By Terry Odendahl
I am delighted to be joining the team of Global Greengrants Fund. Having watched the development of this great organization for many years, when I heard of the position, it seemed a perfect fit for me. Throughout my career, I have been committed to a social justice vision. At Greengrants working for a just and sustainable world is central to our mission. Thank you to our board chair, Catherine Porter, for your kind words, as well as the support of the full board and staff. I am most eager to develop relationships with those of you I have yet to meet: our advisors, allies, donors and grantees.
In 30 years of working in, researching, and writing about philanthropy, I have seen any number of models for the allocation and distribution of grant dollars. None have resonated as strongly with me as that of Greengrants. I am firm believer in trusting the wisdom of those closest to, and most affected by, the issues, and am proud to be taking the reins of such a dynamic, intelligent and vast network of international funders.
My vision for Greengrants continues to develop each day as I learn more about the amazing work of our advisors and groups on the ground, the vision of Chet as founder, as well as that of the rest of the staff and the board of directors. The role and mission of Greengrants is more vital in the world now than ever. I look forward to exploring various ways that we can expand and grow the organization. One thing, though, will remain constant: our commitment to making small grants, directed by a network of grassroots advisors, to further the goals of environmental and social justice globally.
As my journey of learning continues, I will be listening to you, the constituents of Greengrants—from our advisors and grantees around the world, to the donors who make it all possible.