DiCaprio’s foundation announces $15.6 million in grants

NEW YORK – Leonardo DiCaprio is upping the ante in his environmental philanthropy: His foundation has announced $15.6 million in grants for conservation efforts.

It’s the largest series of donations by the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation . It boasts donations of more than $59 million since it was founded in 1998.

DiCaprio has lobbied world leaders about climate change, protecting wildlife and more. In a statement released Wednesday, the Oscar-winning actor said he was increasing the level of grants “to help solve some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.”

He also appointed Terry Tamminen as the foundation’s CEO. He was once secretary of California’s Environmental Protection Agency.

Beneficiaries of the grants include the Elephant Crisis Fund, the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Fund, organizations devoted to fighting climate change and groups dedicated to protecting the rights and cultures of indigenous people.

___

Online:

www.ldcfoundation.org

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.