Agency Fundholder Spotlight: Earthday365
YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis offers endowment building services to help nonprofit agencies generate long-term income. YouthBridge provides access to low-cost, high-quality investment solutions and endowment education, along with assistance with the entire process – ranging from establishing an endowment fund to financial reporting to create the greatest impact. YouthBridge also provides matching funds each year to child-serving nonprofits that start or add to their endowment!
Organizations with endowment funds at YouthBridge are called Agency Fundholders. Each month we spotlight one Agency Fundholder to highlight these meaningful relationships. This month we feature Earthday365. We spoke with Dr. Jessica Watson, Executive Director.
Q. How has your endowment with YouthBridge changed your long-term vision or expanded the possibilities for your organization’s future?
A. The matching fund has been an incentive for donors and reminds us to think concretely every year about investing in our long-term financial stability. It helps tremendously to know that we have a plan to provide temporary financial relief in the event of a major setback.
Q. What is the motivation to make additional contributions to your endowment?
A. We want to buffer against potential future instability such as economic downturns, changes in grant priorities, and shifts in state policies. Saving during moments of financial stability helps us offset potential future problems in a changing political climate.
Q. What does the ability to tailor investments through an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy with YouthBridge mean for Earthday365, and why is it important?
A. Large financial institutions are now being scrutinized for their role in contributing to climate change and environmental destruction, so it is very important for us to align our investments with our values. We’re thrilled that the ESG fund is also open to others who might share these concerns.
Q. Please tell us about your upcoming events or share any other news.
A. We host the largest Earth Day celebration in the Midwest on April 25-26th in Forest Park, where we have 200 vendors, live music, amazing food, and art. 20,000 attendees come to celebrate and learn how to integrate green practices into their lives.
If you would like to learn more about Earthday365 or donate to it, please contact Allison McDonald, Grants Manager. If you are interested in becoming a part of the YouthBridge family/partnership and exploring your charitable giving options, please contact Andranique Joe, Director of Philanthropy.