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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I learn more about what I can do?
| About the Foundation |
How can I contact Board Members of the Foundation?Due to privacy issues we are unable to provide contact information for our board members. We can, however, pass along a detailed message to board members upon request.
Will you support or sponsor my project / trip / new technology?Unfortunately, due to our limited staff and resources we are not able to work on outside projects. Also, as we are not a funding organization, we do not sponsor projects, offer grants or provide funding for projects.
Does the David Suzuki Foundation provide funding for community projects?While we occasionally become involved in community projects, these initiatives relate specifically to our own programs. For this reason we do not accept unsolicited applications for funding.
Will the Foundation review my product / technology and help me develop it?The Foundation does not have the expertise or staff available to follow up on requests of this nature. We do not have experience developing products or technologies, as we are an organization that works towards policy change.
Can I use the David Suzuki Foundation logo on my product?The Foundation does not endorse products or allow the use of its logo on projects it is not directly involved in.
Where does the Foundation's funding come from?We are primarily funded by donations from individuals and by grants from other charitable foundations. 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.
Where can I download the Foundation's Annual Report?Visit our Newsletters & Annual reports page to download.
How many people work at the Foundation?The Foundation employs about 50 staff. We occasionally employ specialists (scientists, economists, researchers) to work for a short time on specific projects.
Does the Foundation have an office in my city?Even though our work involves us in activities taking place around the world, we conserve resources by having a small staff and one main office only, in Vancouver, BC, Canada, with two remote offices in Ontario. For information on how to reach us, visit the Contact Us page.
Why aren't you bilingual?The Foundation is working towards becoming bilingual in the future, but we do not have the staff or resources available to do so at this time.
Are any of your publications available in French?All of our reports and books are listed in the Publications section of the site. For those available in French, there is a notation, en français, underneath the listing.
I want to Volunteer! How can I help?There are many ways you can support the work of the Foundation. Check out the Volunteering section of our website - we place volunteers in our Vancouver office. If you live outside of Vancouver, British Columbia, see the Take Action section for ways that you can help from a distance.
Do you offer an internship program?At this time we do not have an internship program in place.
I want to pursue a career that will help the environment. What do you suggest I do?ECO, The Environmental Careers Organization of Canada can help you with career planning. Check their site for information.
How do I find work in the non-profit sector or start my own non-profit grassroots organization?Check out the resources on the Charity Village website.
Does the Foundation offer scholarships or bursaries?The Foundation is not a funding organization, and we have no scholarships or bursaries available.
Are you hiring? How do I apply to work at the Foundation?Visit our Employment Opportunities page for information.
What is the background of people working at the Foundation?Foundation staff come from many different backgrounds, but most are specialists in a particular field. Among us are scientists, researchers, journalists, community development workers, educators, computer whizzes and even former Members of Parliament!
Can you send a speaker to my school, office or community?Although some of our staff are involved in outreach programs that include speaking at schools, offices, and in communities, we are not able to provide speakers on a regular basis or upon request in most cases.
Can you give me contact information for Al Gore, Leonardo DiCaprio or other Environmental celebrities?While the Foundation and Dr. Suzuki do occasionally host events with individuals like Al Gore, we do not provide contact information for them and are unable to pass along information or messages.
Where can I buy your reports and publications?All of our reports can be downloaded free of charge or ordered for $10 - $20 per paper copy through our Publications page.
| About Dr. David Suzuki |
How can I get a copy of the Nature of Things and other programs featuring David Suzuki on DVD?The Nature of Things is produced by CBC. Contact them directly to make comments on the show, for transcripts and to purchase copies on DVD. You can also call toll free 1 866 999-3072, fax #: 416 205-2376.
How do I contact David Suzuki?You can contact David Suzuki through his Executive Assistant, Elois Yaxley, by faxing your request to 604-730-9670 or by sending mail to this address:
2211 West 4th Ave.
Suite 219
Vancouver, BC
V6K 4S2
When and where is Dr. Suzuki appearing?Visit Dr. Suzuki's Appearances page for information on his upcoming speaking engagements.
Where can I buy books by David Suzuki?Follow this link for information on how to get books by David Suzuki. The Foundation does not sell his books.
Are David's books available in other languages?Many of David's books have been translated into a number of languages other than English. For details, check his detailed book list.
What else has David Suzuki done?Check our About Dr. David Suzuki page for information on all the things he's done.
Does David Suzuki work in the Foundation office?Dr. Suzuki's schedule is largely determined by his work for television and radio which takes him away from his home in Vancouver for weeks at a time throughout the year. But even when he's a full hemisphere away, people in the Foundation office are in touch with him almost daily. Whenever he's in the city, we can look forward to having him in the office regularly. And yes, he rides his bike to get here.
I want to make an appointment with David Suzuki. Can I phone him?Due to the numerous requests Dr. Suzuki receives on a daily basis, the only way to keep track of them and be assured of a reply is to send a request by mail or fax through his Executive Assistant Elois Yaxley, by faxing your request to 604-730-9670 or by sending mail to this address:
2211 West 4th Ave.
Suite 219
Vancouver, BC
V6K 4S2
| About the Nature Challenge |
How do I view old Nature Challenge Newsletters?Visit our Nature Challenge Newsletters page.
What is David Suzuki's Nature Challenge based on?We used a model developed by the Union of Concerned Scientists to determine the most effective ways to protect nature. Using Canadian data, we found that simple changes in our daily lives related to food, transport, and home energy would make significant differences in protection of our natural resources. Learn more about the science behind the Nature Challenge by downloading this report.
Can I see what others are doing for the Nature Challenge?Definitely! We're collecting stories from the Nature Challenge community about the actions people are choosing to do. Take a look at the Nature Challenge in Action.
