With Food Systems in the Spotlight at COP28, Philanthropy Tries to Build Momentum

With Food Systems in the Spotlight at COP28, Philanthropy Tries to Build Momentum

For the first time, food systems and sustainable agriculture are a major focus at this year’s U.N. climate summit. Here’s a rundown of the philanthropic commitments and ambitions that have emerged.

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Eyes on the Prize: A Two-Time Winner’s Insights on Navigating Prize Philanthropy

Eyes on the Prize: A Two-Time Winner’s Insights on Navigating Prize Philanthropy

High-dollar philanthropic prizes are increasingly popular, but just how hard is it to land one? And how does winning impact recipients? Repeat winner Kaushik Kappagantulu recounts his experience.

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Who’s Betting Big on Sustainable Agriculture? Here Are Some of the Key Funders

Who’s Betting Big on Sustainable Agriculture? Here Are Some of the Key Funders

This growing field of philanthropy is attracting funders interested in everything from climate change to children’s health. Here’s a list of some of the most influential players.

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“You Have to Show Up.” The Howard G. Buffett Foundation’s Expansive Support for Ukraine

“You Have to Show Up.” The Howard G. Buffett Foundation’s Expansive Support for Ukraine

The Howard G. Buffett Foundation has moved nearly $150 million to Ukraine since the war began. Buffett himself has spent a lot of time in the country, learning about needs and responding with a wide-ranging set of grants.

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What We Learned From a Deep Dive into Funding for Conservation, Pollution and Agriculture

What We Learned From a Deep Dive into Funding for Conservation, Pollution and Agriculture

For our latest State of American Philanthropy report, we spoke to more than a dozen experts and dove into the latest data about conservation, pollution and agriculture funding. Here are the key takeaways.

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Regenerative Agriculture Is Having a Moment. Here's How the Rockefeller Foundation's Pitching In

Regenerative Agriculture Is Having a Moment. Here's How the Rockefeller Foundation's Pitching In

With a new slate of grants, Rockefeller wants to scale up holistic agriculture practices to improve food production systems, mitigate climate change and help the planet heal — all while empowering Indigenous people.

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What Are Conservation, Pollution and Ag Funders Looking For Right Now? Fundraisers Weigh In

What Are Conservation, Pollution and Ag Funders Looking For Right Now? Fundraisers Weigh In

Fundraisers in these fields see opportunity and uncertainty, and many organizations are hiring to take advantage. Here are some major shifts they’ve highlighted in the funding landscape.

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Does Global Philanthropy Have a Colonialism Problem?

Does Global Philanthropy Have a Colonialism Problem?

Efforts such as Bill Gates’ support for a Green Revolution in Africa are frequently criticized as neo-colonialism. That may be overstating things, but parachuting in with big money and big ideas remains common in global giving.

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Where Is Green Giving Headed? 10 Trends in Conservation, Pollution and Agriculture Funding

Where Is Green Giving Headed? 10 Trends in Conservation, Pollution and Agriculture Funding

What issues and interests are driving funding for conservation, agriculture and reducing pollution? Here are 10 themes that are on the minds of green funders, based on research from our upcoming report on the topic.

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Funders Send a Message to Biden on Hunger and Health: Take Bold Action on Root Causes

Funders Send a Message to Biden on Hunger and Health: Take Bold Action on Root Causes

In advance of a national conference — the first of its kind in 50 years — major funders are pushing the Biden administration to tackle the roots of hunger and health disparities in the United States.

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Six Questions for the Experts at Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders

Six Questions for the Experts at Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders

What are the biggest trends — and gaps — in agriculture and food systems funding? Here’s what two experts had to say at the network where food systems funders gather to collaborate.

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Inside the Howard G. Buffett Foundation's Big Bet on Rwanda

Inside the Howard G. Buffett Foundation's Big Bet on Rwanda

IP reports from Africa on Buffett’s $435 million investment and lofty ambitions for transforming agriculture in Rwanda and beyond. The push includes a new university, a large irrigation project, and close government partnership.

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Eight Leading Foundations Working to Keep Forests Green, Water Pure and Farms Fertile

Eight Leading Foundations Working to Keep Forests Green, Water Pure and Farms Fertile

These legacy foundations are among the top grantmakers giving toward conservation, curbing pollution and improving agriculture in the United States. See who’s on the list.

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The U.S. Billionaires Funding Work to Keep the Planet Green and Clean

The U.S. Billionaires Funding Work to Keep the Planet Green and Clean

Philanthropy is one of several forces that works to preserve landscapes, fight pollution and improve agricultural practices. Find out who among America’s wealthiest is putting the most toward such causes.

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A New York Health Funder Looks to Small and Urban Farms as a Solution to Hunger

A New York Health Funder Looks to Small and Urban Farms as a Solution to Hunger

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is supporting an NYU project to identify and overcome barriers to food production and access in New York, with a focus on small and urban farmers.

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Philanthropy Can Seed Agroecology

Philanthropy Can Seed Agroecology

Philanthropist Wendy Schmidt makes a case for greater funder support for agroecology, which draws upon Indigenous knowledge to create resilient food systems that safeguard biodiversity.

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More Funders Are Digging Agriculture These Days. This New Affinity Group Is Digging Deep

More Funders Are Digging Agriculture These Days. This New Affinity Group Is Digging Deep

Funders for Regenerative Agriculture, or FORA, has seen membership shoot up over the past two years. Its growth reflects burgeoning interest in agriculture across philanthropy.

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What Rockefeller’s New Program Says About the True Costs of Global Food Systems

What Rockefeller’s New Program Says About the True Costs of Global Food Systems

Rockefeller's largest-ever food investment moves beyond a focus on production and nutrition to consider the full impact of systems. It’s the latest sign of larger shifts in philanthropy toward equity, sustainability and climate action.

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We Funded Farm to Early Care and Education in Five States. The Impacts Were Profound

We Funded Farm to Early Care and Education in Five States. The Impacts Were Profound

In this guest post, Carla Thompson Payton of the Kellogg Foundation looks back on a five-year funding initiative that introduced young children to local food production. Payton cites cascading economic and educational benefits.

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The Case for Funding Regenerative Agriculture as a Climate Solution

The Case for Funding Regenerative Agriculture as a Climate Solution

Better agriculture and land use practices are crucial to climate change mitigation. Regenerative agriculture is a small but growing corner of philanthropy, and a new report makes the case that more funders should embrace it.

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