The nonprofit Solana Center for Environmental Innovation in Encinitas received a $20,000 grant from San Diego-based philanthropic group Las Patronas.
The grant allowed the nonprofit organization to purchase a car, which will help its education team travel to communities, especially in remote areas of the county, and expand its efforts to raise awareness about the environment.
The nonprofit organization is hosting sustainability and conservation workshops and consultations throughout San Diego County and plans to reach 1,000 additional residents with the new vehicle.
The Solana Center has seen a steady increase in requests for environmental education workshops and presentations over the past few years. This year, the environmental nonprofit plans to hold more than 250 workshops and consultations, both in-person and online, reaching more than 4,000 residents using three vehicles, including the new one.
Following the new organic waste diversion law that took effect in January, the Solana Center was also asked to provide education to help area residents and businesses comply with the law.
The Solana Center for the Environment, at 137 N. El Camino Real, has been providing resource conservation and waste reduction and community environmental education and research for more than 35 years throughout the county.
Since its inception in 1946, Las Patronas has donated approximately $25 million to more than 1,000 charities in San Diego. Among its sources of funding is the annual Jewel Ball. This year’s 76th ball is scheduled for August 20 at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.
Visit laspatronas.org.