CHICAGO – April 19, 2024 –TAWANI Foundation announces its commitment of $25K to Rails To Trails Conservancy (RTC) to support general operating expenses in honor of Earth Day (April 22) and Celebrate Trails Day (April 27). The TAWANI Foundation has a long history of supporting RTC, with a cumulative giving of $1.3M.
“Investing in an organization that believes in the preservation and restoration of public spaces is an honor to me,” Col. Pritzker said. “Rails to Trails Conservancy creates transformative benefits across the country with their community paths for public use. Our long-term commitment is a testament to the importance of their mission.”
Rails to Trails Conservancy is building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways to be active outdoors. Its mission and impact are magnified in urban areas, where one mile of trail can completely redefine the livability of a community. In these areas, trails are creating important green spaces and opportunities for active transportation and physical activity—improving health and well-being—as they safely connect people to jobs, schools, businesses, parks, and each other.
Founded in 1986, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the national voice for trails and active transportation. Today, 40,000 miles of multi-use trails traverse the nation delivering economic investment, safe places to walk and bike, equitable transportation and recreation opportunities, environmental protection, and access to the outdoors. RTC is committed to investing in regional projects that demonstrate the multitude of benefits trails and active transportation networks provide. Their priority projects are located in Metro Washington, Baltimore City, Metro Philadelphia, the New England region, 48 Appalachian counties, Miami-Dade County, Cameron County, Metro Milwaukee and San Francisco.
“Rails to Trails Conservancy’s vision to connect everyone, everywhere by multiuse trails has been the organization’s driving force for decades,” said Ryan Chao, RTC’s President. “We are grateful for TAWANI Foundation’s longstanding contributions towards achieving this shared vision. Supporters like Col. Pritzker make possible the transformative impact that RTC has on the nation, helping more communities create safer and easier ways for people to walk and bike where they live. With the foundation’s 2024 donation, RTC will advance strategic priorities including the cross-country Great American Rail-Trail® and TrailNation—initiatives that uniquely demonstrate the value of a nation connected by trail.”
TAWANI Foundation is the philanthropic arm of TAWANI Enterprises, a Chicago-based firm with businesses spanning property management, publishing and education. The Foundation supports non-profits with grants across five main categories: education, gender & human sexuality, cultural institutions & preservation, environmental initiatives, and health & human services.
To learn more about TAWANI Foundation grants, visit https://tawanifoundation.org/our-grants. TAWANI Foundation is a private foundation that accepts applications by invitation only. There is no open application period.
About TAWANI Foundation
Founded in 2002 by notable philanthropist and entrepreneur Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), TAWANI Enterprises’ philanthropic organization TAWANI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that provides support in the areas of arts and culture, historical preservation, health and wellness, LGBTQ+ and human rights, education, and environmental initiatives. TAWANI Foundation’s vision is to make a sustained and measurable difference for organizations that focus on enriching knowledge, improving health and wellness, and promoting scientific understanding – all with a common goal of making a positive, long-term impact on individuals, communities, and the culture itself. To learn more, visit https://tawanifoundation.org.