Family support

The latest spending disclosed by the Walton Family Foundation shows more than $71.8 million was spent on environmental initiatives in 2010, up from more than $55 million in 2009.

A majority of grants were made to conservation organizations and programs.

"We focus our work in the United States’ primary river systems and in some of the world’s most ecologically significant marine areas," said Scott Burns, director of the foundation’s Environment Focus Area. "It’s important to us to protect and conserve natural resources while also recognizing the roles these waters play in the livelihoods of those who live nearby."

Marine conservation accounted for about $36.34 million of the total given to environmental causes. Projects helped fund initiatives in Indonesia, central America, the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California.

Approximately, $22.88 million was donated to freshwater conservation causes. They include initiatives related to wildlife preservation in rivers and streams, water quality, and infrastructure projects.

Nearly $13 million was donated to other organizations and programs for environment-related efforts.

Top Five Grantees:
• Conservation International – $18,640,917

• Nature Conservancy – $9,305,449

• Environmental Defense Fund – $7,086,054

• Marine Stewardship Council – $4,500,000

• Ocean Conservancy – $3,757,768