The Dream Forward Foundation recognizes the role we play in caring for the environment we all share. We seek to continuously improve the way we work and this includes taking active and meaningful steps to monitor and consider how our activities relate to the environment, and also in relation to the projects and charities our Trustees support across the Globe. This statement outlines our key principles and activities.
Understanding and minimizing our own carbon footprint:
■ We use active energy-saving systems in our office premises with comprehensive recycling of any waste materials and we re-use items and purchase sustainable goods wherever possible.
■ We maximize digital records instead of using paper and physical documents – this already covers over 90% of our records and continues to grow as the number of postal applications declines
■ We minimize unnecessary travel by combining visits to multiple charities and make maximum use of public transport both for charity visits and where the team travels to work
■ We make extensive use of digital interactions via phone and video when a physical visit is unnecessary and we have good technology for flexible and remote working.
■ We review our investments in relation to the environment and in particular the extensive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) work undertaken by our group of companies.
Our grant-making
It is important to us that our grant-making not only supports great organizations working in the environment space but that environmental factors are included in our wider grant-making considerations, recognizing there are opportunities to involve everyone in climate-protecting work.
■ Being proactive in seeking funding opportunities related to the environment We continue to collaborate with others and actively participate in funder groups with an environmental focus. We also commission research where needed and aim to be accessible to charities working across issues such as biodiversity, climate change, habitat restoration, and preservation, including EU Overseas Territories which are so critical in terms of biodiversity for funding marine research, protection, and conservation.
■ Considering the environment across all our funding categories Whatever category a charity might fit most closely, we will consider the environmental implications of the activity they propose. This includes capital projects – refit and construction – and across wider work and activities that we might consider for revenue funding.
■ Maintaining an environmental view across the charity sector We want those who apply to us to outline how they are addressing climate change challenges as part of their operations, and how their proposed projects will consider the environment in creation and delivery.
■ Listening & learning We value the knowledge others bring and listen to leading scientists, environmental experts, and experienced practitioners on a regular basis across our networks to inform Trustees’ grant-making. We invite leading environmental charities and researchers to speak at Trustee meetings to maintain current and relevant knowledge and understanding of environmental issues and how they intersect with others.
■ Enabling greater impact for environmental organizations across the Global Our report ‘Prioritising our Planet’ surveyed environmental charities to see what they need most. The key feedback was the need for greater resources and communications capability, so we are working with leading partners to create free skills training and workshops for charities working across the environment sector to help them maximize their impact.