The charitable giving arm of Wisetail — Wisetail Works — is undergoing a change for 2020. The big news: we’re partnering with the nonprofit 2% for Conservation.

Central to the philosophy behind 2% for Conservation is that true conservationists put their money where their mouths are, so to speak. Or, as the nonprofit writes on its website, “the title ‘Conservationist’ should not be a participation trophy.’

To that end, businesses working with 2% for Conservation go through an audit process to certify that the company gives back at least 1% of its gross annual sales and at least 1% of its volunteer time to conservation causes. Individual people can also earn a certification by proving the same, but by donating 1% of their annual income rather than a percent of gross annual sales.

The nonprofit doubled the number of certified businesses in 2019, which includes the first two Canadian companies to pass muster: Sawback Technologies and Damaged Timber. It also launched the first iteration of its Conservation Artist Project. The project brings artists and lifestyle clothing brands together to support regional causes like the Alaska Wild Sheep Foundation’s work in the Chugach Range and the Wyoming Wildlife Federation’s work with wildlife corridors.

This year, 2% for Conservation is again putting on the Bozeman Conservation Convention (#BZNCONCON) in Bozeman on May 15th and 16th. The event will be held at the Rialto and the first day features expert panels on two of the biggest conservation challenges in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (wildlife disease and aquatic invasive species), a showing of the winning film entry from the 2020 Conservation Media Award, with local habitat projects and Pint Nights for local causes the second day

Wisetail Works chooses one organization each year to support through an in-kind donation of our learning management software (LMS) and a dedicated client experience representative to help the organization succeed. Historically, Wisetail Works has supported a wide range of Montana-centric organizations and causes, such as Montana’s Crisis Intervention Team, which coordinates crisis intervention training and development across the state, and Bridgercare, one of the largest nonprofit family planning clinics in the state.

Moving forward, Wisetail Works will partner with conservation-specific organizations. If you feel as though your organization’s mission aligns with 2% for Conservation and would benefit from this grant, please apply here. If you’re unsure whether your organization fits, or have questions generally, feel free to reach out to Louise Schelhammer.