Pisces Foundation

The need for funders and nonprofits to invest in relationships and the connective tissue that bridges across differences is the through-line in Ben Gose’s wide-ranging round-up of the philanthropic sector’s post-election challenges in The Chronicle of Philanthropy. We agree. “If we’re serious about building our influence, it means that we have to do the work to bridge across ideological, political, and geographical differences,” says Mosaic Executive Director, Eva Hernandez. “We are good at policy, but without influence, it’s all for naught.” https://lnkd.in/gBbjuUP7

"Movement infrastructure is often overlooked, and it's underfunded, but it is core to how we actually create change in the world." Listen to Eva Hernandez on the latest episode of the Green 2.0 Movement Podcast talking with Adriane Alicea about ways funders can boost the collective power of the environmental movement with strategic investments and targeted grantmaking practices. https://lnkd.in/efDnC_kB

What does a decade of connecting people to the outdoors look like? At Blue Sky Funders Forum, it means bold leadership, transformative conversations, and a community committed to environmental education and outdoor access. Last week in San Francisco, we celebrated our 10th anniversary with all that and more! 🥂 One of the most meaningful moments was honoring Randi Fisher of Pisces Foundation for co-founding the Blue Sky Funders Forum. In recognition of her visionary leadership, Jason Morris presented a compass, symbolizing her role in “guiding us to a future where every person can experience meaningful connections to the outdoors.” We were honored to hear from all three of Blue Sky’s Executive Directors—Angie Chen (via video!), Anupama Joshi, and Onika Abraham-- reflecting with founding Board Member Kathleen Doffermyre on their time leading the organization and the milestones that shaped our path forward. Their words remind us how far we’ve come and the exciting journey that still lies ahead. A special thank you to Stephen Lockhart, M.D. PhD, Lauren B., and Kindley Walsh Lawlor, for sharing thoughtful insights on how outdoor access fosters environmental stewardship and strengthens communities in a dynamic panel moderated by Jose Gonzalez, M.S. And finally, a huge thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this milestone, and to the founders, leaders, and supporters who have been key to Blue Sky’s success over the past 10 years! Here’s to the next decade of meaningful outdoor connections and collective action 💙 #BlueSkyFunders #RethinkOutside

Over the last ten years, it has been increasingly clear how valuable experiences in the outdoors are for kids. Better physical and mental health. Experiences of awe. Positive social connection. Enhanced capacity to make sound and sustainable choices. These are just some benefits. This week, the Blue Sky Funders Forum—founded to support meaningful outdoor experiences and environmental education—will celebrate its 10th Anniversary. In that time, Blue Sky has driven more than $500 million to a field that delivers experiences in, and about, nature. This is a thrilling result, particularly because ten years ago data showed that environmental education programs fell between “environmental” and “education” funding. This created a gap for organizations whose reach was curtailed by philanthropic patterns that didn’t reflect the value of their work. There are many people who helped create Blue Sky, but the top of the list is Randi Fisher. Earlier than just about anyone in philanthropy, Randi saw the potential of supporting a whole field of actors advancing access to nature. She set in a motion one of the first things I worked on at the Pisces Foundation, a series of meetings with a group who together launched Blue Sky. Well-deserved thanks to Beth Stevens, Janet Coffey, Diane Wood, Nicole Ardoin, Judy Braus, Angie Chen, and my founding co-chair, John Flicker. Directors Angie Chen, Anupama Joshi, and Onika Abraham, and our own Jason Morris, deserve the credit for Blue Sky’s growth from 6 to 50 philanthropies and its pathbreaking programs. Thank you also to Environmental Grantmakers Association directors Rachel Leon and Tamara Toles O'Laughlin, for their support. Come by the 10th anniversary convening—or check out Blue Sky Funders Forum's work. A true example of collective impact in action!   https://lnkd.in/gNfGcSzv

"Mosaic plays a unique role in supporting grantees doing the work to bridge across differences - grantees who are building and supporting powerful coalitions and breaking down competition to achieve the big wins we need to see. We model that through our own Leadership council - comprised of a significant and diverse segment of leadership of the environmental movement."- Eva Hernandez, Mosaic's Executive Director A quick update from the Environmental Grantmakers Association Conference in Washington State! Last evening, we hosted a stunning reception above the Columbia River Gorge. Mosaic Leadership Council member Rashad Morris opened the evening with remarks on Mosaic's vision, mission, and founding principles. Our new Executive Director, Eva Hernandez, delivered a talk on Mosaic’s main priorities and invited others to join us in our mission to build a stronger more influential environmental movement. Jason Morris of the Pisces Foundation followed with remarks on why they invest in Mosaic through both funding and direct engagement. The event sparked many inspiring conversations about movement building across the environmental field, Mosaic's focus. We're thrilled to be sharing about this work! #EGAretreat #MovementBuilding #ClimateAction

We're Hiring! Mosaic is looking for our next Program Officer! This role will oversee the design and execution of Mosaic’s annual grantmaking strategy, manage relationships with grantees, and collaborate with the Executive Director and Leadership Council. The Program Officer will play a critical role in Mosaic’s mission to build a stronger, more connected movement capable of addressing today’s urgent environmental challenges. We are working with CEA Recruiting to identify our next PO, you can view the full job description and apply on CEA’s career page here: https://lnkd.in/gMPkAVqM. #jobannouncement