Environmental Grant FAQs

Previous Environmental Grants Awarded

Previous Environmental Grants Awarded

2007 Environmental Grants

Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities: $20,000
www.sensiblepriorities.org
Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities’ mission is to change U.S. budget priorities to reflect a national commitment to education, healthcare, energy independence, job training and deficit reduction – at no additional taxpayer expense – by eliminating funding for unneeded Cold War era weapons systems. This grant supports a Climate Change project which Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities is helping to sponsor.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund: $5,000
www.clcveducationfund.org
California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund is dedicated to improving the quality of the environment for all Californians. Their programs elevate the importance of environmental issues by educating Californians and involving them in the democratic process. In addition, they build the capacity of environmental organizations by developing and providing tools and resources to help them more effectively protect the environment. This grant supports the Central Valley Air Quality (CVAQ) Coalition’s 2007 Action Day.
Why we supported: The CVAQ Action Day provides an opportunity for Valley residents to make their concerns heard in Sacramento.

Californians for Pesticide Reform: $20,000
www.pesticidereform.org
Founded in 1996, Californians for Pesticide Reform's (CPR) mission is to improve and protect public health, sustainable agriculture, and environmental quality by building a movement across California that changes statewide pesticide policies and practices. This funding supports CPR’s Safe Air for Everyone Campaign, which seeks to reduce and phase-out significant sources of airborne pesticides throughout California.
Why we supported: Pesticide drift is a significant component of the San Joaquin Valley's air pollution problems, which the Foundation has identified as a funding priority. CPR is a prior grant recipient.

Central Valley Air Quality (CVAQ) Coalition: $20,000
www.calcleanair.org
The Central Valley Air Quality (CVAQ) Coalition, a project of the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment, was officially formed in 2003. CVAQ is a partnership of more than 75 community, medical, public health, environmental and environmental justice organizations, of which the Kirsch Foundation is a member. The mission of CVAQ is to work toward awareness, act as a watchdog, advocate for policy, and mobilize communities to create clean air in the San Joaquin Valley, and to ensure that all communities, of all races, cultures, class or creed, have the opportunity to be involved in the policy development and regulatory processes improving regional health. This funding supports a contract with a legislative lobbyist or firm in Sacramento to advance CVAQ’s priority legislation.
Why we supported: Given that governments, through laws and regulations, significantly determine the amount and type of progress that is made to address air quality, the Kirsch Foundation supports lobbying grants.

Conservation International: $2,000
www.conservation.org
Conservation International (CI) applies innovations in science, economics, policy and community participation to protect the Earth's richest regions of plant and animal diversity in the biodiversity hotspots, high-biodiversity wilderness areas as well as important marine regions around the globe. CI believes that Earth's natural heritage must be maintained if future generations are to thrive spiritually, culturally and economically.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

The Coral Reef Alliance: $2,000
www.coralreefalliance.org
The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is dedicated to protecting the health of coral reefs by integrating ecosystem management, sustainable tourism, and community partnerships. CORAL works with communities to identify and solve conservation challenges; changes attitudes and behavior through education and training; provides resources to strengthen conservation efforts; and creates incentives for sustainable tourism. This grant is for general support.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Environment California Research & Policy Center: $8,000
www.environmentcalifornia.org
Environment California Research & Policy Center draws on over 30 years of experience tackling the state's worst environmental problems. This grant will support the generation of statewide news coverage about the Central Valley’s air quality crisis.
Why we supported: Generating statewide news coverage will help support the Valley’s efforts to clean its air beyond its own air basin. Environment California Research & Policy Center is a prior grant recipient.

Fresno Metro Ministry: $20,000
www.fresnometroministry.org
Founded in 1970, Fresno Metro Ministry (Metro) works to create a more respectful, compassionate and inclusive community that promotes social and economic justice. This grant will support Metro’s Environmental Health program.
Why we supported: Metro has been a leading San Joaquin Valley-based entity advocating for clean air legislation, and continues to be a leader in regional air quality efforts. Metro is a prior grant recipient.

Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice: $20,000
www.greenaction.org
Founded in 1997, Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice’s mission is to mobilize community power to win victories that change government and corporate practices to protect the health of communities and promote environmental justice. This grant will support Greenaction’s Kings County Environmental Health and Justice program, which seeks to ensure that Kings County’s most vulnerable residents are informed and active in shaping the policies and decision-making processes that effect air quality and their health.
Why we supported: Greenaction and its staff have a history of working closely, respectfully and effectively with many San Joaquin Valley communities. This program will work towards improved air quality and environmental justice in the Valley by focusing on building new grassroots leadership in a particular region that is facing a number of projects with significant negative environmental impacts.

Latino Issues Forum: $20,000
www.lif.org
Established in 1987, Latino Issues Forum (LIF) is nonprofit public policy and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing new and innovative public policy solutions for a better, more equitable and prosperous society. This grant will support LIF’s policy agenda that seeks to improve the air quality in the San Joaquin Valley.
Why we supported: LIF remains the only statewide Latino-based organization that works on environmental issues in California, and brings the much-needed Latino perspective to the San Joaquin Valley’s air quality fight. LIF is a prior grantee.

