Wal-Mart Foundation Details Over $36 Million in Marine Conservation Grants

The Walton Family Foundation, along with Pew and the Packard and Moore Foundations, are among the major funders of marine environmental and conservation initiatives, reported on their 2010 grants last week.

A majority of grants were made to organizations and programs that pursue lasting conservation outcomes in ocean and river systems to the benefit of both people and wildlife by aligning economic and conservation interests.

"We focus our work in the United States' primary river systems and in some of the world's most ecologically significant marine areas," said Scott Burns, director of the foundation's Environment Focus Area. "It's important to us to protect and conserve natural resources while also recognizing the roles these waters play in the livelihoods of those who live nearby."

The Foundation is one of the primary funders of Conservation International, EDF, and the Marine Stewardship council, among others.

Out of a total of $71.8 million in grants in 2010, $36.3 million went directly to marine conservation related activities.

The top-funded organization in 2010 was Conservation International, which received $8.6 million. In 2009, EDF was the top funded organization, receiving $13.5 million.