Role of The ChariTree Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The ChariTree Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and United Nations climate observer organization dedicated to environmental and climate education for children and youth. Based in Greater Vancouver, it operates nationally and internationally, supporting nature-based learning so that young people can survive and thrive in a rapidly changing climate. ChariTree is 100% volunteer-run, which allows donations to flow directly into programs and grants.
The foundation funds and delivers a portfolio of initiatives that combine hands-on outdoor learning with climate and biodiversity education. Its support reaches children in schools, summer camps, orphanages and youth programs across Canada, as well as projects in countries such as Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia and Kenya.
Grant and funding programs
ChariTree administers several structured funding mechanisms. A flagship offer is its Outdoor Classroom Grant program, which provides $5,000 grants to Canadian schools, summer camps and registered Canadian charities building outdoor classrooms or children’s learning gardens, including selected projects in Africa. These grants help create permanent outdoor learning spaces where students can connect with nature and study sustainability.
The foundation also runs the Camp Tree Planting & Environmental Education Grant, offering $1,000 grants to Canadian Camping Association member camps. These grants enable camps to purchase native tree seedlings, hire environmental educators and host tree‑planting activities as part of camp-based climate and biodiversity education.
In addition, ChariTree “gifts funds to qualified donees” in Canada and abroad whose projects benefit children and the environment, broadening its impact beyond directly managed programs. Historically, the foundation has also donated trees and covered shipping so that schools, camps and children’s organizations can run their own tree‑planting initiatives under the “A Tree for Every Child” banner.
Publics served and thematic focus
The ChariTree Foundation focuses on children and youth, particularly those in communities highly exposed to climate impacts or with limited access to nature. Its funded projects emphasize outdoor learning, tree planting, reforestation, biodiversity protection, ocean and beach cleanups, and mental and physical health benefits from time in nature.
Support typically targets teachers, school leaders, camp directors and partner charities who can embed environmental education into curricula and daily activities. Through small to medium-sized grants and in‑kind support, ChariTree helps them develop outdoor classrooms, organize large-scale tree plantings, and design transformative climate education experiences.
Governance, transparency and reporting
The foundation publishes annual financial reports and meeting summaries, providing visibility on how donated funds are spent. As a volunteer-run organization under the direction of an executive director and board of directors, it emphasizes low overhead and clear accountability: grants are issued directly to registered schools, camps or qualified donees, and recipients are asked for acknowledgement letters, photos, stories and basic follow‑up to demonstrate impact.
Through this model, The ChariTree Foundation occupies a distinct niche in the funding landscape by channeling modest but targeted grants into experiential climate and nature education for children and youth, while maintaining close alignment with UN climate and biodiversity objectives.