League of Conservation Voters: $5,000
www.lcv.org
The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is the independent political voice for the environment. To secure the environmental future of our planet, LCV’s mission is to advocate for sound environmental policies and to elect pro-environmental candidates who will adopt and implement such policies. This grant is for general operating support.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

League of Conservation Voters Education Fund: $5,000
www.lcveducation.org
Through innovative programs, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Education Fund creates winning strategies that yield both short-term policy victories and long-term change. Since 1996, its training, technology, research and public education programs have directly strengthened the capacity of more than 500 environmental and other progressive organizations in 30 states, and its non-partisan voter participation programs have helped mobilize millions of members of environmental groups through direct voter contact, absentee ballot enrollment, ballot initiatives, and on-the-ground partnerships with allied groups. This grant supports “The Heat Is On” campaign.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Merced/Mariposa County Asthma Coalition: $20,000
www.mmcac.com
Founded in 1997 as a grassroots organization by a group of local healthcare providers, the Merced/Mariposa County Asthma Coalition (MMCAC) seeks to control asthma through awareness and education. This grant supports MMCAC continuing efforts to reduce air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley through education and outreach.
Why we supported: Fighting for cleaner air in the San Joaquin Valley remains a Foundation priority.

Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ): $500
www.sej.org
The mission of the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) is to advance public understanding of environmental issues by improving the quality, accuracy, and visibility of environmental reporting. Towards that end, SEJ provides critical support to journalists of all media in their efforts to cover complex issues of environment responsibly. Through combined efforts of board, staff, members, and appropriate partners, SEJ offers unique educational programs and services for working journalists, educators, and students. SEJ also acts to raise awareness among editors, news managers, publishers, and other key decision-makers in the media on the value and importance of environmental news reporting.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Sustainable Valley Foundation: $1,000
www.svlg.org
The Sustainable Valley Foundation is the foundation arm of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG), whose vision is to ensure the economic health and a high quality of life in Silicon Valley for the entire community by advocating for comprehensive regional transportation, reliable energy, and a sustainable environment among its initiatives. This grant supports a plug-in hybrid automobile initiative.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

2006 Environmental Grants

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2005 Environmental Grants

American Lung Association of California: $16,250
www.californialung.org
The American Lung Association of California (ALAC) works to prevent lung disease and to promote lung health. Since 1904, ALAC has been fighting lung disease through education, community service, advocacy and research. This grant will support ALAC's efforts to replace older, dirty diesel school buses in the San Joaquin Valley with cleaner, newer models.
Why we supported: Diesel exhaust is a serious public health threat. The San Joaquin Valley is home to the second largest concentration of pre-1977 school buses in the state.

California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund: $15,000
www.clcveducationfund.org
Established in 1996, the CLCV Education Fund (Ed Fund) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based advocacy organization that works to empower people with the political information and leadership skills they need to improve the health of their communities and the environment. It is the 501(c)3 arm of the California League of Conservation Voters, a 501(c)4 organization. This funding includes the following grants:

• $10,000 to support environmental justice forums to be held in the San Joaquin Valley in 2005.
  
• $5,000 to support the CVAQ coalition's 2nd annual Lobby Day (2005).
  

Why we supported: The environmental justice forums will help arm community members, activists, and organizations in the San Joaquin Valley with the information needed to mobilize grassroots support for air quality improvements, while the CVAQ Lobby Day provides an opportunity for Valley residents to make their concerns heard in Sacramento. The Education Fund is a prior grant recipient.

California State Parks Foundation: $1,000
www.calparks.org
The California State Parks Foundation is an independent non-profit membership organization dedicated to protecting, enhancing and advocating for California state parks. This grant provides support for educational and outreach programs.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

Californians for Pesticide Reform: $25,500
www.pesticidereform.org
Founded in 1996, Californians for Pesticide Reform's (CPR) mission is to improve and protect public health, sustainable agriculture, and environmental quality by building a movement across California that changes statewide pesticide policies and practices. This funding includes the following grants:

• $25,000 to support CPR's Safe Air for Everyone Campaign, which seeks to reduce and phase-out significant sources of airborne pesticides throughout California.
  
• $500 to support the SB 879 Lobby Day. SB 879 is the Pesticide Safety Enforcement Act, authored by State Senator Martha Escutia (D-Montebello).
  

Why we supported: Pesticide drift is a significant component of the San Joaquin Valley's air pollution problems, which the Foundation has identified as a funding priority. CPR is a prior grant recipient.

Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment: $17,500
www.crpe-ej.org
For over 15 years, the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment (CRPE) has worked to build strong environmental leaders in poor rural communities. This grant will support the CRPE’s San Joaquin Valley Air Quality Project, which combines grassroots organizing and advocacy with litigation.
Why we supported: The Center has extensive experience in successful advocacy and litigation in the San Joaquin Valley, and will continue to work with a broad range of community groups fighting for cleaner air. This is our second grant to CRPE.

Central California Environmental Justice Network: $10,000
Founded in 2000, the Central California Environmental Justice Network (CCEJN) is a grassroots organization that serves as the hub of environmental justice activism in the Central Valley. CCEJN works to educate and empower communities, especially rural communities, to advocate for themselves by providing them with technical assistance and resources. This grant will support the 4th Central Valley Environmental Justice Conference, currently scheduled for spring 2006.
Why we supported: CCEJN’s conferences are a key mechanism for geographically isolated environmental justice activists and environmentally impacted communities in the Central Valley to stay educated, connected, and networked.

Conservation International: $10,750
www.conservation.org
Conservation International's mission is to conserve the Earth's living natural heritage, our global biodiversity, and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature. This funding includes the following grants:

• $8,750 to support the 2005 annual dinner
  
• $2,000 for general operating support.
  

Why we supported: These are discretionary grants recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

Earthjustice: $25,000
www.earthjustice.org
Founded in 1971, Earthjustice is a non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting the magnificent places, natural resources, and wildlife of this earth and to defending the right of all people to a healthy environment. This grant will support Earthjustice's California Air Quality Campaign, which includes air quality litigation at the regional and state level, with a special emphasis on the San Joaquin Valley's air pollution problems.
Why we supported: Litigation is a key tool in ensuring the implementation of strict clean air programs in California. Earthjustice has successfully represented numerous clients, both in the San Joaquin Valley and statewide. This represents our fifth grant to Earthjustice.

