Earlier this year, AE announced Future Together, a philanthropic program to support and inspire the causes that matter to YOU—so we can build a better future together. We committed to awarding $200,000 total in grants in 2022, and are proud to announce our next round of winners. This round, we asked you to submit your sustainability and environmental-focused projects and organizations. Read on to learn more about the projects we’re proud to help fund!
AguaClara Reach
Submitted by: Cheer Tsang
AguaClara Reach promotes global access to safe drinking water through research and education, capacity-building with local implementation partners, and design and innovation of community-scale, gravity-powered water treatment technologies. There are currently 23 plants installed in Honduras, Nicaragua, and India, providing more than 86,000 people with safe drinking water. AE’s Future Together grant will help design and innovate improvements to the drinking water treatment technology.
Venture Outdoors
Submitted by: Abbie Siecinski
Venture Outdoors is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit whose mission is to utilize education, empowerment, and equipment to remove barriers that stop people from connecting with the outdoors. AE’s Future Together grant will be used to offer a young adult program “Intro to Outdoor Recreation Cohort” free of cost to all participants. This 8-week program is designed to expose and educate a diverse cohort of young adults to the types of recreation available throughout Pittsburgh, as well as the physical and mental benefits of utilizing them.
Student Conservation Association
Submitted by: Alexandra Ratliff
The Student Conservation Association is America’s conservation corps. Its members protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces in all 50 states. AE’s Future Together grant will provide vital funding needed to expand programming and ensure longevity, as well as providing paid opportunities to diverse individuals throughout the winter and spring seasons.
OneUpAction
Submitted by: Kevin J. Patel
OneUpAction is an intersectional youth-led nonprofit with a mission to support marginalized youth by providing them with the resources needed to take innovative steps to tackle the climate crisis within their local communities. AE’s Future Together grant will fund a 12-month fellowship program that will help a group of trailblazing youth develop and implement climate solutions.
Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy
Submitted by: Gerard Casey
Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy is a public-private partnership dedicated to improving the 10,000 acres of parkland throughout Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway peninsula in New York, through programs like beach cleanups, grass planting, and recycling and restoration projects. AE’s Future Together grant will help support the parkland and help maintain free public programs in Brooklyn and Queens.
Science Department at City Hill Middle School
Submitted by: Amy Laggis
The City Hill Middle School Science department teaches a “farm to school” curriculum, educating students about composting, sustainability, and healthy living strategies. AE’s Future Together grant will help the school purchase garden supplies and rain barrels to improve the school’s garden and to teach students how to create sustainable and regenerative growing practices.