Environment

REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.), a national outdoor gear and clothing retailer, announced plans to grant $4.2 million this year to nonprofits across the country that work to preserve and maintain natural spaces through active volunteer programs.

The company designates 3 percent of the previous year's operating profit to its annual grants program. Because REI employees have the most direct connection to local nonprofits, store employees nominate organizations from their local community. REI invites selected nominees to apply for grant funding. Eligible organizations must be outdoor nonprofits that promote active volunteerism through their programs.

Northeast Sustainable Energy Association is working to “advance the adoption of sustainable energy practices within the built environment.”

DuPont will contribute $3 million to bring new life to the Des Moines Botanical Center.

Paid over three years, the donation will help bring "educational seminars and world-renowned speakers focused on the importance of clean water and the science of agriculture" to the center, said Ellen Kullman, DuPont chairwoman and chief executive.

DuPont's contribution is part of a campaign to raise at least $10 million to improve and expand the botanical center. A nonprofit group plans to take over management of the center in 2013 and rename it the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

When charitable donations to The Mustard Seed plummeted during the recession, it needed to find a creative way to raise money. A year later, the charity is a role model for green businesses and nonprofits looking to beef up their bottom lines for public good.

The Mustard Seed celebrates its reincarnation as a major recycling hub for Central Florida — taking in used mattresses, appliances, Styrofoam, cardboard, plastic, paper and electronics. Already, the program is raising about 20 percent of the charity's revenue.

Effective activism is an art form, some say. With Clean Air Network, the Hong Kong environmental group, advocacy is art. If you’ve walked through the IFC mall’s atrium this week, you’ve probably seen the art exhibition by the nonprofit group, which is dedicated to raising awareness about pollution in Hong Kong. The show runs there through Sunday, and then moves to Hong Kong’s convention center on April 1 as part of the preview of Sotheby’s spring sale there.

The online component of the second annual Bid to Save the Earth auction was launched Thursday and runs through April 7. A live companion sale is scheduled for March 29 at Christie's auction house.

The event will benefit the Central Park Conservancy, Conservation International, the Natural Resources Defense Council and Oceana. It raised $2.4 million for the four organizations last year.

Foundation marks 20th anniversary with capacity building grants TORONTO, Jan. 18 /CNW/ - Four Canadian environmental charities have been awarded funding grants to support capacity building from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF), recognizing excellence in the not-for-profit sector. TD FEF received nearly 200 applications for the grants, which were created to celebrate the Foundation's 20th Anniversary and to support the need for this type of funding by environmental charities in Canada, something that was strongly communicated by these organizations during the Foundation's cross-country community forum tour last year. One $5,000 grant was awarded in each of

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As hunger relief organizations continue to look for new ways to serve an increasing number of U.S. families who need help putting food on their dinner tables, the Walmart Foundation today announced a $2 million donation to help food banks save money on their energy bills. With this funding, 16 food banks will become more energy efficient through simple and relatively low-cost upgrades to lighting, refrigeration or heating and air conditioning equipment that performs better, uses less energy and costs less to operate. "These grants underscore Walmart's commitment to lead on both

Green America, a Washington nonprofit that wants the American economy to be dominated by environmentally friendly companies, has started a deal-of-the-day Web site called GreenDeals.

In partnership with Q4 Marketing, of Boston, Green America carefully screens businesses, allowing only those that it defines as environmentally friendly and socially responsible to offer discounted deals.

reen America says it’s on its way to raising $24,000 as part of the deal with Q4 Marketing, which is expected to make a bit less from the partnership.

In a webinar last month, Jeff Patrick and Sarah Desilets discussed the fundraising capabilities of Facebook Causes and tips on how to use the application for your organization.