Environmental Defense: $15,000
www.environmentaldefense.org
Environmental Defense (ED) is a leading national nonprofit organization representing more than 400,000 members. Since 1967, it has linked science, economics and law to create innovative, equitable and cost-effective solutions to society’s most urgent environmental problems. This grant funds the time and travel of a transportation and land use planning expert to assist the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District as it develops Indirect Source Review (ISR) rules.
Why we supported: The San Joaquin Valley is expected to lead California in population growth and development. Without strong ISR rules in place, this growth will generate considerable air pollution increases in a region already ranked first in the nation for ozone violations. ED is a prior grant recipient.

Fresno Metro Ministry: $17,500
www.fresnometroministry.org
Founded in 1970, Fresno Metro Ministry (Metro) works to create a more respectful, compassionate and inclusive community that promotes social and economic justice. This grant will support Metro’s Environmental Health program.
Why we supported: Metro has been a leading Valley-based entity advocating for clean air legislation, and continues to be a leader in regional air quality efforts. This is our second grant to Metro.

Latino Issues Forum: $10,000
www.lif.org
Established in 1987, Latino Issues Forum (LIF) is nonprofit public policy and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing new and innovative public policy solutions for a better, more equitable and prosperous society. This grant will support LIF’s policy agenda that seeks to improve the air quality in the San Joaquin Valley.
Why we supported: LIF remains the only statewide Latino-based organization that works on environmental issues in California, and brings the much-needed Latino perspective to the San Joaquin Valley’s air quality fight. This is our second grant to LIF.

Medical Advocates for Healthy Air: $10,000
Founded and based in Fresno, California, by the local medical community, Medical Advocates for Healthy Air (MAHA) has been a part of the Valley air quality movement since 2000. This grant will support MAHA’s participation in the Coalition Campaign to Protect Public Health in the Central Valley, a collaboration among The Sierra Club, Latino Issues Forum, MAHA, and Earthjustice.
Why we supported: The Valley’s air quality crisis has led to epidemic asthma and other disease rates, especially in children. The medical/public health community in the San Joaquin Valley continues to advocate for strong air quality improvements in response to these epidemic rates.

Natural Resources Defense Council: $10,600
www.nrdc.org
For over 30 years, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has used law, science, and the support of more than 500,000 members nationwide to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places, and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things. This funding includes the following grants:

• $10,000 to support NRDC’s California Dump Dirty Diesel Campaign, which currently seeks to reduce diesel emissions from the ports of California.
  
• $600 for NRDC's 35th anniversary event.
  

Why we supported: NRDC's work, especially as it relates to California air quality, is consistent with the Foundation's environmental agenda. NRDC is a prior grant recipient.

The Sierra Club: $25,000
www.sierraclub.org
Founded in 1892, The Sierra Club works to protect our communities and the planet. The Club is America’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization. This grant will support The Sierra Club’s participation in the Coalition Campaign to Protect Public Health in the Central Valley – a collaboration among The Sierra Club, Latino Issues Forum, Medical Advocates for Healthy Air, and Earthjustice – primarily through the hiring of a Valley-based staff person.
Why we supported: The Valley’s expanding clean air movement is in need of additional staffing. In addition to The Sierra Club’s existing member base in the Valley which has been active in garnering media attention on the Valley’s air quality crisis, an additional Valley-based staff person will help organize clean air efforts/activities in the Valley.

Southeast Asian Institute for Advancement: $8,900
Founded in February 2004, the Southeast Asian Institute for Advancement (SAIFA) seeks to promote economic and social justice for the Southeast Asian community in the San Joaquin Valley through leadership training, education, and civic participation. This grant will support SAIFA’s Southeast Asian Education Project, which will conduct educational outreach to the Hmong, Lao, Mien and Vietnamese farmers in the Valley whom have not been adequately informed on issues related to air quality, as well as represent and engage the broader Southeast Asian community on air quality improvement efforts.
Why we supported: As the second largest minority group in the Valley, it is imperative that the Southeast Asian population is educated and engaged in air quality efforts, especially given the high percentage of Southeast Asians employed in agriculture in this region of the state.

Union of Concerned Scientists: $25,000
www.ucsusa.org
Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), founded in 1969, is an independent, nonprofit alliance of 100,000 concerned citizens and scientists across the country. The group augments rigorous scientific analysis with innovative thinking and committed citizen advocacy to build a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world. This grant supports UCS’s work to ensure continued progress towards diesel vehicle emission reductions in California.
Why we supported: UCS is one of the preeminent organizations in California spearheading the push for reducing mobile source pollution, a major objective of the Kirsch Foundation, and has proven itself effective over the years. UCS is a prior grant recipient.

World Resources Institute: $1,000
www.wri.org
World Resources Institute (WRI) is an environmental think-tank that provides information, ideas, and solutions to global environmental problems. Its mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect the Earth's environment for current and future generations.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch, in honor of WRI's 25th anniversary.

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2004 Environmental Grants

American Lung Association of San Francisco & San Mateo Counties: $12,500
www.lungusa2.org/sanfrancisco_sanmateo/
Originally founded in 1908 to fight the spread of tuberculosis, the American Lung Association of San Francisco & San Mateo Counties (ALASFSM) now focuses on reducing morbidity and mortality in children and adults with chronic and acute lung disease through education and direct service programs. This grant supports ALASFSM's participation on the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's (BAAQMD) Community Air Risk Evaluation Program (CARE). The CARE program is a new million-dollar program of the BAAQMD to gather data on cumulative air pollution in a variety of communities throughout the Bay Area.
Why we supported: ALASFSM's participation in the CARE program will ensure that the environmental justice perspective is properly represented in the program's implementation.

