Domestic Grantmaking
We support organizations working toward positive social and environmental change in the communities where we live, work, and sell our products. Through Employee Community Grant Programs at each of our employee sites in the United States and Canada, we provide grants to organizations and projects that address specific issues aligned with environmental stewardship, strong local systems, and economic prosperity.
Please see our Domestic Grant Application Process and Guidelines for more information on this program.
Here are some recent grantmaking highlights :
Just Food (www.justfood.org): we pledged $90,000 over three years in operating support to Just Food. Their mission is to connect local farms and New York City residents of all economic backgrounds with fresh, seasonal, and sustainably grown food. Just Food works on deficiencies in food access and food security by increasing the production, marketing and distribution of fresh food from community gardens and urban agriculture sites as well as by promoting Community Supported Agriculture initiatives.
Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (www.vecan.net): we granted $30,000 to support the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network, whose mission is to serve as a ‘hub’ that connects the grassroots efforts of Vermont communities on energy and climate action. Their goal is to inspire, support, connect and strengthen community-based energy and climate action initiatives to create a more secure, sustainable, renewable energy future for Vermont. The grant will support formation of an energy committee in every VT community.
The Food Project (www.thefoodproject.org): we pledged $75,000, over a three year period for the Food Project’s Build-a-Garden Program in Boston, MA. The Food Project’s mission is to create a productive community of youth and adults from diverse backgrounds who work together on building a sustainable food system.
Vermont Council on Rural Development (www.vtrural.org): we contributed $25,000 to the Vermont Council on Rural Development’s Council on Future of Vermont (CFV) project. This project was a two year statewide, public dialogue designed to articulate what challenges and opportunities Vermonters see for the future and what they believe we need to meet the future with confidence. Based on its findings, the CFV then produced a comprehensive picture of the values, concerns, and aspirations of Vermonters and shared that picture with the people of Vermont.
Green Education Foundation (www.greeneducationfoundation.org): we granted $25,000 to support the work of the Green Education Foundation. Their mission is to provide educational resources that promote sustainable, impactful pro-green habits and practices in children, families, and communities. GEF does this by sponsoring national public awareness campaigns to empower children with the education and skills needed to help address environmental challenges. 
Project Bread-Check Point Sponsor of 2009 Walk for Hunger (www.projectbread.org): we contributed $25,000 to support Project Bread’s signature event, The Walk for Hunger; the Walk for Hunger is the oldest continual pledge walk in the country. The 2009 Walk was the most successful yet, with a record-breaking 44,000 walkers and 2,000 volunteers, raising $3.8 million to help the hungry in Massachusetts. Through the Walk for Hunger, Project Bread funds approximately 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, and food banks across Massachusetts.
New York Restoration Project (www.nyrp.org): we contributed $25,000 to the New York Restoration Project’s (NYRP) efforts supporting 37 community gardens and serving more than 1,000 gardeners. NYRP restores, revitalizes and develops under-resourced parks and community gardens throughout the city’s five boroughs, working to ensure that every resident, family and neighborhood has access to vibrant, green spaces. NYRP works primarily in the low-income neighborhoods of Inwood, Washington Heights, the South Bronx, central Brooklyn, and East Harlem, serving some 9,000 community members through community gardens, education and public programs.
Sustainable South Bronx (www.ssbx.org): we contributed $25,000 for general operating support. SSBX addresses policy and planning issues like land use, energy, transportation, water, waste, education, and, most recently, design and manufacturing through the promotion of innovative, economically sustainable projects that are informed by community needs
Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity (www.centralvermonthabitat.org): we contributed $25,000 to support the construction of a home in Duxbury for a single mother of two. Two groups of employee volunteers helped build the roof for the home.
Dress for Success (www.dressforsuccess.org): we committed $20,000 over 2 years in operating support. The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.