Chapter One: A drop in their bucket.
Could you explain how Patagonia’s grant system operates and how grassroots environmental organizations are selected for support?
(Vanessa) Patagonia now has different outlets and avenues for grassroots support, including corporate grants and operations, as well as local support from our retail stores. Here at GPIW, we work as a team regarding the selection, and it becomes more of a collective decision. The process from there includes submitting our proposals for the non-profits we’d like to move forward with to my supervisors, and once selected by them, the non-profits are invited to apply for our grant system.
Once we receive those applications, either I or someone on my team will spearhead a grants council, where we will read them together, or someone will be in charge of speaking on behalf of the non-profit. We often go back and forth, asking ourselves how our support is going to help this group, or if our efforts need to be shifted to maximize our giving’s reach and impact. After quite some time, we’ll make our decision on how to allocate our funding to these groups.
Outside of this process, we host local non-profits at the store quite often, where they can set up a promotional booth, bringing awareness not only to our employees but also to our visitors coming in and out of our storefront. It’s great to see our community get involved and for them to know where support is needed.
What impact has the Patagonia Action Works program had on grassroots non-profits, groups, and movements?
(Vanessa) Without Patagonia Action Works, a lot of these efforts can be left unseen and unheard speaking both locally and globally. And support can go as far as helping groups with marketing, event planning, or doing the work itself.
Personally, I’ve gotten very involved with one of our now-grantees, The MERITO Foundation, where I now work with them every week. They’re a local non-profit in Ventura and help multi-cultural communities specifically the youth, bringing awareness on how to preserve, conserve, and protect marine life and open waters.
For individuals who may struggle to see the immediate impact of their volunteer work or petition signatures, what message can you share to encourage them that their efforts truly make a difference?
(Vanessa) It all makes a difference. Our individual or group actions lead to momentum for these organizations. Even while working for MERITO, it’s been impactful to see how simply having an extra pair of hands can contribute to their momentum, movement, and efforts. Sometimes we feel like that drop in the ocean, but to these groups, we’re a drop in their bucket. It’s rewarding to see how our work—signing a petition, helping maintain land, or volunteering for a few hours—is all beneficial to them at the end of the day.
What are some specific goals Patagonia aims to achieve in the next year and over the next decade?
(Vanessa) Some goals for the next year include our continued work to reach net zero emissions by 2040. Between the store and corporate, we’re working together to boost our grassroots movements, especially in our local areas. There is also an abundance of stores within and outside the United States doing similar work in their communities. We’re working toward increasing grant funding for these groups and their operations. In addition, we’re focusing on cutting carbon emissions, promoting cleaner energy, utilizing recycled materials, protecting public land, supporting environmental policies, and advocating for stronger laws. These are all everyday things that Patagonia is fighting for. Looking ahead to the next decade, we’re making efforts to promote regenerative agriculture, reduce waste, protect lands and oceans, advocate for environmental justice and global climate action, and lead by example—continuing the work that we promised.
Someone once said, “If you ever want to care about some of these environments, you have to see them.” Do you agree with this perspective? For those facing travel or budget constraints, what are some accessible ways for people to connect with and appreciate these environments?
(Vanessa) Whether I agree with their perspective—that’s a yes, a no, both, or neither—I do believe that being able to see these environments can deepen your connection to them and really motivate you to advocate for the narrative of that area. For example, witnessing a glacier change over time or visiting a special part of the mountains can inspire you to take action and encourage others to do the same. At the same time, it can be tricky if we’re unable to visit these places. I think we’re very fortunate at Patagonia, as we have what we call “activism hours”—up to eighteen hours a year where we can go to a place and do work that is meaningful to us. So we do have that support, and we’re lucky in that regard. However, without this opportunity, it can be difficult to engage fully. Nonetheless, with access to technology, there’s beauty in our day and age; you can see something online—read an article, watch a film—and feel just as inspired.