invests in community causes to fund local, regional, or global change. This includes resources for grassroots leaders, sustainability, and peace. All of their work is guided by their values of honesty, mutual trust and constructive communication, lifelong learning, courage, and integrity. TRFF is a place-based organization with a focus on the Puget Sound Region. Pierce County, WA.For more information, please visit www.trff.org.
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