Leonardo DiCaprio’s foundation announces $15.6 million in grants

NEW YORK – Leonardo DiCaprio is upping the ante in his environmental philanthropy: His foundation has announced $15.6 million in grants for conservation efforts.

It’s the largest series of donations by the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. It boasts donations of more than $59 million since it was founded in 1998.

DiCaprio has lobbied world leaders about climate change, protecting wildlife and more. In a statement released Wednesday, the Oscar-winning actor said he was increasing the level of grants “to help solve some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.”

He also appointed Terry Tamminen as the foundation’s CEO. He was once secretary of California’s Environmental Protection Agency.

Beneficiaries of the grants include the Elephant Crisis Fund, the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Fund, organizations devoted to fighting climate change and groups dedicated to protecting the rights and cultures of indigenous people.