Over the last ten years, it has been increasingly clear how valuable experiences in the outdoors are for kids. Better physical and mental health. Experiences of awe. Positive social connection. Enhanced capacity to make sound and sustainable choices. These are just some benefits.
This week, the Blue Sky Funders Forum—founded to support meaningful outdoor experiences and environmental education—will celebrate its 10th Anniversary. In that time, Blue Sky has driven more than $500 million to a field that delivers experiences in, and about, nature.
This is a thrilling result, particularly because ten years ago data showed that environmental education programs fell between “environmental” and “education” funding. This created a gap for organizations whose reach was curtailed by philanthropic patterns that didn’t reflect the value of their work.
There are many people who helped create Blue Sky, but the top of the list is Randi Fisher. Earlier than just about anyone in philanthropy, Randi saw the potential of supporting a whole field of actors advancing access to nature.
She set in a motion one of the first things I worked on at the Pisces Foundation, a series of meetings with a group who together launched Blue Sky. Well-deserved thanks to Beth Stevens, Janet Coffey, Diane Wood, Nicole Ardoin, Judy Braus, Angie Chen, and my founding co-chair, John Flicker.
Directors Angie Chen, Anupama Joshi, and Onika Abraham, and our own Jason Morris, deserve the credit for Blue Sky’s growth from 6 to 50 philanthropies and its pathbreaking programs. Thank you also to Environmental Grantmakers Association directors Rachel Leon and Tamara Toles O'Laughlin, for their support.
Come by the 10th anniversary convening—or check out Blue Sky Funders Forum's work. A true example of collective impact in action! ?
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