Patagonia grassroots activist grants

Outdoor clothing and gear company Patagonia supports small, grassroots activist organizations that have provocative direct-action agendas and are working on multi-pronged campaigns to preserve and protect the environment.

Most grants are in the range of $3,000 to $8,000 each. Application deadline is August 31.

The company funds work that is action-oriented, builds public involvement and support, is strategic, focuses on root causes, and accomplishes specific goals and objectives. The company is most interested in making grants to organizations that identify and work on the root causes of problems and that approach issues with a commitment to long-term change.

Even if the library isn’t interested and/or doesn’t know of an organization that is, it might be worthwhile to contact past grantees in your community for future collaborations (see the bottom of this post for recent grantees).

In addition to the corporate grant program, each Patagonia retail store administers a year-round grants program. Retail store grant applications are accepted year round. Use the store finder

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Farmington River Watershed Association
This citizen-based organization is "at the forefront of restoration and conservation issues, such as water quality and allocation, recreational usage, open space, and wetland and floodplain protection."

Norwalk Seaport Association
Devoted to maritime preservation, education and to the Norwalk area's seafaring heritage.

Connecticut Fund for the Environment
CFE utilizes law, science and education to better air and water quality, control toxic contamination, minimize the adverse impacts of Hwy.s and traffic congestion, protect public water supplies, and preserve the open space and wetlands so crucial to both the state's citizens and its wildlife.

Connecticut River Watershed Council, Middletown
Works to protect the watershed from source to sea - from alpine forests to tidal estuaries, rural farmlands to urban riverfronts, spotted salamanders to bald eagles, and mussels to salmon.

Earthplace, Westport
Seeks to educate the community about nature and the environment with a 62-acre wildlife sanctuary, interactive natural history museum, wildlife and public nature programs and events.

Naubesatuck Watershed Council, Mansfield Center
Protects and enhances the beauty, biotic diversity, ecological interactions and structures and processes of three river systems - the Fenton, Mount Hope and Natchaug.

Soundkeeper, Norwalk
Dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the biological, physical and chemical integrity of Long Island Sound and its watershed.

Surfrider Foundation Connecticut Chapter, New Haven
Dedicated to maintaining and acquiring beach and ocean-access rights, preserving the state's coastline and improving the quality of Connecticut's coastal environment.

The Nature Conservancy-Saugatuck River Watershed Partnership, Weston
The partnership works to protect and enhance the health of the Saugatuck River watershed by working collaboratively to link, maintain and restore habitats that support natural biological diversity.

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