CRIMSONBRIDGE FOUNDATION

Photo Source: Rock Creek Conservancy Washington, DC – Four years ago, the Crimsonbridge Foundation announced its first round of environmental sustainability grants to five local organizations during Earth Month. Since then, the Foundation has steadily grown its work in sustainability to include tree canopy expansion, water quality restoration, biodiversity and native plant promotion, conservation training and volunteerism, and green workforce development. It now counts more

By Lauren Kim, Philanthropy Fellow (Winter 2026) The Crimsonbridge Foundation invests in four areas – Education, Leadership, Catholic Initiatives, and the Environment. Though these may seem distinct from each other, an investment in one program area can directly benefit another. College degrees and other valued postsecondary credentials remain a consistent pathway towards career success. Several of our grantee partners are at the forefront of expanding these pathways. Specifi

Why were you interested in becoming a Philanthropy Fellow with Crimsonbridge? Public service has always been incredibly important to me. I earned my Gold Award as a Girl Scout for thirteen years and have worked in nonprofits and the public sector throughout college. For instance, during my time as a Small Claims Advisor at the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs in Los Angeles, I assisted over 500 litigants through legal proceedings. As I learned about each litigant’s

The Laudato Si’ initiative brings together trusted partners united in mission to support environmental sustainability work within the U.S. Catholic Church. It is shaping a framework rooted in collaboration, guided by respect, and aligned with the Church’s call to stewardship and care for creation. The new Laudato Si’ Leadership Cohort marks an important step in helping dioceses move from design to implementation. Convened by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (U

[Crimsonbridge is pleased to share the following story from Potomac Conservancy.] Albert, a D.C. resident and dedicated Potomac Conservancy Community Hubs volunteer leader, has led nine cleanups across the Potomac River region, removing over two tons of trash with the help of community volunteers. One source of pollution is still getting worse in the Potomac River, threatening wildlife and drinking water: polluted urban runoff. It’s the only source of pollution still growing

On January 27-28, 19 diocesan-appointed staff members from across the country gathered for a Diocesan Leadership Summit at the headquarters of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Washington, DC. The goal of the Summit was to deepen participant understanding of how to implement Laudato Si’ within their dioceses and guide them in preparing an action plan. The Summit represents a new coordinated response to Laudato Si', a 2015 encyclical letter by Pope Fr

Guest post by Vince Drader, Director of Communications at Casey Trees, vdrader@caseytrees.org On December 6, volunteers gathered at The Catholic University of America to plant 30 new trees and gain hands-on experience caring for DC’s growing urban canopy. Across two simultaneous events on campus, participants learned how proper planting and maintenance techniques can make a lasting difference for the city’s trees. These activities were part of a broader initiative to share be

The Potomac River Basin stretches more than 400 miles across 4 states and the District of Columbia. In fact, it provides 80% of the drinking water for the 6 million people who call this region home. It’s a vital resource which is why the Potomac Conservancy publishes a River Report Card every two years. This data-driven assessment uses key indicators to determine the river’s overall health, raises community awareness, and needed action. Which is exactly what happened when th

Engaging the community in caring for the planet has been at the heart of the Crimsonbridge Foundation’s Environmental Sustainability program. So, when the Laudato Si’ Movement extended an invitation to Crimsonbridge’s Founder and Executive Chair Gabriela Smith, CEO Danielle M. Reyes, and Sustainability and Stewardship partner Bill Reig to participate in the Raising Hope Conference , they were honored to accept. Held October 1-3, 2025, in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, the event mar

For Student Conservation Association (SCA) crew members, summer is a time for action. It is a critical time for the removal of invasive...