Bluewater Network: $10,000
www.bluewaternetwork.org
Based in San Francisco, Bluewater Network is an environmental organization aggressively confronting the root causes of climate change and fighting environmental damage from the shipping, oil, and motorized recreation industries. This grant supports Bluewater Network's work to ensure strong implementation of AB 1493, a piece of legislation that the Foundation is actively supporting, and for which it is a prior grantee.
Why we supported: As the organization that originally drafted the legislation later named AB 1493, it has an important part to play in the collaborative effort to create strong implementation of this landmark bill.

California Environmental Rights Alliance: $20,000
www.EnviroRights.org
Founded in January 2003, the California Environmental Rights Alliance (CERA) is dedicated to achieving environmental health and justice in California by improving the quality of environmental decisions and through the empowerment of communities. This grant supports CERA's work with the California Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District to develop and impact policies to reduce mobile source air pollution in California.
Why we supported: CERA is the only organization dedicated to representing environmental justice interests at the state agency level, an emerging interest that has not been prominent in most past clean air efforts.

California League of Conservation Voters: $3,500
www.ecovote.org
The California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) is the non-partisan political action arm of California's environmental movement. CLCV's mission is to protect the environmental quality of the state by increasing public awareness of the environmental performance of all elected officials, working to elect environmentally responsible candidates, and holding them accountable to the environmental agenda once elected. This funding includes the following grants:

• $1,000 for general operating support
  
• $2,500 for the 2004 Environmental Leadership Awards Dinner honoring Senator Byron Sher
  

Why we supported: These are discretionary grants recommended by Steve Kirsch.

California State Parks Foundation: $1,000
www.calparks.org
The California State Parks Foundation is an independent non-profit membership organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing California state parks. This grant provides support for educational and outreach programs.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

Californians Against Waste Foundation: $25,000
www.cawrecycles.org
Californians Against Waste Foundation (CAWF) was founded in 1984 as a broad-based citizens' organization dedicated to reducing the over-consumption of our planet's natural resources and the destruction of its environment. This grant supports CAWF's efforts to establish a special state fund to help finance the conversion of the more than 12,000 diesel-powered waste vehicles currently operating in the state to alternative fuels.
Why we supported: Diesel emissions comprise the most toxic mobile source emissions, and CAWF has identified a unique opportunity to reduce diesel emissions in California.

Californians for Pesticide Reform: $20,000
www.pesticidereform.org
Founded in 1996, Californians for Pesticide Reform's (CPR) mission is to protect public health, improve environmental quality and expand a sustainable and just agriculture system by building a diverse movement across California that changes statewide pesticide policies and practices. This grant will help CPR bring a legal case against the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for its failure to assess the potential adverse health impacts from airborne pesticide drift as required by law.
Why we supported: Pesticide drift is a significant component of the San Joaquin Valley's air pollution problems, which the Foundation has identified as a funding priority.

Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT): $1,000
www.ceert.org
Founded in 1990, CEERT's mission is to promote public awareness and attainment of the air quality improvement and other public benefits available through increased utilization of energy conservation and nonpolluting electricity generation. This grant will fund a series of meetings between agricultural representatives and air quality advocates in the San Joaquin Valley.
Why we supported: Agricultural activities are responsible for a significant portion of the air quality problem in the San Joaquin Valley; these meetings are meant to open the dialogue between two groups in order to find common ground and to discuss differences.

Center on Race, Poverty, & the Environment: $25,000
www.crpe-ej.org
For over 14 years, the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment has worked to build strong environmental leaders in poor rural communities. This grant will support the Center's San Joaquin Valley Air Quality Project, which combines grassroots organizing and advocacy with litigation.
Why we supported: The Center has over 14 years of successful advocacy and litigation in the San Joaquin Valley, and will continue to work with a broad range of community groups fighting for cleaner air. The Foundation has made it a priority to work in the Central Valley as it is considered to have the worst air quality in the U.S.

Communities for a Better Environment: $10,000
www.cbecal.org
Founded in 1978, Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) is an environmental health and justice nonprofit organization promoting clean air, clean water and the development of toxin-free communities. This funding is for general operating support.
Why we supported: CBE has a successful history of environmental justice grassroots organizing and coalition building. It is a prior grant recipient.

Earthjustice: $25,000
www.earthjustice.org
Founded in 1971, Earthjustice is a non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting the magnificent places, natural resources, and wildlife of this earth and to defending the right of all people to a healthy environment. This grant will support Earthjustice's California Air Quality Campaign, which includes air quality litigation at the regional, state, and federal level, with a special emphasis on the San Joaquin Valley's air pollution problems.
Why we supported: Litigation is a key tool in ensuring the implementation of strict clean air programs. Earthjustice has successfully represented numerous clients, both in the San Joaquin Valley and statewide. This represents our fourth grant to Earthjustice and we are pleased to continue our support of its excellent work.

Environment California Research & Policy Center: $40,000
www.environmentcalifornia.org
Formerly CalPIRG Charitable Trust, Environment California Research & Policy Center draws on 30 years of experience tackling the state's worst environmental problems. This funding includes the following grants:

• $20,000 to help provide the newly elected Governor of California with the research and proposed solutions necessary to achieve his campaign promise to cut air pollution statewide by up to 50%.
  
• $20,000 to generate public pressure on the California Air Resources Board and Governor Schwarzenegger to support strong implementation of AB 1493 (Pavley).
  

Why we supported: Air pollution reduction in California is a primary goal of the Foundation. This organization is a prior grant recipient under its previous name.

