The Greater Philly Environmental Network (GPEN.org, pronounced “g-pen”) is a new nonprofit website for “All Things Environmental” in the Philadelphia region, launched in November 2005.  GPEN was founded by Sherry Riesner, a Senior Fellow in the Delaware Valley Regional Network of the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP).   We gratefully acknowledge the input and encouragement of many ELP fellows and staff members (among many others!), several of whom continue as advisors to GPEN, and our seed grant from the ELP Activity Fund. 

GPEN’s goal is to be a “network of networks” connecting nonprofit and community-based organizations, businesses and professional groups, educational institutions, government agencies, and the general public in our region. 

GPEN has been created for the growing number of people curious about topics such as organic and locally grown produce, open space preservation, stormwater management, environmental health issues, and appliances and building materials that save energy, water, and other natural resources.  GPEN fosters active citizenship, community ties, and inspires us to spend more time outside of our homes, offices, and cars.   

We continue to welcome additional volunteers and advisors, populate the database, and are raising funds to expand the content, upgrade our technology, and publicize this great new resource.  GPEN's email newsletter will launch in 2008, and GPEN.org's growing database enables our readers to find targeted, actionable information.  GPEN’s goal is to fill an environmental information gap in our metropolitan area, and dramatically increase individual involvement, and collaborations in our local environmental community.

It is our vision that GPEN will foster collaborations at the neighborhood, municipal, city, and county levels and increase partnerships, coalitions, and visibility for environmental issues and initiatives. The GPEN network will help increase volunteerism, inspire new projects, and feature educational and employment opportunities.  GPEN.org will also advance the use of environmentally-preferable products and services and promote local businesses which provide them.   Improved environmental communication will not only enhance the activities that relate to our natural world, but also our community and economic development and ultimately the health and quality of life of the region. After GPEN’s model is working successfully, we will be able to assist other regions in replicating this format.

GPEN's seed funding sources include the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP).  We welcome financial contributions from individuals and foundations, and inquiries for corporate sponsorship.  Contributions to GPEN are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law through ELPa 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization as our our fiscal sponsor. Please see our Contact page for donation information or contact .