Dear Friends,
After heartfelt deliberation, I have decided that I will make way for new leadership at Global Greengrants Fund by 2020. I love my job and the people around the world who guide and undertake the work we support. Their courage, commitment, effectiveness, and impact is awesome. This position has provided me the opportunity to get to know advisors and grantee communities from Africa to China, India, Latin America, the Pacific Islands, and Russia, as well as committed donors throughout the United States and Europe. The experiences and relationships that have resulted are among the most meaningful of my life.
My career in philanthropy has spanned over four decades. I learned about Global Greengrants Fund as it was being formed 25 years ago, and admired the model of advisor-led grantmaking that my predecessor Chet, and other founders, had set up. It has been a privilege to serve as staff leader since 2009. Our work supporting bottom-up solutions to protect the planet, as well as the many cultures and people who call it home, is critical as the timeline towards a global climate catastrophe shortens.
While there will be no magical solution to the climate crisis or other pressing socio-environmental issues, the power of the grassroots is apparent. Investing in locally-led solutions, and building a movement of communities working towards a better future is crucial.
As the needs and urgency have increased, Global Greengrants Fund has grown and developed, with a larger staff, larger budget, and more grants awarded annually than ever before. I am certain that our trajectory is a good one, that our advisors, board, donors, grantees, and staff are the right people for the job.
At Global Greengrants Fund, we strive to build a network-wide culture honoring people’s differences and encouraging fair treatment and opportunity for all. In my time here, we have increased our grantmaking to Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth. As part of my legacy, I look forward to leaving a strong, internal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
I have told the Board of Directors that I am committed to stay in my role until a successor is hired. Over the coming months, I look forward to continuing to work with all of you and our broader network to support local communities to protect their ways of life and our planet while the search for my successor is completed by the Board. Then, I plan to continue to follow and support Global Greengrants Fund in any way I can. As a lifetime activist, I stand in solidarity with those on the frontlines around the world.
Warmly,
Terry Odendahl, Ph.D.
President and CEO
P.S. To read a statement from the Board of Directors about the news, click here.