Environmental & Energy Study Institute: $10,000
www.eesi.org
Founded in 1984, the Environmental & Energy Study Institute (EESI) is dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable societies. This grant supports EESI’s work to educate policymakers in Washington, DC, about the need to address climate change.
Why we supported: While climate change legislation continues to advance at the state level, the environmental community must continue to advocate at the federal level for meaningful legislation to address climate change.

Environmental Defense: $25,000
www.environmentaldefense.org
Environmental Defense (ED) is a leading national nonprofit organization representing more than 400,000 members. Since 1967, it has linked science, economics and law to create innovative, equitable and cost-effective solutions to society’s most urgent environmental problems. This grant will fund short-term air quality monitoring in the West side of the San Joaquin Valley.
Why we supported: Currently, nearly all of the pollutant monitors in the San Joaquin Valley are located on the East side of the Valley, in the highly populated cities and towns along the Highway 99 corridor. Air quality advocates in the Valley have argued unsuccessfully for years for monitoring in the West side of the Valley. This short-term monitoring project will arm advocates with the data necessary to successfully petition the state and local air district to monitor the West side’s air quality.

Environmental Grantmakers Association: $1,000
www.ega.org
EGA supports member organizations in grantmaking that protects the environment and its inhabitants, and to provide means for them to:

• Connect with, encourage, and challenge one another;
  
• Explore environmental issues and grantmaking; and
  
• Promote, diversify, and expand environmental philanthropy.
  

Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant.

Environmental Law Institute: $10,000
www.eli.org
Established in 1970, the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is a global leader in protecting our environment through law, policy, and management. It is an internationally recognized, independent research and education center that activates a broad constituency of environmental professionals in government, industry, the private bar, public interest groups, and academia. This grant will support ELI's Endangered Environmental Laws Campaign, which will continue to investigate, report on, and respond to the ongoing crisis that is weakening the constitutional underpinnings of our nation's environmental laws.
Why we supported: Although the work supported by this grant does not fall within the funding criteria for the Environmental Grants Program, the Foundation considers it critical that we protect the federal laws that the environmental community uses to protect our air, water and land. We decided to continue to fund ELI due to the urgency posed by the judicial threat to these environmental laws, and the fact that the judiciary is currently the "court of last resort" as both the Executive and Legislative branches are not sympathetic to environmental issues.

Fresno-Madera Medical Society: $10,000
www.fmms.org
Founded in 1883, the Fresno-Madera Medical Society (FMMS) is the oldest organization of professionals in Fresno. Part of the mission of FMMS is to enhance the public's health. This grant supports the printing and distribution of FMMS' educational clean air brochure throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
Why we supported: FMMS seeks to educate San Joaquin Valley residents about the threat to their health from air pollution, as well as what each resident can do to work towards cleaner air. This is consistent with and promotes the Foundation's strategic activities.

Fresno Metro Ministry: $25,000
www.fresnometroministry.org
Founded in 1970, Fresno Metro Ministry works to create a more respectful, compassionate and inclusive community that promotes social and economic justice. This grant will support an additional staff person to organize and coordinate the developing coalition of air quality advocates in and for the San Joaquin Valley.
Why we supported: While environmental health is a relatively new focus area for Metro, the organization has a 30-plus year history of engaging the community in problem-solving, education, and advocacy. Through its extensive community networking efforts, workshops and conferences, task forces, action teams, staff and board, it has established itself as a reputable and trusted entity working for the underserved, and for the greater good of the community, especially as it pertains to health. An additional staff person at Metro will increase the effectiveness of the entire developing air quality coalition in the Valley.

Latino Issues Forum: $15,000
www.lif.org
Established in 1987, the Latino Issues Forum (LIF) is non-profit public policy and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing new and innovative public policy solutions for a better, more equitable and prosperous society. This grant will support Latino Issues Forum's grassroots organizing and advocacy efforts within the Latino community in the San Joaquin Valley targeting the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.
Why we supported: LIF remains the only statewide Latino-based organization that works on environmental issues in California. As this can be viewed as an environmental justice issue, LIF will help engage the Latino community in the Valley in the air quality fight.

Natural Resources Defense Council: $11,000
www.nrdc.org
For over 30 years, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has used law, science, and the support of more than 500,000 members nationwide to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places, and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things. This funding includes the following grants:

• $10,000 to support NRDC's California Dump Dirty Diesel Campaign. Current goals of this campaign are to reduce diesel emissions from school buses and around ports.
  
• $1,000 for the Council of 1000 Leadership Circle matching grant
  

Why we supported: NRDC's work, especially as it relates to California air quality, is consistent with the Foundation's environmental agenda. NRDC is a prior grant recipient.

Sierra Club: $50,000
www.sierraclub.org
The purposes of the Sierra Club are to explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth; to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives. This funding supports the Sierra Club's advocacy activities nationwide to ensure continued strength in our environmental laws and regulations.
Why we supported: This grant, funded through the Foundation's discretionary funds on the recommendation of Steve Kirsch, helps to maintain current, progressive U.S. laws and regulations, consistent with the Foundation's environmental views.

Union of Concerned Scientists: $42,500
www.ucsusa.org
Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), founded in 1969, is an independent, nonprofit alliance of 100,000 concerned citizens and scientists across the country. The group augments rigorous scientific analysis with innovative thinking and committed citizen advocacy to build a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world. This funding includes the following grants:

• $25,000 to support UCS's work to ensure continued progress towards vehicle emission reductions in California from both diesel and gasoline powered vehicles, and to develop a realistic policy roadmap for hydrogen fuel cells.
  
