New Name, Same Game: The Loretto Carbon Reduction Fund

Written by the Loretto Carbon Reduction Fund Committee: Beth Blissman, Susan Classen, Becky Coakley, Roberta Hudlow, Jessie Rathburn, Michele Stimac

The Tree Fund was first established in 2019 in honor of Anthony Mary Sartorius, then renamed the Loretto Carbon Offset Fund to connect the work with drawing down emissions. The fund continues to evolve as our learning deepens and is now called the Loretto Carbon Reduction Fund. While the intent of the fund primarily remains the same — to fund projects that prevent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or that draw GHG emissions out of the atmosphere — this new name allows the fund to be distinguished from regulated carbon markets and the demands of reporting and verification they require.

As climate change intensifies and human-caused destruction of Earth becomes more and more apparent, it is crucial that we do all we can to reduce our GHG emissions. This fund enables individuals and organizations to bring healing to Earth, and now we are able to expand the ways in which we do that. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for projects that:

• Sequester or prevent GHG emissions (original criteria).
• Provide education on carbon emissions or GHG reduction and prevention (new criteria!).
• Secure infrastructure, equipment, and support needed for the health of plantings —
e.g., irrigation, fencing, tools, etc. (new criteria!).

We continue to require that all grantees have a Loretto Community connection.

It remains true that we must, as rapidly as possible, address the root causes of the climate crisis and decrease GHG emissions. Building on Loretto’s roots as educators, we recognize the importance of providing funds to those who will provide education on the importance of GHG emissions reduction and prevention. We also recognize that infrastructure is required to keep plants healthy so they can deepen their roots and return carbon to the soil.

As you reflect on 2022, we encourage you to consider the ways in which you drew down emissions or perhaps contributed more emissions than usual as life opened up again following the pandemic. Perhaps you will consider contributing to this fund as this year closes, to enable others to move forward with projects to decrease emissions. As you plan for 2023, consider if there are new ways in which you can draw down emissions. Do you want to plant trees or native grasses, install solar panels, weatherize your home or place of work, or educate others on how to do this?

As Loretto, we strive to support and enable everyone to flourish in their own place. We are grateful to work alongside you to bring healing to Earth.