Our History: 2005
Autumn sunrise in the Sawtooth Wilderness. Photo © Patrick Stoll patrickstoll.comThe foundation's internal evaluation that started in 2004 prepared us to ask tough questions about how to be more effective. Overall, the evaluators' assessment was positive. They found our grantmaking program successful and the work of our grantees top-notch.
However, the evaluation research firm also noted that we could play an expanded role in addressing some pressing needs. These included:
- Enhanced collaboration between environmental organizations and funders,
- Better strategic messaging when communicating with key audiences,
- Involvement of new community partners, and
- Greater emphasis on state and community-oriented opportunities.
Our board, advisors and staff took to heart these observations and recommendations as we began development of a new strategic plan for the foundation. Along with this strategic planning work, we continued with our grantmaking in endangered ecosystems and communications and capacity-building to bolster the work of key grantees.
Grantmaking Highlights
Our appreciation for its leadership in fostering the collaborative Priorities for a Healthy Washington prompted us to award the Washington Environmental Council with a two-year general support grant emphasizing implementation of the group's new strategic plan and embracing a strategic role for conservation in the state.
Advocates for the West exercises its legal skills to promote conservation in public land management. In 2005, we supported its efforts to protect and restore endangered ecosystems in Idaho by preventing livestock grazing on sensitive public lands and protecting old growth habitat from clearcutting.
Our vision for healthy ecosystems in Oregon led us to support Oregon Natural Resources Council and its efforts to protect and restore the state's wildlands, wildlife and waters.