• $17,500 to create a San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Policy Report that will describe the legislative and regional policies being considered to improve air quality in the San Joaquin Valley within the historical context of the region's pollution.
  

Why we supported: UCS is one of the preeminent organizations in California spearheading the push for clean vehicles in California, a major objective of the Kirsch Foundation, and has proven itself effective over the years. It is also well versed in air quality issues and has the capacity to provide a technical and policy-oriented paper on these issues. UCS is a prior grant recipient.

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2003 Environmental Grants

Bluewater Network: $8,000
www.bluewaternetwork.org
Based in San Francisco, Bluewater Network is an environmental organization aggressively confronting the root causes of climate change and fighting environmental damage from the shipping, oil, and motorized recreation industries. This grant supports Bluewater Networks work to ensure strong implementation of AB 1493, a piece of legislation that the Foundation is actively supporting, and for which it is a prior grantee for.
Why we supported: As the organization that originally drafted the legislation later named AB 1493 and is most familiar with the language, Bluewater has an important part to play in the collaborative effort to create strong implementation of this landmark bill.

California Environmental Rights Alliance: $15,000
www.EnviroRights.org
Founded in January 2003, the California Environmental Rights Alliance (CERA) is dedicated to achieving environmental health and justice in California by improving the quality of environmental decisions and through the empowerment of communities. This grant suppurts CERA's work with the California Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District to develop and impact policies to reduce mobile source air pollution in California.
Why we supported: CERA is the only organization dedicated to representing environmental justice interests at the state agency level, an emerging interest that has been overlooked in most past clean air efforts.

CLCV Education Fund: $10,500
www.ecovote.org
Established in 1996, the CLCV Education Fund (Ed Fund) works to make underrepresented voices heard in environmental policymaking. It is a 501(c)3 that works closely with the California League of Conservation Voters, a 501(c)4 that is a prior grant recipient. This grant will support the Ed Fund's media outreach to the Latino community to build support for strong implementation of AB 1493, an important piece of legislation that the Foundation is actively supporting. The Latino caucus' support was essential to AB 1493's passage. The Latino community's continued awareness will be important to ensure strong AB 1493 implementation.
Why we supported: For a relatively small investment, this early outreach has the potential to have great impact. The passage of AB 1493 was a great victory for the environmental community, including the Foundation, and it is important that we protect the success we achieved.

California State Parks Foundation: $1,000
www.calparks.org
The California State Parks Foundation is an independent non-profit membership organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing California state parks. This grant provides support for educational and outreach programs.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT): $25,000
www.ceert.org
CEERT is a nonprofit public-benefit organization founded in 1990 in Sacramento to bring together concerned scientists, environmentalists, public interest advocates and innovative energy technology companies – all of whom share a vision to benefit the environment with sustainable solutions to California's growing appetite for energy. This grant will help CEERT launch a state-wide effort to establish a "polluter pays" program. This program would consist of a mitigation fee of $1 per barrel collected at the refinery gate on each barrel of petroleum refined in California.
Why we supported: This program would generate more than $700 million annually in permanent funding for key programs including expanded support for public transit and clean vehicle incentives; refinery monitoring and cleanup; brownfields cleanup; and diesel pollution mitigation programs such as the popular and under funded Carl Moyer program. The Foundation recognizes the importance of these programs, as well as the urgency to establish a funding source for these programs due to the states financial predicament.

Coalition for Clean Air: $20,000
www.coalitionforcleanair.org
The Coalition for Clean Air (CCA) - founded in 1970 – is dedicated to restoring clean, healthful air to California by advocating responsible public health policy, providing technical and educational expertise, and promoting broad-based community involvement. It is a prior grant recipient. This grant will support CCA's advocacy for heavy-duty diesel pollution reductions in California as well as CCA's work with the growing clean air movement in the Central Valley.
Why we supported: CCA's grant reflects two current areas of focus for the Foundation: To combat diesel pollution statewide in California and to clean up the air in the Central Valley.

Communities for a Better Environment: $25,000
www.cbecal.org
Founded in 1978, Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) is an environmental health and justice non-profit organization promoting clean air, clean water and the development of toxin-free communities. This grant supports CBE's Bay Area Clean Fleet Rules Project, a project to pass regulations by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to require owners of large (15-plus) diesel fleets (both public and private) to phase-in clean fuel, non-diesel vehicles in its nine-county jurisdiction.
Why we supported: The Foundation has a stated interest in promoting alternative fueled-vehicles. If implemented, these rules have the potential to reduce toxic air pollution overall in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Conservation International: $2,750
www.conservation.org
Conservation International's mission is to conserve the Earth's living natural heritage, our global biodiversity, and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature. This funding includes the following grants:

• $1,750 for the Northern California Fundraising Event
  
• $1,000 for annual support
  

Why we supported: These are discretionary grants recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

Earthjustice: $25,000
www.earthjustice.org
Founded in 1971, Earthjustice is a non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting the magnificent places, natural resources, and wildlife of this earth and to defending the right of all people to a healthy environment. While a court victory is an obvious indicator of success, Earthjustice also judges its effectiveness by the extent to which its litigation, policy and media work informs and stimulates public debate and public pressure on politicians to protect our health and natural resources. This grant will support Earthjustice's California Air Quality Campaign, including the promotion and enforcement of the Clean Air Act, and strengthening national regulations that affect air quality standards.
Why we supported: Litigation is an important part of ensuring the implementation of strict clean air programs in the U.S. Earthjustice has represented over 500 clients, including the American Lung Association, Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, Trust for Public Land, and the World Wildlife Fund to name a few. The organization wins a majority of cases it brings and has been a catalyst for significant change in this arena. This represents our third grant and we are pleased to continue our support of its excellent work.

