Green Funders Peer Learning Exchange with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Join Maryland Philanthropy Network for a peer learning exchange for environmental/sustainability funders. We’re pleased to be joined by Program Officer, Deborah Philbrick of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, who will speak with us about their Climate Solutions grantmaking. The goal of this “Big Bets” portfolio is to ensure that the Earth stays well below a two-degrees Celsius temperature increase to avoid catastrophic global effects. Deborah was recently tapped to lead the team’s new portfolio focused on the intersection of climate action, democracy and voting rights.

Hear about how this international funder thinks about its approach, priorities, and what they are learning. We’ll then discuss trends and opportunities you and other funders are seeing. 

Lightly structured, these peer-to-peer exchange events are designed to integrate and learn from others in philanthropy through facilitation of the following:

1. Strategy sharing and exchange of ideas around what other funders are working on.
2. Stimulating new ways of thinking by sharing learnings and creating an environment conducive to discovery among the community of funders.
3. Relationship building.

This meeting is for Maryland Philanthropy Network members only. Refreshments will be served for those who attend in-person.

About Deborah Philbrick
Deborah works with the Climate Solutions team’s Director and colleagues on all aspects of the strategy’s grantmaking in the United States, China, and India. In her previous role as Senior Manager of Research & Innovate at Elevate Energy, she worked to ensure that all sectors realize the benefits of the clean energy economy. She helped launch the first of its kind solar program, Illinois Solar for All.

Deborah has a Bachelor of Science in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from the University of Rochester and a Master of Science in Public Service Management from DePaul University.
 

Update on Spring 2023 Baltimore City Tree Planting from 2:30 - 3:00 pm

At 2:30 PM, please join us for a brief update on spring 2023 tree planting efforts in Baltimore City and a glimpse beyond. Bryant Smith, Executive Director of the Baltimore Tree Trust, and Darin Crew, Senior Operations Manager for Blue Water Baltimore, will share information on their spring tree planting goals, challenges, and an ongoing building search amidst a busy Spring season. Greg Burks, Urban Trees Program Manager of Chesapeake Bay Trust will also join us to share information on his program.

The session will offer a primer on major urban tree funding sources and goals at every level, including:
1)    the statewide Urban Trees Grant Program awards to Baltimore City nonprofits administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust to meet a goal of 500,000 trees planted by 2031;
2)    the competitive funding of $1.8 billion from USDA Forest Service for urban trees made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act; and
3)    Baltimore City’s TreeBaltimore tree planting goals for public spaces funded through the annual Baltimore City budget, all of which contribute to the City’s Sustainability goal to increase the tree canopy coverage ratio to 40% by 2037.

Several MPN members have raised tree planting as an area of interest given its community, health, climate and environmental benefits, as well as workforce training and employment potential, so we are providing time to briefly connect.
This will take place immediately following the Green Funders Peer Learning Exchange. We invite MPN members to stay on to talk trees from 2:30 to 3:00 pm or just jump on Zoom at 2:30 pm for the tree conversation. No additonal registration required (It will be on the same zoom line as the peer learning exchange).