Charities Fund Internships for Future Environmental Leaders

1% for the Planet and the Canaday Family Charitable Trust foster Vermont’s future environmental leaders.

Burlington, Vt. — 1% for the Planet announced that it has received a generous grant of $60,000 from the Canaday Family Charitable Trust to support paid internships at 1% for the Planet’s Burlington, Vermont headquarters.

The Canaday Family Charitable Trust is a foundation established in 1945 that supports Vermont organizations working to improve the lives of children and families, promote environmental education and conservation, and preserve the environment.

This first-ever grant from the Canaday Family Charitable Trust to 1% for the Planet will help the organization provide meaningful learning opportunities to Vermont college students and recent graduates. The funding runs until June 30, 2023 and will cover an estimated 10 interns through one- and two-semester-long internships. 1% for the Planet aims to create paid intern experiences that mirror what a full-time employee does while providing support for future opportunities, such as resume reviews and job interview prep sessions.

Paid internships are part of 1% for the Planet’s equity and inclusion strategy. “We see establishing a permanent paid internship program at 1% for the Planet as a way to make local Vermont internship opportunities more equitable and accessible for a diversity of students,” says Kate Williams, 1% for the Planet’s CEO. “Thanks to the generous support from the Canaday Family Charitable Trust, we can create a lasting program that builds a cohort of future environmental leaders.”

Engaging Young People in the Environmental Field

With climate change and many other environmental challenges facing Vermonters and people around the world, engaging young people in the environmental field has never been more pressing. Students are ready and motivated to join in this work, and the grant from the Canaday Family Charitable Trust will provide an opportunity for Vermont’s students to accomplish that goal.

“At 1% for the Planet, we are dedicated to our environmental mission—which includes our people. We are deeply appreciative of the Canaday Family Charitable Trust’s partnership as we cultivate the leadership so important to our planet and future generations,” Williams concludes.

The internships are for Vermont college students and recent graduates. It is hoped that interns can work in-person at 1% for the Planet’s Burlington headquarters, though COVID protocols may require them to work from home.

1% for the Planet expects to bring on the first three interns for the Fall 2021 academic semester. Interested Vermont college students and recent graduates can find out more information by emailing [email protected].

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About 1% for the Planet:

1% for the Planet is a global organization that exists to ensure our planet and future generations thrive. We inspire businesses and individuals to support environmental nonprofits through membership and everyday actions. We make environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising, impact storytelling and third-party certification.

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, our business members and individual members have given hundreds of millions of dollars to our approved nonprofit partners to date. Today, 1% for the Planet’s global network consists of thousands of businesses, individuals and environmental nonprofits working toward a better future for all.

About the Canaday Family Charitable Trust:

The primary purpose of the Canaday Family Charitable Trust is to encourage and support not-for-profit organizations that work in Vermont to improve the lives of children and families, promote environmental conservation and education, and reduce economic inequality.

The foundation seeks to fund innovative programs with clear, measurable goals for creating unique and significant improvements in the lives of children and in the environment.

To learn more about the foundation, visit canadayfamily.org.