Legendary Wall Street Hedge-fund Manager--Robert Wilson--promises to match Rare’s largest donor in 2009, with no limit.

Conservationist and retired Wall Street Hedge-fund Manager, Robert Wilson -- a BusinessWeek Top 25 Donor, and one of the largest environmental philanthropists in the U.S. in recent years -- is generously offering to match the highest 2009 Rare donor 1:1, with no ceiling on the amount of the donation. 

As the close of the second quarter of 2009 approaches, a pledge for $6.1 million has been made by long-time conservation advocate and Rare Board Chair, Wendy J. Paulson.

“While we’re thrilled with the generous Paulson pledge, we’re also very excited about the possibility that Bob Wilson’s unique, unlimited challenge may still pique the interest of other donors as well,” says Brett Jenks, Rare’s CEO.  Jenks adds, “We’re honored by the Wilson Challenge because it’s based on the belief of a savvy investor that Rare is a ‘smart bet’; that there should be creative opportunities for philanthropists looking for maximum return and leverage during tough economic times, in order to have their money make a measurable, positive impact in the world.”

Over the last several years, Wilson has offered several environmental challenge grants -- donations dependent upon recipient charities raising matching funds -- via his Robert W. Wilson Charitable Trust, for up to $100 million each.  The funds raised went to some of the country’s largest and most prominent conservation organizations, including the Nature Conservancy, the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the World Monuments Fund. 

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