December 1, 2008 - Santa Monica, CA. The Orang Utan Republik Education Initiative (OUREI) has been operating since 2004 as a project under the legal umbrella of Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs (SEE) to create and deliver education and outreach programs benefitting orangutan survival. Through SEE’s tax-exempt status in the United States, founders Gary and Inggriani Shapiro have raised public funds to support OUREI’s diverse programs in Indonesia. 

 

SEE administers fiscal services to over 50 different projects, like OUREI, and charges a nominal fee for providing those services  SEE also encourage their projects to build the level of capacity and support needed to become independent nonprofit organizations. Accordingly, OUREI founders, following the suggestion of donors and supporters, formed the Orang Utan Republik Foundation (OURF) in 2007.  OURF received its tax-exempt status in late October 2008.  

OURF President Gary Shapiro stated that, “OUREI and its programs in Indonesia will continue to be supported by SEE and OURF in 2009. OURF’s Board of Directors will provide an added degree of oversight and involvement in administering OUREI’s programs.” Under the new structure, education projects that help the mission of OUREI will be managed under OURF by specific project managers. OURF will also coordinate its budget and program activities with OUREI Indonesia. OUREI Indonesia, an all-Indonesian organization, coordinates with the Orangutan Caring Clubs of Indonesia, grass-roots groups of young people who go to the schools, villages, and other venues to raise awareness and concern about the orangutan and its plight.  

Individuals and organizations wishing to make monetary donations to support the important activities of OUREI, including grants, scholarships and fellowships, can do so through OURF or SEE. For more information, contact OUREI at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..