Environmental Law Institute: $20,000
www.eli.org
Established in 1970, the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is a global leader in protecting our environment through law, policy, and management. It is an internationally recognized, independent research and education center that activates a broad constituency of environmental professionals in government, industry, the private bar, public interest groups, and academia. This grant will support ELI's Endangered Environmental Laws Campaign, which will investigate, report on, and respond to the ongoing crisis that is weakening the constitutional underpinnings of our nation's environmental laws.
Why we supported: Although the work supported by this grant does not fall within the funding criteria for the Environmental Grants Program, the Foundation considers it critical that we protect the federal laws that the environmental community uses to protect our air, water and land. We decided to fund ELI due to the urgency posed by the judicial threat to these environmental laws, and the fact that the judiciary is currently the "court of last resort" as both the Executive and Legislative branches are not sympathetic to environmental issues.

League of Conservation Voters: $40,000
www.lcv.org
For over 30 years, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) has been the political voice of the national environmental movement and is the only organization devoted full-time to shaping a pro-environment Congress and White House. This grant will support LCV's campaign to boost the importance of environmental issues in the 2004 election.
Why we supported: Although the work supported by this grant does not fall directly within the funding criteria for the Environmental Grants Program, the Foundation considers it critical that pro-environment candidates be elected to protect and enhance environmental laws at the federal level. We are funding LCV because, without a pro-environmental federal government, other efforts to support environmental activities and legislation are likely to be fruitless.

Natural Resources Defense Council: $25,000
www.nrdc.org
For over 30 years, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has used law, science, and the support of more than 500,000 members nationwide to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places, and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things. NRDC has received prior Kirsch support for its work. This grant will support its efforts to defend legal challenges to AB 1493.
Why we supported: Members of the AB 1493 implementation groups agree that the most immediate need (for funding) is the legal defense of the law from automaker challenges. NRDC is one of the best organizations to handle this activity and it has already begun to incur legal expenses. This grant from the Foundation will significantly help NRDC reach its project goals while also protecting our investment to date in this groundbreaking legislation.

Pew Center on Global Climate Change: $15,000
www.pewclimate.org
Established in 1998, the objective of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change is to educate the public and key policy makers about the causes and potential consequences of climate change, and to encourage the domestic and international community to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. This grant will support the Pew Center's work to educate on, and advocate for, the enactment of policies in the upcoming U.S. Transportation Equity Act (TEA-3) that would lead to significant reductions both in the U.S. transportation sector's greenhouse gas emissions and in U.S. oil dependence.
Why we supported: As possibly the only federal bill to have a potentially pro-environmental outcome, the Foundation recognizes it is important for the environmental community to be proactive and engaged in the TEA-3 reauthorization process.

Planning and Conservation League Foundation: $12,500
www.pcl.org
Founded in 1972, the Planning and Conservation League Foundation (PCLF) aims to protect the California environment through research and education. It is a prior grant recipient. This grant supports PCLF's work to organize environmental justice support for AB 1493 and other clean air measures statewide, with a special emphasis on the Central Valley.
Why we supported: The Foundation has invested much time and effort towards passage of AB 1493, and is currently supporting strong implementation efforts. We are also committed to working with diverse constituencies to ensure adequate attention to the pollution-reduction needs of the Central Valley.

Sierra Club CA: $12,500
www.sierraclub.org/ca/scc/index.asp
Sierra Club California was launched in 1986 as the advocacy arm of California's 13 local Sierra Club chapters, now representing over 200,000 members. The mission of Sierra Club California is to promote the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of California's environment, and enable Club chapters and grassroots activists to speak with one voice to promote California conservation. This grant will support citizen advocacy at the grassroots/Sierra Club chapter level to support key air quality bills during the 2003-2004 legislative session.
Why we supported: The Foundation has a strong commitment to supporting advocacy efforts related to California's air quality.

Surface Transportation Policy Project: $25,000
www.transact.org
Established in 1994, the mission of the Surface Transportation Policy Project (STPP) is to ensure that transportation policy and investments help conserve energy, protect environmental and aesthetic quality, strengthen the economy, promote social equity, and make communities more livable. STPP is the nationally recognized coordinator of the U.S. transportation reform movement. This coalition has helped enact, and successfully defend, the most progressive national transportation laws in modern U.S. history. Through these laws transit funding has doubled to more than $7 billion annually, bike and pedestrian funding has soared from $5 million annually to more than $250 million, regional agencies have secured more control over transportation decision-making, citizen participation has increased and coordination with land use is now required. This grant helps to underwrite STPP's policy development and educational outreach aimed at building strong alliances with climate change advocates. It is expected that these alliances will result in the implementation of a mutually beneficial and effective policy agenda during the next iteration of transportation authorization, the Transportation Equity Act of 2003 (TEA-3).
Why we supported: The transportation sector accounts for 33% of domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. All three federal laws financing transportation assistance (covering air, rail, highways, transit bikes and pedestrians) will be reauthorized in TEA-3, and will dictate how federal transportation funds will be spent over the next six years (2003-2009). STPP intends to make sure these federal laws support community-based outcomes, including clean air and reduced GHG emissions. There is a clear and timely need to bring climate change organizations into the fight for transportation advocacy. Linking these two communities together will strengthen the advocacy needed to use transportation funding to reduce green house gas emissions. STPP is well positioned to bring these two communities together. It is also well respected both on Capitol Hill and in the environmental community.

