Philanthropy
During my tenure as CEO of Gliffy, the software company I founded, I embarked on my journey of philanthropy. Guided by a profound commitment to contribute to society, we pledged to donate 5% of our company's profits to our donor advised fund. This endeavor was complemented by granting our product to non-profit organizations and dedicating employee hours to local initiatives, embedding a culture of giving within our corporate ethos. Upon the sale of the company, I reserved a significant portion of the proceeds to be channeled into my ongoing donor advised fund.
Over time, my philanthropic focus has evolved to target two interconnected causes that resonate deeply with me - combating climate change and forest preservation. This passion was ignited during two transformative experiences. First, the renovation of our San Francisco home into a zero-emissions dwelling in 2020 which exposed me to the complexities of creating such buildings, and second, the time spent amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains (our home away from home), which cultivated a deep appreciation for forest ecosystems.
Today, we proudly back organizations diligently working to develop and implement solutions for climate change, particularly those addressing the pressing issue of zero-emissions buildings. In addition, we passionately support organizations devoted to preserving our planet's invaluable forest resources. Our combined contributions in these areas symbolize a commitment to a greener, more sustainable future for all, and a testament to the beauty and resiliency of nature that we so cherish.
For a deeper dive into my philanthropic journey and approach, particularly in relation to climate change, I invite you to read this report produced by the Aspen Institute where I, along with other philanthropists, discuss our strategies and experiences in supporting this vital cause.
Project Drawdown
Project Drawdown describes over 100 solutions to the climate crisis. In 2020 we led the funding for DrawDown Learn, an effort to educate leaders who will shape our climate for years to come
The Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. We amplify the power of our millions of members and supporters to defend everyone’s right to a healthy world.
TTCF Forest Futures
Chris wrote the first check to support the Forest Futures project at the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. The goal of this project is to identify and support market based solutions that help us maintain our forests.
Prime Coalition
Prime Coalition is a 501c3 public charity that partners with philanthropists to invest charitable capital in extraordinary companies that combat climate change, have a high likelihood of achieving commercial success, and would otherwise have a difficult time raising sufficient financial support.
Building Decarbonization Coalition
The Building Decarbonization Coalition unites building industry stakeholders with energy providers, environmental organizations and local governments to power our nation's homes and workspaces with clean energy.
Episcopal Community Services
San Francisco
While running the software company Chris founded, he funded a pilot program designed to assist at risk individuals to help them avoid homelessness. The pilot was successful and was expanded as a result.
Climate Action Campaign
Climate Action Campaign was founded in San Diego in 2015 by our Executive Director, Nicole Capretz. Nicole launched Climate Action Campaign to ensure the City of San Diego’s draft landmark Climate Action Plan (CAP) became law, which Nicole authored while working in the Mayor’s office. Nicole knew the only way to ensure the plan would pass was to do a bottom-up, neighborhood-by-neighborhood education and outreach program to build community and political will. And that’s exactly what CAC did.
Inga Foundation
Slash and burn farming is rapidly destroying the world’s remaining rainforests and sending vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Yet for more than 250 million farmers across the world, it is the only way they can survive.
Through implementing Inga Alley Cropping – the sustainable alternative to slash and burn – we can change this. By supporting farmers to take up this technique, the Inga Foundation gives them the ability to feed their families and improve their livelihoods, whilst keeping the rainforest and its rich biodiversity intact.