McKinney Family Foundation
Ellie Symes is a Senior Program Officer at McKinney Family Foundation since June 2024, focusing on grantmaking for environmental sustainability in Indiana. Prior to this role, Ellie Symes worked as a Program Officer and Strategic Business Consultant, assisting startups and organizations in enhancing social and environmental impacts. From October 2015 to April 2024, Ellie Symes was the Founder and CEO of The Bee Corp, a benefit corporation specializing in agtech solutions to promote biodiversity and food security through innovative products. Additional contributions include serving on the Investment Committee of the IU Shoemaker Fund, the Board of Directors for AgriNovus Indiana and The Mill, and founding campus initiatives such as the Beekeeping Club at Indiana University. Ellie Symes holds a Master's degree in Public Affairs with a focus on Information Systems and a Bachelor's degree in Public Affairs, specializing in Environmental Management.
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McKinney Family Foundation
The McKinney Family believes environmental sustainability is the key to the future of Indiana. Therefore, the McKinney Family Foundation (MFF) is committed to building an environmentally sustainable future for every Hoosier. Through strategic partnerships, MFF advocates for environmental justice, seeks to conserve natural resources, supports a just transition to a clean energy economy, and empowers Indiana communities to live in a healthier, more prosperous, and more sustainable manner. We envision an environmentally sustainable future for all Hoosiers achieved through inclusive democracy, strategic collaboration, and our resolute commitment to equitable climate solutions. MFF strives to be the foremost catalyst for environmental advocacy, progress, and leadership in Indiana. Our Purpose: - Convene local, regional, and national experts, advocates, and funders to form a collaborative and coordinated infrastructure for environmental change. Provides expertise on Indiana environmental issues with advocacy groups, civic and nonprofit organizations, and peer funders. - Serve as Indiana’s anchor funder and the hub for national peer funders to support this work in Indiana. - Connect organizations seeking funding outside of MFF’s scope to peer funders who may support those efforts. Our Focus Areas: 1) Sustainable Energy Economy: Expanding a sustainable clean energy economy through renewable energy jobs creation and meaningful policy change. 2) Equitable Climate Change Solutions: Addressing the nexus of civic engagement, economic conditions, health disparities, and environmental outcomes. 3) Empowered Leaders and Communities: Ensuring the long-term viability of the environmental nonprofit sector through capacity building and leadership development.