The RainTree Initiative is a corporate non-profit organization with a mission to build human intellectual and technical capacity by facilitating masters-level academic programs of its fellows in developing countries through long-distance learning technology, as well as influence program and policy development, and devise and implement collaborative for-profit projects for sustainable environmental progress in developing economies to create positive global outcomes.

Description:
Current scientific models indicate that the global environment is at a tipping point and that the future of climate and other environmental degradation will be influenced by conditions within and the actions of emerging economies. The RainTree Initiative (RTI) proposes to confront present inadequacies by addressing their root causes. Those best equipped and motivated to initiate culturally, socially, and economically appropriate sustainable environmental practices reside within indigenous populations. Thus, RTI will facilitate the education of committed graduate students originating from areas of greatest risk, developing countries, where the largest potential for constructive change and the greatest social and economic return on investment exists.

History:
The RainTree Initiative is a 501(c) (3) public charity organization incorporated in California in July 2006. Presently, RTI is working in East Africa and Central America to initiate a long-distance learning network to begin delivery of program services. Additionally, RTI is engaged in developing business and marketing plans with which to seek start-up, capacity-building and program funding. Medium-range goals include an expansion of program services: i.e. the identification, selection and support of qualified graduate student candidates from developing economies. RTI also has long-range goals, including encouraging a continuing dialog between environmental professionals, interactive learning opportunities through web-based and other media, information sharing venues, including conferences and seminars, as well as for-profit contractual projects with which to offer employment to RTI Graduate Fellows, for the advancement of their careers and to provide additional program funding to support additional Student Fellows.

Contact people:

Wayne Mikula, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Ingrid Hauck, Operations Director, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (650) 931-7272

Address:

P.O. Box 6104 San Mateo, CA 94403

Web Site: None specified

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	French, German, Spanish
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	20
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	No
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	No
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	No