Why is moving into a new home on the Nature Challenge?We aren't advocating that people move, but if you are considering a move, the location of your home is important. An environmentally sound choice requires thinking about how your new dwelling will affect your transportation choices. Living in suburban developments normally involves a greater dependence on automobiles unless you live in an area serviced by inter-city rail.
Living close to work, school and shopping also reduces the time spent in your automobile so you can spend it on things that matter to you most. Northwest Environmental Watch estimates that the average person spends 32 hours a month driving. Biking or walking are good ways to get out of your car, but only if you live close enough to a your regular destinations. Another consideration is whether you have easy access to public transit.
One more thing to consider if you're moving: studies have found that people living in suburbs are more likely to be heavier by an average of six pounds and suffer more from health problems than people who live in pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods. Making a move that reduces your car dependence is good for nature - and for you.
Why isn't recycling on the Nature Challenge list?The UCS model that's the basis for the Nature Challenge considered the impact of various categories of household expenditures on four environmental problems: global warming, air pollution, water pollution and habitat alteration. In terms of that analysis, our choices regarding transportation, food and home energy use are topics which have significantly more environmental impact than the garbage we produce. Of course, our study looks at the average Canadian households. Some cities are experiencing a landfill crisis, in which reducing garbage could be a local priority. Canadians are doing an excellent job of recycling and should continue to do so - even though it isn't on the Nature Challenge list.
What does eating meat have to do with the Nature Challenge? Are you asking me to become a vegetarian?!Along with Americans and Australians, Canadians are among the world's top three meat consumers. We eat more than twice as much meat as the global average. The World Cancer Research fund recommends that individuals eat 80 grams of meat per day. But in 1999, the average Canadian ate three times that amount.
Although conventional meat producing and processing lead to several environmental problems, you don't have to become a vegetarian to make a difference. By designating one meat-free day each week, you'll conserve valuable water, energy and land.
Why is supporting alternative transportation on the list?As long as automobiles burn fossil fuels, Earth's atmosphere will suffer and so will people from pollution-related illnesses. In addition, more cars mean more roads and parking facilities, and less green spaces and recreation areas.
Alternatives to the car exist but they won't be used unless they're safe, efficient and convenient. To achieve this, municipal governments must build and maintain public transit in Canadian cities while instituting traffic calming measures and greenways that encourage pedestrians and cyclists. Better transit requires better urban planning at the local level and financial support from the federal government.
I already do the Nature Challenge actions, do I still need to join?By taking the Challenge you're joining a community with hundreds of thousands of Canadians! By simply joining, you’re sending a powerful message to our leaders that we want a clean, healthy future. After all, if thousands of people are making sustainable choices in their daily lives, shouldn't the corporate and government leaders make smarter choices too?
Why is the Nature Challenge focused only on individuals? What about governments and corporations?The David Suzuki Foundation works toward making Canada a world leader in sustainable living and environmental protection by 2030. To achieve this goal, people at all levels of society - individual, corporate, and government - need to get involved. Our report, Sustainability within a Generation, includes targets and timelines that would transform Canada into a country with a clean, efficient 21st century economy. Read the report for yourself.
| About the website |
How do I subscribe to your email newsletters?You can subscribe to email newsletters and update subscriptions on our subscribe page.
I found a broken link or error on your website. Who do I contact?If you find a problem with the website such as a page that will not load or a broken link, please and include your browser version and operating system if appropriate.
How can I link to your website from mine? Do you have any banners?Please link to us using these banners.
I want to use this article for my website / publication - who do I contact?For information visit our Permissions and Copyright page.
Do you offer a link exchange program?The Foundation does not have a link exchange program - you can link to us using these banners. We only provide links for our direct partners.
| About donations |
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Where do I find general information on donating to the Foundation?Visit our Donation Centre for detailed information on supporting the Foundation.
How can I donate the proceeds from my event / trip / fundraiser to your organization?Interested in fundraising on behalf of the DSF? We'd love to hear from you! Please tell us a bit about your plans by filling out this form. You can your completed form to us with the subject line Fundraising Application, or fax it to 604.732.0752 c/o the Development Department.
How do I become a monthly donor?Learn about donating monthly to support the Foundation by visiting our Friends of the Foundation page.
How do I change my address?You can email, phone, mail or fax your change of address to us: , or call 1-800-453-1533 or 604-732-4228 and they will make the update for you. Be sure to give your name as it appears on your mail, and your old address, so they can locate you in the database.
How can I reduce the number of mailings that come to me in a year?You can reduce the amount of mail you receive by requesting:
Annual Mailing - In addition to receiving three newsletters a year, you will receive only one request to renew your membership in October.
Information Only - You will receive only 3 newsletters a year and no direct r9/24/2007equest to renew your membership.
Do Not Exchange Name - If you do not wish to have your name exchanged with other organizations, you can request that it not be exchanged; or call 1-800-453-1533 or 604-732-4228
How do I get a subscription to Finding Solutions?Finding Solutions, our quarterly newsletter, is sent to all Foundation supporters. To become a supporter visit the Donation Centre.
| Other environmental and health issues |
Does the David Suzuki Foundation have a stance on other environmental, social, and health issues not specifically mentioned here, such as Population, bulk water exports, recycling, ethical product sourcing and manufacturing?The mandate of the David Suzuki Foundation is to campaign on the issues surrounding climate change, sustainability, conservation, and aquaculture. As we are a relatively small group of staff working with limited resources, we are unable to provide resources, research, or comment on most environmental, social and health issues that fall outside our mandate.
How can I find a lawyer to help me address health or environmental issues in my community?The Foundation is not involved in legal issues of this nature, and cannot provide any resources on this. Please contact Ecojustice for information on this.