The success of philanthropy often rests in its ability to be innovative, flexible and risk-taking. The Palmer Foundation's support for the Great Lakes Compact exemplifies these characteristics.
Foundation President Mary Enroth had been involved for many years with efforts to protect the Great Lakes which contain more than 90 percent of the fresh surface water in the United States, and 20 percent of the world's supply. The Great Lakes Compact establishes the first-of-its-kind decision-making standards for Great Lakes water use and stresses conservation. With over a decade of work already on the Compact, the Palmer Foundation saw a window of opportunity to make the Compact a reality in 2008.
"Our foundation typically supports youth programs," said Mary Enroth. "We decided that the timing was right to seek approval of the Compact from the eight Great Lakes states and two Canadian Provinces and that our support was also needed at a critical time for federal passage of this law."
The Palmer Foundation made a special initiative grant to The Alliance for the Great Lakes, an organization which played a major role in developing the Compact and working with state and national and provincial leaders to enact the agreement.
Due in large part to the support of the Palmer Foundation, The Alliance has been on the forefront of educating decision makers; testifying at the state and national level; engaging citizens and groups; and making the media rounds via the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Washington Post and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and National Public Radio.
On a grassroots level, Enroth sought support from her philanthropic peers, and worked with local elected officials. The Alliance was able to generate public interest in the topic and to help community members think about the Great Lakes as economic assets that will remain the foundation of our region's future.
Enroth and Karen E. Lischick, Palmer Foundation Vice President, attended the U.S. Senate Judiciary Hearing on July 30, 2008 where they listened to testimony and met key elected officials including Wisconsin Governor Doyle and Senator Feingold. On October 3, 2008, President George Bush signed into law the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact.
Support from the Foundation will continue to be critical as the Alliance works to ensure water conservation and resource protection by helping communities, states and key stakeholders use the Compact as a strong and effective tool.
