IN 2015 AND IN 2017, THE FOUNDATION OFFERED AN AREA-FOCUSED COMPETITIVE GRANT OPPORTUNITY, THE RATHMANN CHALLENGE
In 2015 the area of focus was Education and in 2017 the area of focus was the Environment. The award criteria included a demonstrated ability to implement an outstanding program within the focus area and an idea as to how to significantly extend that program given additional funds.
The award was in two parts: the first a $100,000 award in recognition of the outstanding success of past programming and the second a $200,000 grant paid as $100,000/year in each of years 2 and 3 to extend that programming in ways that expanded upon the organization’s past success for even greater impact.
MEET OUR AWARDEES
2015 Rathmann Challenge
The Rathmann Challenge of 2015 sought ways to support educators in addressing issues which interfere with PreK-12 students’ abilities to be fully present in the classroom. The applications received were extraordinary and addressed many issues: food, clothing, classroom supplies, shelter, personal care, dental, medical, mental health and legal support (e.g. immigration, juvenile and custodial issues). Of the many highly qualified organizations that applied, four were selected for funding.
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2017 Rathmann Challenge
Compost has long been used for improved soil productivity, increased water retention, and reduced sensitivity to drought. Application of compost to agricultural lands can be an effective waste management technique for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We saw widespread use of compost as an important tool for recapturing carbon from the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and stabilizing the carbon cycle. Of the many highly qualified organizations that applied, five were selected for funding.
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