With less than a decade to prevent irreversible damage from climate change, this is a pivotal moment for our planet. While there is an ever-growing consensus that climate change is real, there remains a need to counter disinformation that’s being used to stymie meaningful climate action, and a need to improve our collective understanding of the issues and solutions to the crisis. 

That’s why I’m excited to announce our recently formed charity — the Greenpeace Canada Education Fund. 

The Greenpeace Canada Education Fund’s focus is on research and education related to the health of our planet and the threats to it. We support research and investigations on climate change, environmental protection, ecological conservation and preservation, environmental science, and renewable energy. And we support educational and outreach programs that disseminate these scientifically-grounded findings. 

As chair of the Greenpeace Canada Education Fund’s board, I’d like to invite you to join us as we embark on our journey — one that has the potential to advance and deepen our collective understanding of the environmental issues and solutions before us and to promote an appreciation for the kinds of actions that are needed to build a more sustainable world and future. 

What’s the difference between the Greenpeace Canada Education Fund and Greenpeace Canada? Are they separate entities?

Yes they are! There are now two Greenpeace organizations operating in Canada, both part of the same global movement. Greenpeace Canada, which runs campaigns to protect the planet and promote justice and peace, is the more “famous one” that was established in 1971. To advocate effectively for the planet, including in ways that charities can’t, Greenpeace Canada is a non-profit organization rather than a charity. 

Established in 2020, the Greenpeace Canada Education Fund is a registered charity focused on research, investigations and education. Its purposes and aims are more defined than those of Greenpeace Canada.

Around the world, Greenpeace’s campaigning approach is based on the IDEAL framework: Investigating, Documenting, Exposing, Acting, and Lobbying.

Greenpeace Canada Education Fund will work alongside Greenpeace Canada to boost the first part of this approach by focussing on work related to investigating, documenting and educating people about environmental threats and solutions. And this work will, in turn, help Greenpeace Canada and its allies create more persuasive, credible and effective actions and engagement with the public, politicians and the media.

Can the Greenpeace Canada Education Fund issue tax receipts?

Yes! Eligible donations to the Greenpeace Canada Education Fund (Charitable tax # 717425516RR0001) will be issued a tax receipt. To maintain our independence, the Greenpeace Canada Education Fund only accepts donations from individuals, foundations and not-for-profit organizations — we don’t accept any money from corporations or governments. 

I want to thank the many people who have worked so hard to make this charity a reality. Along with my fellow board members, John Doherty, Tim Richardson, and Rachel Rocco, I will lead the Greenpeace Canada Education Fund with integrity, passion and purpose. 

Please visit this website for updates on our work and feel free to reach out to Jackie Gallagher for further information by contacting her by email at [email protected] or by phone at: +19058280133

With hope and determination,

Sue Birge

Board Chair, Greenpeace Canada Education Fund