Philanthropist Offers RARE Support

Longtime environmental philanthropist and former hedge-fund manager Robert Wilson has a history of giving big. In 2005 he donated $22 million to the Nature Conservancy. In his latest act of eco-altruism, Wilson is offering to match the largest 2009 donation to RARE, another environmental nonprofit.

So far the largest bid is $6.1 million from RARE board member Wendy Paulson, but the RARE people want to make sure we let you know that the sky's the limit: There's no ceiling to the amount Mr. Wilson is willing to contribute. So for those readers out there with an extra few million dollars lying around, get out your checkbooks! You've got until September 30 to submit your bids.

RARE calls their approach to conservation "social marketing," and Wilson's "challenge" certainly got our attention, but will it get the word out more widely about RARE? Regardless, Wilson is offering a remarkable gift.

--Mario Aguilar