Mission:
To address the adverse impact of growing human populations and overuse of natural resources on the biological fabric of the planet.

Background:
Founded in 1963 by Frank Weeden, who died in 1984, the foundation focuses on biodiversity; population growth, particularly in the United States; and overconsumption. Organizations it has supported range from those that protect ecosystems and wildlife to those that increase awareness about family planning. The foundation financed the first debt-for-nature swap protecting the Beni Biosphere Reserve in Bolivia, and it is particularly interested in innovative efforts to develop sustainable models for conservation action. Program areas are domestic biodiversity, international biodiversity, land acquisition, population, and consumption. Projects that serve as catalysts leading others to provide support receive priority consideration.

Outstanding Features:
The Web site contains thorough descriptions of the foundation's programs and grants awarded over the past eight years, its application guidelines, and its mission- and program-related investing.