CSE has received a $40,000 grant from The San Diego Foundation to support the Equinox Project’s efforts to turn research into action to help local governments achieve a healthy environment and stronger economy. It is part of $230,460 in awards to seven programs that work to ensure our region is prepared with clean and secure water supplies in light of a changing climate and potential drought conditions.
“San Diegans understand how valuable of a commodity water is in drought-prone Southern California,” explained Nicola Hedge, director of environmental initiatives at The San Diego Foundation. “As climate change increasingly impacts our daily lives and threatens the region’s access to water, the foundation is committed to engaging a cross section of local leaders and nonprofit organizations in working together and investing today in solutions.”
The San Diego Foundation’s grant funding is made possible through collaboration of individual donors and private foundations such as the Kresge Foundation and Qualcomm Foundation.
CSE’s Equinox Project conducts research on a wide scope of quality-of-life issues ranging from water and energy use to transportation and the economy. It’s San Diego Regional Quality of Life Dashboard provides an online tool for decision-makers and local stakeholders to better understand the state of San Diego water use and water quality, providing analysis and strategies to advance intelligent regional policies. This grant will help Equinox expand water-specific research and provide updated data while fostering more collaboration between local governments and agencies on sustainable water management and climate resiliency issues in 2018.
The other nonprofit programs receiving grants include
- San Diego Coastkeeper – advancing sustainable water solutions
- San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative – advancing climate-smart water strategies
- Surfrider Foundation, San Diego Chapter – carbon connection
- Endangered Habitat League – climate resilience, water conservation and fire hazard reduction
- Water Reliability Coalition – residential water rate reform education & outreach
- San Diego Green Building Council – net zero water education