GRANTS

Our Philosophy

Sustainable Path Foundation funds projects and supports dialogues that focus on finding solutions for a sustainable society. We are a group philanthropy that leverages the resources of many individuals to make a greater impact that each could alone. We believe that science and whole systems thinking will help us identify solutions to some of the most significant sustainability challenges facing our region. Through our grantmaking, we support and fund evidence-based, whole-systems-informed projects. Our Group Philanthropy Partners are engaged participants in the process, with the opportunity to review potential projects, attend site visits, and vote on allocating a portion of our money. We also promote collaboration and creative solutions by bringing together individuals and organizations that have intersecting interests. Through our Seminar Series and Idea Club we create spaces for sharing ideas and resources, which helps to develop and strengthen initiatives that bring us closer to a more sustainable way of living. Science is the cornerstone of the work we do. Though our Group Philanthropy Partners come from diverse walks of life, many of us are scientists or are from science-related fields of work. While we value and embrace scientific thinking and approaches in all forms, there are two scientific philosophies in particular that inform our actions and approaches to finding solutions for sustainability. Science is the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following an evidence based systematic method. Science also refers to the organized body of knowledge that has been gained by such study. Whole-Systems Thinking recognizes that all things and beings are connected to each other, whether directly or indirectly. Deep and complex systems, including economics, health, environment, communities and energy, are inextricably linked to each other. No action or event takes place in isolation, and all decisions have implications further down the line and in other systems. When science and policy decisions are made in isolation, they often have unanticipated negative effects in other areas. To be truly effective, the solutions for a healthy, sustainable future must recognize the broader interconnected nature of our world. We believe that whole systems thinking is an approach for the study and understanding of intersections between disparate systems. Click to see the Sustainable Path Foundation Whole Systems Thinking Map.

"Seattle Audubon was impressed with – and appreciative of – Sustainable Path’s level of engagement with the Puget Sound Seabird Survey, especially with the monthly surveys at Seward Park."

- Leah Lee, Seattle Audubon Society (2009)

"We are extremely grateful for Sustainable Path Foundation’s pivotal leadership funding, which enabled the progress we have described here. Your support has enabled us to build a base of real‐world pioneer city partners, assemble a talented team and knowledge base to serve them effectively, and positioned us to take the NEC program to the next level."

- Gregg Small, Climate Solutions (2009)

"The exposure that Facing the Future receives because of our partnership with Sustainable Path Foundation is a tremendous additional benefit. The chance for Facing the Future's work to be introduced among the community leaders and members who make up the Sustainable Path's group philanthropy increases awareness of FTF and strengthens our connection to the community."

- Beth Hintz, Facing the Future (2009)