Our History: 1997
In its third year, the foundation focused on new tools in both its grantmaking and its own analyses. To deepen its understanding of the region's endangered ecosystems, we began a multi-year investment in an assessment of the region, using the science of conservation biology. This investment grew into a tool to help grantmakers throughout the Northwest to identify critical ecosystems.
Although environmental advocates often argue for protection of natural resources based on science, we recognize the power of economics in influencing public opinion and the decisions of government officials. Thus, the foundation began to identify tools that would enable advocates to better understand and communicate about the region's economy. We found some of the most compelling work on these issues to be that of Tom Power, economics department chair at the University of Montana in Missoula. We began disseminating this work as a part of our service to the community of environmental activists in our region.
Grantmaking Highlights
The 1996 elections brought new leadership and a renewed interest in opening Alaska's Arctic Refuge to drilling and development. The foundation gave grants designed to raise public awareness of the importance of protecting the Refuge to groups like the Alaska Wilderness League. The foundation convened fellow grantmakers to discuss how our general support and public education-oriented grants could further protect this national treasure. This effort led to a multi-year endeavor, which continues today, and an unprecedented level of collaboration among foundations and grantees working toward a common goal.
The foundation invested in another new organization, TREC (Training Resources for the Environmental Community), which established a fundraising training program for conservation organizations in the region. TREC was seeded and inspired by the Wilburforce Foundation and is now exclusively funded by them. It remains one of the most vital service providers for the area's conservation community.