In a move aimed at enhancing community engagement, Rivian has announced the launch of The Good Project, a new initiative that allows nonprofit organizations to borrow R1 vehicles for short-term use. The program begins this month in four cities: Denver, Austin, Brooklyn, and Atlanta.
A Vehicle for Change
The Good Project provides qualifying nonprofits with the opportunity to borrow an R1 vehicle from local Rivian spaces. The initiative aims to support projects that align with Rivian’s mission to Keep the World Adventurous Forever. Each vehicle will be available for loan on a short-term basis, enabling organizations to leverage Rivian’s electric vehicles for various community-focused initiatives.
Highlighting Local Impact
The Billion Oyster Project, based in Brooklyn, was the first organization to benefit from The Good Project. For over a decade, the Billion Oyster Project has worked diligently to restore oyster reefs in New York Harbor, with the ambitious goal of introducing one billion oysters by 2035. This effort not only aims to rebuild marine biodiversity but also serves to protect the city’s shorelines from storm surges.
In the lead-up to their largest fundraiser, the Billion Oyster Party, the organization utilized their borrowed R1S for numerous impactful activities, including:
- Conducting community beach cleanups in Coney Island
- Performing water sampling across the five boroughs
- Towing a boat
- Inspecting and replacing oyster cages throughout New York Harbor
How Nonprofits Can Participate
Nonprofit organizations located in Brooklyn, Denver, Austin, or Atlanta can apply to borrow a Rivian vehicle to support their community efforts.
Key details include:
- Organizations can borrow an R1 vehicle for up to 10 days.
- Priority will be given to projects aligned with Rivian’s sustainability mission.
- Applications should be submitted at least two weeks before the intended vehicle use.
Rivian will review each application and respond promptly. Applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and agree to the program’s terms and conditions. More information, along with answers to frequently asked questions, can be found on the Rivian website.
A Green Legacy
The Good Project vehicles have a notable history, having previously served as the official electric vehicles for “U2: UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere,” in partnership with Live Nation. During U2’s six-month run in Las Vegas, the band utilized a fleet of R1T and R1S vehicles to minimize their carbon footprint.
Now, four of these vehicles will be repurposed to assist sustainability-focused nonprofit organizations in their respective communities, helping to further Rivian’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Rivian’s The Good Project represents an exciting opportunity for nonprofits in select cities to utilize electric vehicles for community-oriented initiatives. As the program unfolds, it will be interesting to see the diverse ways organizations put these vehicles to work in service of their missions.
Does Rivian provide donations/grants to nonprofits serving children in their work area? There is a nonprofit in Monticello GA, providing free after school care for children in their area. The Get Ahead House is the nonprofit. Thanks for your time
Pat Finger