FedEx Corp. is once again working alongside the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support 15 urban environmental projects in 14 major U.S. cities this spring and summer. The program marks the third year of their collaboration to address urban environmental challenges and continues the expansion of local grants awarded by FedEx from 12 communities in 2011 and six communities in 2010.
Through NFWF, grants have been awarded to local nonprofits that will maximize FedEx philanthropic volunteer resources in Pittsburgh, Memphis, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Dallas, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Newark, Seattle, Miami, San Francisco and Boston.
“As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, we utilize our resources and extensive network to address pressing environmental challenges facing our cities, including ecological threats to the wildlife and nature in urban settings,” says Mitch Jackson, vice president, environmental affairs and sustainability, FedEx Corp. “Working alongside NFWF in the vital task of urban ecological preservation and restoration provides a unique opportunity for FedEx team members to play an active role in addressing these challenges and improving the communities where they live and work.”
FedEx is contributing nearly $400,000 in grants to local nonprofits through NFWF, with local grantees receiving between $12,000 and $40,000 per project. The collaboration is part of the EarthSmart Outreach initiative, a FedEx commitment to philanthropic and volunteer efforts that focus on environmental sustainability.
“In just three years, NFWF’s work with FedEx and local nonprofit partners has engaged more than 51,000 community members and resulted in the planting of 46,000 trees and native plants,” says Jeff Trandahl, NFWF executive director and chief executive officer. “These actions reduced carbon dioxide output by more than 1.1 million pounds. As the EarthSmart program continues to expand, the results of our collaboration are impressive. We’re caring for the natural places in our cities and making them better for people and wildlife.”
