ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

SUPPORTING A GREEN, RESILIENT, AND BIODIVERSE FUTURE

The Chicago region boasts a wealth of biodiversity supported by diverse landscapes, world-class conservation expertise, and engaged communities. However, our communities also reflect decades of institutional racism, urban development, and other human activities that have disrupted the natural environment rather than enhancing it, resulting in a range of social and environmental challenges including urban flooding, poor air and water quality, high summer temperatures, and numerous social determinants of health. We support organizations that strategically leverage and employ nature to build a more sustainable Chicago and elevate the region’s contributions to tackling the global biodiversity crisis.

The Foundation’s focus on the environment connects to Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), the genomics company that the Walders ran for over three decades. During their time at IDT, the company led an initiative to define sustainability strategies to advance the fields of human health, food supply, and the environment. As IDT’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Elizabeth Walder developed a sustainability awards program to recognize the research advancements in medical, environmental, and agricultural innovation.

Funding opportunities are by invitation only. The Foundation issues specific application invitations and instructions for each grant cycle. The information below is intended to provide a general overview of our grantmaking strategies, eligibility, and timing.

STRATEGIES AND FOCUS AREAS

The Environmental Sustainability program invests in organizations and initiatives that strengthen the strategic and equitable integration of nature within the urban landscape and that support action-oriented biodiversity science.

Nature-based Solutions

Integrating nature into the sustainable development toolkit can help to address multiple persistent social and environmental challenges. We invest in efforts that elevate the incorporation of functional nature-based solutions in the region to build an enhanced quality of life and resilience to climate change while also benefiting biodiversity.

Biodiversity Research

By building Chicago’s capacity for understanding, protecting, and restoring biodiversity and improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in biodiversity and conservation science, we aim to elevate the Chicago region as a global hub for biodiversity conservation research and action. We invest in action-oriented science, early career researchers, and efforts to provide research opportunities for emerging and underrepresented scientists.

GRANTEE STORIES

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Funding opportunities are by invitation only. The Foundation recognizes that there are numerous organizations and projects that provide important services to environmental sustainability. The Foundation’s strategic priorities have been identified as underfunded areas where additional resources can be most impactful and align with the founders’ vision. As a learning organization, the Foundation is continuously iterating, adapting, and evolving its approaches and grantmaking criteria.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be a registered Section 501(c)(3) organization classified as a Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) public charity, or a project within a fiscal sponsor organization that meets this requirement.

• Applicants must be either located in the greater Chicago metropolitan region or whose work will be centered on the communities of the Chicago metropolitan area.

• Additional eligibility requirements will apply to specific funding opportunities and/or strategy areas.

Walder Foundation encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, including those with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

We do not fund projects or organizations that perpetuate any form of hate, discrimination, or intolerance.

We generally do not fund:

• Fundraising events or standalone conferences

• Commercial activities

• Political action groups, political campaigns, lobbying activities, or 501(c)4 affiliates

• Projects intended to influence legislation, to influence the outcome of any election for public office, to carry on any voter registration drive, or to undertake any activity for a purpose other than charitable, scientific, educational or other purposes specified in Section 170(c)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code.

• Basic social services generally supported by government agencies

• Individuals, freelancers, or consultants

• Land or property acquisition and most other capital expenses

• Endowments and capital campaigns

• Debt reduction

GRANT CYCLES

Funding opportunities are by invitation only. The Environmental Sustainability program may also issue one-time RFPs to support works focused on specific purposes. The Foundation generally provides about 6-8 weeks for application submissions and needs 2-3 months for review and decision making. At times, grant applications require further diligence and grant decision notifications are communicated later than the expected timeframe.

Please know that as Walder Foundation strategies and grant initiatives continue to evolve, applicants should not have any expectations that awarded grants will be renewed beyond the scope of the grant period. Please keep this in mind when planning for the sustainability of the work.

GETTING IN TOUCH

If you are an existing grantee looking to clarify future areas of funding alignment and timing of opportunities, please email your program team member.

If you are new to Walder Foundation and think your work aligns with our strategies and goals, please complete a concept note (one paragraph in length) via this link. If there is project alignment, a staff member will contact you.

For updates about Walder Foundation’s Environmental Sustainability grantmaking, sign up for alerts and select environmental sustainability in your interests.