Charlie Clark, Director of Philanthropy, Cotopaxi
I have worked in the Outdoor/Adventure Travel industry for the better part of two decades with the latter half being focused on philanthropy, nonprofit work and international development. For the last 10 years I have worked for two different B1 companies (B Corp + 1% for the Planet) in a grantmaking capacity, directly partnering with dozens of nonprofits on strategic funding initiatives and on-the-ground programming.
A portion of my roles at these companies has working directly with marketing professionals on consumer and employee facing communications.
I currently manage the operations and grantmaking strategy of the (501(c)(3) designated) Cotopaxi Foundation, and have worked for two other outdoor companies where my primary responsibilities were to develop and maintain relationships with nonprofits including the disbursement of grants and donations. Additionally, I worked for a BC based conservation nonprofit called Raincoast Conservation Foundation, and hold a Masters of Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University.
I did also join ATCF grants committee(?) in an advisory capacity for a little over a year ('22-'23), so I am familiar with some of the inner workings.
Describe any previous or current experience you have working with nonprofits, foundations or conservation organizations.
Describe any current or previous experience in fundraising and development.
While I have never held any formal development position, I assisted with donor management while at Raincoast, and I took fundraising courses in grad school. I have also been on the other side of "the ask" for a while and can hopefully offer some funder insight.
I thoroughly enjoyed partnering with the ATCF while working at MiiR, and love what the organization stands for. I have long admired Soraya, and I'm always amazed by what she is able to accomplish with such a small full-time team. I would love the opportunity to support her and her vision for the evolution of the organization. I'm also excited by the possibility of getting to work with such a diverse group of fascinating people. I had a great time sitting in on the committee calls previously, and getting to work with the full board sounds amazing.
Finally, as a new member company, I would love to help shape the ATCF to have the greatest positive impact possible, both for the communities and places supported by grants, and its members.
Why are you interested in serving on the ATCF board?
-Close to a decade of international grantmaking experience (e.g. due diligence, M&E, partnership management, storytelling)
-A network of other international funders, development professionals, nonprofit academics and outdoor industry contacts
-A passion for equity and inclusion
-Gear and apparel opportunities
What specific skills, perspectives, or networks would you bring to help advance the ATCF’s mission and impact?