The mission of the Earthshine Foundation is to promote a higher quality of life for all of our planet's inhabitants, by funding programs which lead to direct benefits in the following areas: environmental protection, health and human services, education and peace.

In 2005, the Earthshine Foundation gave its first charitable grants, in order to support its mission: Promoting a healthy planet for all of its inhabitants. The Foundation started contributing locally, with two organizations in Southern California, one helping at-risk youth, and one protecting the area’s coastal wilderness. Since then, Earthshine has expanded its aid to schoolchildren in the Himalayas, polar bears in the Arctic, and beyond.

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” —Edith Wharton, author

One’s light cannot touch everything directly. But by supporting the good work of others, we can all contribute. Especially to people and organizations that are already bettering human lives in creative ways. Like fighting poverty in Nepal through making schools function better, or helping create a coffee co-op in Tanzania that radically changed a whole community.

“Like water, be gentle and strong. Be gentle enough to follow the natural paths of the earth, and strong enough to rise up and reshape the world.” —Brenda Peterson, author

Do we believe in saving the environment just for the sake of saving the environment? Not necessarily. We believe that living on a healthy and sustainable planet makes people’s lives better. We take the long-term view, providing assistance in removing barriers that can trap populations in endless cycles of poverty and unrest, as well as prolonging the Earth’s natural life.

"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." —Winston Churchill

The Earthshine Foundation was founded by Andrew Castellano, who began his career as an electrical engineer, ultimately designing computer networking chips for Broadcom Corporation. Upon retiring in his late 30s, Andy turned his focus toward philanthropy, in order to pass on opportunities to others who need them—changing the world, a country, or a community. Although he worked very hard for his success, Andy says “there are millions of people in this world who work just as hard as I did and have nothing to show for it.” He holds the conviction that by being bestowed with good fortune, he was also given a responsibility. As a long-time environmentalist, he extends this responsibility even to his home in Laguna Beach, California, where he has installed solar panels, and plugs in his all-electric car.

The Earthshine Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in 2004. Each year, the Foundation distributes approximately $50,000 in hand-picked grants to organizations in the US and developing countries that conduct programs which further our mission.




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