McKinstry Advances Climate Commitment with $1 Million in Climate-Focused Charitable Awards
SEATTLE, WA — McKinstry and the McKinstry Charitable Foundation furthered its climate commitment by awarding $520,000 to eight new climate-focused nonprofit organizations aligned with McKinstry’s goals and priorities. This is the single largest package of gifts the McKinstry Charitable Foundation has given to date and rounds out our commitment to donate $1 million to climate-focused organizations by 2025, as set in our Action for Impact strategy. The nonprofit grantees include The Clean Energy Transition Institute, Building Transparency, Climate Solutions, Spark Northwest, Duwamish River Community Coalition, Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners, Groundwork Denver and Columbia Slough Watershed Council.
“McKinstry is dedicated to building a thriving planet, together,” said Dean Allen, Chairman and CEO of McKinstry. “We cannot reach our vision without supporting our communities and the many amazing nonprofit organizations driving action against our climate crisis. This belief has always been a central part of McKinstry’s values, and these wonderful organizations join an existing cohort of nonprofit organizations that we are proud to support through the McKinstry Charitable Foundation.”
McKinstry’s Carbon & Climate Commitment is based on three pillars: making McKinstry’s operations net zero, partnering with clients to rapidly decarbonize the built environment and supporting local communities to address the climate crisis and advance environmental justice. This contribution by the McKinstry Charitable Foundation supports the third pillar of this commitment by supporting and amplifying community-based solutions.
“These gifts will have a significant impact on both the broader climate crisis and on advancing environmental justice in our local communities,” said Ashley Ruiz, Vice President Social Impact. “We are proud to amplify the work of this incredible cohort of nonprofit partners who are taking action to everyday to protect and advance a healthy, sustainable future for all.”
Learn more about the eight organizations below.
- Clean Energy Transition Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research and analysis nonprofit dedicated to accelerating an equitable clean energy transition in the Northwest. McKinstry’s funding will support the organization’s SCALE 2030 project that aims to scale building decarbonization by mapping systemic barriers; evolving regional power planning; developing a blueprint for deep cost reductions; and advancing equitable rate reform. Learn more here: Clean Energy Transition Institute
- Building Transparency fosters a better future by addressing embodied carbon’s role in climate change. Their core mission is to provide the open-access data and tools necessary to enable broad and swift action across the building industry in addressing embodied carbon’s role in climate change. McKinstry’s funding will launch Building Transparency’s work to build out MEP data and tools, filling a critical gap around MEP embodied carbon data and accounting. Learn more here: Building Transparency
- Climate Solutions’ vision is a thriving, equitable Northwest, powered by clean energy, inspiring the transition to sustainable prosperity across the nation and beyond. Climate Solutions focuses its work on the Pacific Northwest – a region well positioned to make globally significant progress toward 100% clean energy. McKinstry’s funding will support the launch of Climate Solutions’ new clean building accelerator program, designed to drive decarbonization in the built environment through cohort experiences for building owners and operators. Learn more here: Climate Solutions
- Spark Northwest accelerates the shift to clean energy one community at a time. Since 2001, their on-the-ground projects and progressive advocacy have led the charge toward a renewable energy future. Spark Northwest’s mission is to partner with communities to build an equitable clean energy future, with the end goal of the Northwest Region completely powered by clean energy. McKinstry’s funding will support the expansion of Spark Northwest’s tribal energy sovereignty initiatives and accelerate capacity building among tribal communities. Learn more here: Spark Northwest
- Duwamish River Community Coalition was established to elevate the voice of those impacted by the Duwamish River pollution and other environmental injustices for a clean, healthy and equitable environment for people and wildlife. They promote place-keeping and prioritize community capacity and resilience. McKinstry’s funding will support the organization’s efforts toward building an empowered Duwamish Valley community thriving in a healthy and just environment. Learn more here: Duwamish River Community Coalition
- Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP) is the local and regional advocate for the most vulnerable people living within the Spokane community. SNAP provides affordable housing services, home repair, financial management support and economic resiliency, among other services. McKinstry’s funding will support SNAP’s ongoing efforts focused on energy assistance, energy conservation, and weatherization for underserved community members in Spokane. Learn more here: Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners
- Groundwork Denver partners with youth and community to build a healthy, equitable and sustainable environment, providing programs and services that focus on air, climate, energy, food, land, water and youth. McKinstry’s funding will support Groundwork Denver’s energy efficiency services and youth-led initiatives that protect those most impacted by environmental injustices. Learn more here: Groundwork Denver
- The Columbia Slough Watershed Council brings community members together to enhance the Columbia Slough, improving water quality, healing damaged fish and wildlife habitats, increasing public awareness, and advocating for a healthy watershed. McKinstry’s funding will support the Council’s ongoing work in the community to preserve and protect this critical watershed. Learn more here: Columbia Slough Watershed Council
