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As one of the leading outdoor clothing companies, Patagonia has a truly global reach. And their corporate philanthropy also spans the globe, reaching every region where the company has a corporate presence. Their "1% for the Planet" program is the company's pledge to give 1% of its sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.
About 30% of Patagonia grants go to non-U.S.-based organizations. To facilitate these international grants, Patagonia established a donor advised fund with Tides Foundation. By 2005, those grants totaled more than $5 million and it only looks to be growing.
"Grassroots groups abroad can sometimes be wary of corporate giving programs," said Lisa Pike, Director of Environmental Programs. "They worry that there will be 'strings attached.' So we actually have to encourage groups to apply for a grant. It all translates into a lot of paperwork and follow-up. And Tides has been a great partner through this process."
When Levi Strauss Foundation decided to do something about HIV infection in this country, they wanted to use their resources to organize other funders in this field and they wanted to tackle the issue head-on by funding syringe access - a one-time highly controversial method that is now fully supported by the AMA.
Levi Strauss Foundation turned to Tides Foundation not only because of our long history in funding AIDS prevention and treatment, but because of our history as a facilitator. Tides has managed the process of bringing together private foundations, public foundations and corporate grantmakers in this effort.
Tides has also managed the community review process, where AIDS activists across the country come together to advise on the grants. At Tides, creating a safe space for both funders and activists is our goal, because that translates into effective grantmaking.