University of California at Berkeley: $20,000
www.berkeley.edu
This grant will support the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory (RAEL) at the University of California at Berkeley, a unique new research, development, project implementation, and community outreach facility focused on designing, testing, and disseminating renewable and appropriate energy systems. For more information on RAEL, please see http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~rael/. Under the direction of Dr. Daniel M. Kamman, this grant will fund the creation of an important vision or "roadmap" document that will help to guide the planning and implementation of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, in conjunction with distributed power generation and innovative mobility systems, in California.
Why we supported: The Foundation supports the development of hydrogen-based transportation. To reach that goal in an effective and financially efficient way, it is important for California to have guidance and consensus on how to build the necessary infrastructure to support that future. You may download the document, "An Integrated Hydrogen Vision for California," here.

World Resources Institute: $1,000
www.wri.org
World Resources Institute (WRI) is an environmental think-tank that provides information, ideas, and solutions to global environmental problems. Its mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect the Earth's environment for current and future generations.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

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2002 Environmental Grants

Bluewater Network: $10,000
www.bluewaternetwork.org
Bluewater Network is a San Francisco-based environmental organization aggressively confronting the root causes of climate change and fighting environmental damage from the shipping, oil, and motorized recreation industries. This grant supports Bluewater Network's work on securing the passage of California Assembly Bill 1058 (Pavley), a bill that would require the California Air Resources Board to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from passenger vehicles. California would be the first state to regulate emissions in this way if the bill passes. Bluewater Network is actively organizing a coalition of environmental groups, businesses and individuals to participate in these efforts.
Why we supported: We are a vocal supporter of AB 1058, which would be a key step forward in the efforts to reduce potential global warming factors, a major goal for the Foundation.

California Institute of Technology: $25,000
www.caltech.edu
This grant will fund Dr. Sossina Haile, with the California Institute of Technology, in support of a study of "New Electrolytes for Hydrogen/Air and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells." This study will research the use of radically new, proton-conducting membranes in fuel cells. If this work is successful, it will offer a significant advance in fuel cell technology. For more information on the work of Dr. Haile, please see http://addis.caltech.edu/Haile.
Why we supported: The Foundation supports the use of fuel cell technology, and funding research into the technical aspects will hasten fuel cell development.

California League of Conservation Voters: $50,000
www.ecovote.org
The California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) is a nonpartisan organization that works collaboratively with a wide spectrum of environmental and community groups. Founded in 1972, the League mobilizes California voters to support environmentally responsible candidates and issues, and serves as a watchdog to hold elected officials accountable for their environmental votes. This grant supports the advocacy and lobbying efforts of CLCV, in collaboration with the Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council, to ensure passage of AB 1058. This bill, currently pending in the California legislature, would be a major step in the effort to combat global warming. The auto industry is fighting hard against it, launching a major media and lobbying campaign to keep the bill from becoming law. The bill has passed the State Senate and is just one Assembly floor vote away from the Governor's desk.
Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation is an active participant in the coalition working to pass AB 1058, given our focus on air quality and reducing emissions from mobile sources. We realize that this legislation is of great importance to California and has the potential, if passed, to encourage additional states to follow suit.

CERES, Inc.: $15,000
www.ceres.org
The Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (CERES) was formed in 1989 out of partnership among some of America’s largest socially responsible investors and leading environmental groups. Today, CERES is a network of over 80 environmental groups (including the Kirsch Foundation), investors, advisors, analysts, public interest and community groups, and over 70 companies committed to healthy environmental practices. This grant will help fund a series of dialogues with General Motors and Ford Motor Company with the goal to gain commitments from each company to achieve improved fleet-wide fuel economy and reduce global warming impacts of its products over the next decade.
Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation is a supporter of decreasing fuel consumption as a means to reducing global warming.

Clean Power Campaign: $15,000
www.cleanpower.org
Clean Power Campaign, based in Sacramento, California, promotes increased electric system reliance on sustainable energy resources as a means to a more sustainable energy future. This grant supports Clean Power Campaign's lobbying efforts for the passage of California Assembly Bill 1058 (Pavley). This legislation instructs the California Air Resources Board to develop and adopt regulations, by January 1, 2005, that achieve the maximum feasible reduction of carbon dioxide emitted by passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks in California. California would be the first state to regulate emissions in this way if the bill passes.
Why we supported: We are a vocal supporter of AB 1058, which would be a key step forward in the efforts to reduce potential global warming factors, a major goal for the Foundation. California would be the first state to regulate emissions in this way if the bill passes.

Coalition for Clean Air: $30,000
www.coalitionforcleanair.org
The Coalition for Clean Air (CCA) - founded in 1970 - is dedicated to restoring clean, healthful air to California by advocating responsible public health policy, providing technical and educational expertise, and promoting broad-based community involvement. This grant funds the first phase of CCA's new Petroleum Reduction Campaign in California. The Campaign will be a joint effort of all of its programs (Transportation, Energy & Climate Change, Education & Outreach, and Public Health & Toxics) and will include legislative and regulatory advocacy, a media campaign, community outreach and education, and intensive work with other environmental, public health and environmental justice advocacy organizations.
Why we supported: CCA is a well-respected organization with a history of successful advocacy and coalition building throughout the state. Through years of effort it has developed strong working relationships with environmental justice and community-based organizations as well as with legislative leaders. Its work on petroleum reduction fits with the Foundation's goals in clean air. CCA is a prior grant recipient of the Foundation.

Environmental Defense: $25,000
www.environmentaldefense.org
Environmental Defense (ED) is a not-for-profit environmental advocacy group with four main goals: (1) Stabilizing the Earth's climate, (2) Safeguarding the world's oceans, (3) Protecting human health, and (4) Defending and restoring biodiversity. This grant is for ED's California Diesel Back-Up Generator Study. This study will focus on a better understanding of where these generators are located, what their emission characteristics are, and what incremental exposures to toxic pollutants their operation would create. ED will publish a detailed report to di