Mad Agriculture’s work with the ancient grain revival movement enhances crop nutrition, traditional seed-saving methods and regenerative farming practices. In 2023, the support of several 1% for the Planet Business Members enabled Mad Agriculture to increase their impact across Colorado and beyond. 

In tandem with their efforts in the grain revival movement, Mad Agriculture partnered with member Silverstrand Capital to establish Mad Capital, a new sister company. Silverstrand Capital served as the primary investor and played a pivotal role in financing the business. Building upon the success of their initial fund project, Mad Capital provides financial support for new regenerative farmers through land, equipment and infrastructure loans. 

As an award-winning filmmaking company, Untold Storytelling had the tools to weave a story about Manitoulin Island’s water crisis for environmental partner Water First. Marketing expenses—especially production costs—are often difficult for nonprofits to cover. That’s why Untold Storytelling structured a plan to use their 1% commitment and in-kind giving to support the film project.

They set out to film on Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory land to capture the water protection work of Paige Manitowabi, Water First’s Local Coordinator. Through their partnership, Untold Storytelling allowed Water First to showcase the benefits of mixing Traditional Knowledge and Western science in water conservation efforts.

Gabon hosts some of Africa’s most spectacular biodiversity, including critically endangered forest elephants. Most of Gabon's rural populace consists of farmers who encounter significant challenges with human-elephant conflict (HEC).

1% for the Planet Environmental Partner Space for Giants has been working on HEC in East Africa for over a decade, particularly on the Laikipia Plateau in northern Kenya. The lessons learned in Kenya helped to launch an innovative mobile electric fence design to address the HEC challenges in Gabon. The simple, affordable and transportable design has proven to be 90% effective in protecting farmers from raiding elephants.

Space for Giants and their partners have now installed 120 fences across Gabon, assisting over 916 individuals in safely coexisting with forest elephants. They plan to construct 500 more fences by the end of the year—protecting more people, livelihoods and elephants. Their work is supported by Smiling Rocks’ Loose Diamond Department, a business member creating sustainable, lab-grown jewelry.

Business member, SunGod, and environmental partner, The Bike Project, are long-term partners that have been working together to provide bikes to refugees and asylum seekers arriving in the UK. Refugees and asylum seekers often struggle with language barriers, cost of transport and lack of access to essential services. Providing bikes (and lessons on riding, road safety and maintenance), makes accessing resources and being a part of a community easier while also cutting transport costs. In short, The Bike Project isn’t just giving away bikes—they are aiding in providing security, confidence and independence to people building a new life.

Comfort (pictured above) is a beneficiary of the program who is also a leading figure at The Bike Project. She arrived in the UK from Nigeria, and struggled to settle into her community because of barriers that prevented her from finding a job. After getting involved with The Bike Project she was inspired to become a cycling instructor, and now shares her wisdom and experiences with other refugees and asylum seekers.

In 2023, Brondell emerged as 1% for the Planet’s largest corporate donor. Through their support of our mission, we’re able to invest in the future of our organization and scale the impact of our network. With this generous donation Brondell proves to be an incredible role model for businesses striving to do better for people and the planet.

For every dollar donated to 1% for the Planet, we certify $13 in members' donations to environmental partners around the world. Brondell's donation to our organization helped power that outsized impact.

“Brondell’s 1% for the Planet commitment is an amazing example of unwavering commitment and dedication to people and the planet," notes Kate Williams. "Their significant support helped drive us toward our goal of continuously increasing our reach and impact.”

Brondell also continued their partnership with California Native Plant Society Yerba Buena Chapter for the second year running, meeting in San Francisco to sow flower seeds, weed and remove debris from McLaren Park Native Plant Garden. Their partnership allowed Brondell to watch their impact grow—both in building strong connections and nurturing the garden.

Global Summit 2023: New York City took place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn where 1% for the Planet Business Members and Environmental Partners traveled from near and far for our annual network gathering.

In the spirit of growing stronger together, our CEO Kate Williams kicked off the program by announcing 1% for the Planet’s loftiest goal yet—reaching $1 billion in certified giving by 2030. From there, attendees engaged in educational workshops, participated in thought-provoking panels and learned from two incredible keynote speakers—Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson from Urban Ocean Lab and Vincent Stanley, Patagonia’s Director of Philosophy. 

In celebration of our network, we launched our inaugural Summit Awards to recognize the outstanding work of our business members and environmental partners. This year, Peak Design received the Leadership Award for their exemplary commitment to membership. Sway took home the Change & Innovation Award. Maine Beer Company and Wolfe’s Neck Center shared the Partnership Award. And of course, we also danced, went bowling and played bingo with our favorite environmental drag queen, Pattie Gonia.

Global Summit 2023: NYC was unforgettable. By the end of the three-day gathering, there was no doubt that the power of our network’s collective action will help us reach our goal of $1 billion in certified giving.