What the World’s Smallest Microbe Can Tell Us What if the most important life form in the ocean was something you’ve never seen? Not a whale, or a dolphin, or a coral reef, but something a million times smaller. It’s called Prochlorococcus, a single-celled microbe that is so numerous that it accounts for an estimated […]

When it comes to climate change, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Rising temperatures, stronger storms, and disappearing habitats can leave us wondering: Is there really anything we can do? At The Becky Valentine Foundation, we believe the answer is yes, and our grantees are proving it every day through innovation, curiosity, and the power of

Dungeons, Dragons, & Dreams Sharpen your swords, ready your spellbooks, and gather your dice, because The Becky Valentine Foundation is thrilled to announce our very first community outreach event, Critical Causes: A Day of Dungeons, Dragons, & Dreams, coming this November at the Yarrow Family YMCA! This afternoon of imagination, strategy, and storytelling is a

Unsung Species That Keep Our World in Balance When thinking about wildlife conservation, the spotlight often falls on iconic animals like elephants, rhinos, tigers, or whales. While these species are vital, the ecosystems we depend on are also held together by less celebrated creatures. These hidden heroes of conservation quietly sustain biodiversity, support human life,

How Human Objects Can Revive Marine Ecosystems Earth’s oceans are their own vast and complex worlds and they are facing unprecedented threats. Luckily, innovative solutions are emerging from unexpected places. As human activity has altered the marine environment, a surprising practice is helping to restore and create new habitats: the purposeful sinking of ships, old

The world is a magnificent tapestry of life, woven together by countless species and intricate ecosystems. From the lush Amazon rainforest to the vibrant coral reefs of Australia, each part plays a crucial role in maintaining the planet’s health. But what happens when one of those threads starts to fray? The Becky Valentine Foundation is

Trends Across Boomers, Gen X, Millennials & Gen Z While Baby Boomers have long been the largest source of charitable funds, a new generation of donors is shifting the landscape. Here’s a look at how giving habits differ and how generational giving is evolving. Grandma and Grandpa Still Give the Most Baby Boomers remain the

What We’re Bringing to the PPI Rendezvous At The Becky Valentine Foundation, purpose is more than a guiding principle. It influences how we build relationships, develop programs, and plan for the future. As we prepare to attend the Purposeful Planning Institute’s annual Rendezvous, our team is focused on the role of values in shaping meaningful

What a Scholarship Really Pays For (Beyond Tuition) When people donate to a scholarship fund, they often think of what it covers in the short term: tuition, books, maybe housing and meals. And those essentials matter. But the true value of a scholarship reaches far beyond the campus. It shapes lives, unlocks careers, and creates

When people think about conservation efforts, they often imagine scientists working in remote forests or engineers building advanced clean energy systems. While those roles are important, the truth is that you don’t need to be a scientist to support conservation. Meaningful environmental change also depends on the people who support, fund, and advocate for the

Solar energy is one of our best tools for a sustainable future. It has become one of the most promising ways to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and build a cleaner, more resilient environment. But its impact extends beyond energy production. When thoughtfully implemented, solar infrastructure can support agriculture, protect wildlife, and preserve natural spaces

When summer begins, students across the country look forward to a well-earned break. But for many children (especially those from low and moderate income households) summer can also mean a loss of structure, learning, and opportunity. Without access to books, academic support, or safe spaces to grow, students often fall behind during the summer months.

Trust is one of the most important things a nonprofit can earn. Donors, partners, and community members all want to feel confident that the causes they care about are being handled with care and responsibility. Building trust through transparency is the best way to earn donor confidence. Transparency means more than listing expenses on a

While our planet is experiencing new environmental challenges each day, from habitat destruction to species extinction, there is hope in the next generation of STEM students. STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) plays a vital role in equipping future generations with the skills and tools they need to protect our planet’s most fragile ecosystems.

This past week, my four year old son graduated from preschool. Seeing the pride on the faces of his classmates and him filled me with such joy and wonder about the amazing futures these students have ahead of them. Sparking a love for learning at an early age is one of the greatest gifts we

At The Valentine Foundation, we believe that every act of kindness, every scholarship awarded, and every community we serve brings us one step closer to a more hopeful and connected world. Now, we’re entering a new chapter, and we’re excited to invite you along for the journey. What’s New Over the past few months, we’ve

Flint, Michigan is a city that knows resilience. Once a thriving center of the American auto industry, Flint has faced more than its share of challenges in recent decades; from economic downturns to a national water crisis. But what often gets overlooked is the powerful spirit of innovation, determination, and hope that still defines this

Our oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and are home to more than 230,000 known species, many of which we’re still learning about. But perhaps no part of ocean life is more vital and vulnerable than coral reefs. At The Valentine Foundation, we understand that preserving the future of our planet means

What is 30×30? The 30×30 movement is a global initiative with a bold goal: to protect 30% of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030. With climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline accelerating at an alarming rate, 30×30 is a rallying cry backed by science and embraced by conservationists, policymakers, and everyday citizens around

At The Valentine Foundation, we believe that lasting impact begins at home: in the neighborhoods we live in, the schools we support, and the people we show up for every day. Community involvement isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a vital part of building a better, more connected world. One of the best examples of