Patagonia co-founded The Conservation Alliance in 1989, with the goal of encouraging companies in the outdoor industry to support environmental organizations in their efforts to protect threatened wildlands. To date the groups funded have saved over 34 million acres of wildlands and 14 dams have been either prevented or removed - all through grassroots community efforts.
The Alliance now boasts 155 member companies, each of which contributes annual dues to a central fund. Patagonia gives to the alliance each year, and maintains a permanent seat on the board of directors.
Twice yearly, the Alliance donates 100 percent of its membership dues to grassroots environmental groups working to protect threatened wildlands and biodiversity. In 2007, it granted $800,000 to 29 organizations. Grants since 1989 total over $6.5 million.
Grants this fiscal year were awarded to the following groups:
The Alliance has such a strong track record of funding successful projects that Globe Pequot Press published a book chronicling environmental victories supported by the group. Making a Difference profiles the inspiring work of 12 organizations that used Alliance support to protect wild places worldwide.
