Brazil, Canada, and US Projects Lead the Charge Against Climate Change
In a bid to combat climate change and promote environmental conservation, HCLTech, a leading global technology company, unveiled the recipients of the inaugural HCLTech Grant Americas. Brazil-based Argilando, Canada-based No. 9 Contemporary Art and the Environment, and US-based The Longleaf Alliance emerged as the victors in a fierce competition.
Launched in September 2023, the HCLTech Grant Americas program pledged $5 million in grants over five years to support Not-For-Profit organizations (NPOs) with groundbreaking projects aimed at restoring ecosystems and biodiversity across the Americas.
The selection process, marked by its stringent criteria, culminated in the allocation of $1 million in grants annually. Brazil’s Argilando clinched the top prize of $500,000 for their pioneering project “Atitude Jovem,” which mobilizes youth-led environmental activism and fosters awareness about sustainable development goals (SDGs) through educational workshops and tree planting initiatives.
Canada’s No. 9 Contemporary Art and the Environment secured $250,000 for their project “Imagining My Sustainable Community,” leveraging art and design to advocate for sustainable design solutions in Canadian schools.
Meanwhile, The Longleaf Alliance in the US was awarded $250,000 for their ambitious endeavor, “Restoring America’s Great Southern Forest through Climate Action by Empowering and Enabling Landowners,” with the aim of revitalizing 8 million acres of longleaf pine forests in the US Southeast.
Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Vice President of Global CSR at HCLTech, lauded the winners, emphasizing the collective determination displayed in tackling environmental challenges through innovative means.
Since its inception, the HCLTech Grant Americas program has garnered substantial interest from NPOs across the region, receiving 238 registrations and 91 eligible applications within a span of 19 weeks. The rigorous selection process led to the identification of the top three finalists by the esteemed HCLTech Grant Jury.
Highlighting its commitment to sustainability, HCLTech remains steadfast in its mission to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, with a 50% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. The company’s steadfast dedication to environmental stewardship has earned recognition from esteemed organizations, including being named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies 2024 by Ethisphere and inclusion in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024 for the second consecutive year.
For more information on the HCLTech Climate Action Grant for the Americas, please visit HCLTech’s official webpage.