An Enduring Difference

Safeguarding Arctic marine life and subsistence activities 

The Arctic Ocean connects to the frigid, northernmost stretch of the Pacific Ocean through the Bering Strait and Sea. These sub-Arctic waters abound with large populations of birds, mammals and fish, and support communities in Alaska and Russia who have long built their livelihoods around this bounty. But in recent years sea ice has retreated, opening these waters to an unprecedented and sharp increase in shipping traffic. In 2018, thanks to work jointly with the Oak Foundation and Pew Charitable Trusts, our grantees helped bring about new shipping lanes and buffer zones that will safeguard the marine environment and the people of the region. 

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Explore Environmental Conservation

Unlocking the mysteries of the ocean

Fifteen years ago, the life sciences entered a new era of DNA sequencing and genomics, expanding possibilities for scientific research. Inspired by these new tools and how they might be used to advance knowledge in the emerging field of marine microbial ecology, we launched the Marine Microbiology Initiative. Early years focused on “who’s there?” among the microbes in the sea. As scientists began to answer this question, research expanded to focus on uncovering the scientific principles that govern the interactions among microbes and deciphering the roles of microbial communities in the ocean’s carbon, nitrogen and other elemental cycles. In 2018, we made a decision to wind down this spectacular, significant body of work over the next three years.

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Explore Science

Equipping family members to provide high-quality care

Across the world, people are living longer. The global average life expectancy has more than doubled since 1900 and is now approaching 70 years. With longer lives come unique challenges – the aging population has a significant impact on more than 34 million unpaid caregivers in the United States. The Family Caregiving Institute at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at the University of California Davis empowers nurse leaders to develop systems and tools that train and support family caregivers in their roles in the home. Improving the training and support of family caregivers is an important step in our coordinated efforts to improve the quality and outcomes of patient care.

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Explore Patient Care

Providing public access to the Jenner Headlands

Where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean, the Jenner Headlands make up 5,630 acres of biologically diverse coastal prairie and forest on the scenic Sonoma Coast. The headlands overlook the ocean and are a complex mosaic of natural habitats. Since 2009, we have supported the acquisition and stewardship of the Jenner Headlands. After nearly a decade of work, our collective efforts have made it possible for the public to enjoy the splendor of the Sonoma coast, while taking care to preserve its natural resources and habitats.

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Explore San Francisco Bay Area