The fundamental challenge of philanthropy is the wise stewardship of resources for the betterment of humankind. Traditionally we think of philanthropy's resources as capital. However, the resources of nature are the true basis for all life. Clean air, clean water, forests, and fertile land are essential to a healthy environment, and a healthy environment is necessary to sustain life's activities.

If we as philanthropists disregard nature's resources, we risk destroying the source of the financial capital for which we have assumed responsibility. Perhaps more to the point, we also risk destroying the very base upon which all life depends. Thus, the wise stewardship of our resources must include helping to ensure that a physically hospitable and life-supporting planet is available for future generations.

What does stewardship of nature require of us? It requires first that we take a close look at ourselves and our organizations, making a serious attempt to live and work in harmony with our environment and with each other. This means minimizing waste, recycling, making use of recycled materials, and using energy and other resources in the most efficient manner.

Secondly, we must think about strategies to encourage and promote environmental awareness among the general public as well. Responsible stewardship should consider the environmental effects of the actions of any corporation in which we own stock, and weigh these consequences in our investment decisions. Our grantmaking choices and public relations materials can also be vehicles for promoting environmental responsibility to the broader community.

Finally, and perhaps most fundamentally, whatever our areas of programmatic interest, we should recognize that all fields of human activity are ultimately dependent on a safe and sustainable physical environment. By integrating this long-term perspective into every aspect of our grantmaking, we can greatly extend and enrich the impact of our philanthropy.

In endorsing the following, the Environmental Grantmakers Association affirms its belief in these principles, and recommends them to its individual member organizations for consideration and implementation.

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I. Stewardship

To recognize environmental stewardship as vital to sustaining life on earth.

II. Equity

To affirm the fundamental right of every living being to clean air, land, and water, acknowledging that our local actions can contribute to global and long- term effects.

III. Integration

To establish foundation policies and implement procedures for conducting operations in an environmentally sound manner, based on the knowledge that the environmental integrity of the planet forms the basis for all other human activities.

IV. Diversity

To acknowledge that, just as biodiversity is the hallmark of a healthy ecosystem, cultural diversity and environmental justice are the hallmarks of healthy communities and organizations, including our own.

V. Evaluation

To consider the environmental impact of purchases, grants, and investments, and act in accordance with this awareness.

VI.Precaution

To strive to eliminate those actions which might contribute to serious or irreversible environmental degradation, even if the absolute proof of their harm is not currently known.

VII. Communications

To foster an open dialogue with directors, employees, colleagues, grantees, investment managers, and other interested parties about environmental aspects of foundation policies, programs, investments, and practices.

VIII. Promotion

To encourage the adoption of environmentally sound principles and practices by grantees and suppliers; to indicate foundation priorities to investors acting on behalf of the foundation or directly to corporations in which the foundation holds stock; and to express support for environmentally sound practices.

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