Foundation Facts

Purpose: The David Suzuki Foundation is an environmental non-profit, non-partisan charity registered in Canada and the United States. We work towards balancing human needs with the Earth’s ability to sustain all life. Our goal is to find and communicate practical ways to achieve that balance.

Origins: After broadcasting the radio series, It's a Matter of Survival, David Suzuki received over 17,000 letters from listeners, many asking for advice and solutions. In 1989 David Suzuki and Tara Cullis invited a dozen concerned people to a "think-tank" retreat on British Columbia's Pender Island. Inspired by those discussions, the Foundation was incorporated on September 14, 1990 and officially opened its doors on January 1, 1991.

Supporters: About 40,000 supporters - and more every day!

Gift Acceptance: The David Suzuki Foundation thanks all those interested in supporting our work. The Foundation is pleased to accept gifts from individuals, funding foundations and businesses. However, the David Suzuki Foundation will never accept gifts that could cause a conflict of interest, or the appearance of such a conflict, or may in any way negatively affect or jeopardize the reputation, work, or independence of the Foundation. The David Suzuki Foundation does not accept government grants, except in relation to the direct funding of scientific research through the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Staff: The Foundation employs about 50 staff. And we occasionally employ specialists (scientists, economists, researchers) to work for a short time on specific projects

Major Projects and Issues: Climate change and clean energy; oceans and sustainable fisheries, sustainability (including building a sustainable economy, protecting human health, and conservation), and the Nature Challenge.

Education: The Foundation communicates to the widest possible audience through its publications, advertisements, news releases, community events, public appearances by David Suzuki and Foundation staff, and this website.

Publications: Newsletters, scientific studies, research reports, books, brochures, information kits and news releases.

Advocacy: Supporters and the public at large are encouraged to learn more about environmental solutions, to adopt lifestyle changes, and to influence decision makers in government and business.