A Billionaire Donor Moves to Oppose Trump. But What's the Game Plan?

A Billionaire Donor Moves to Oppose Trump. But What's the Game Plan?

While many philanthropic leaders have been subdued in response to early moves by the Trump administration, some donors like Tom Steyer are openly livid. But what’s a billionaire to do?

Read More

Access to Clean Energy Offers a World of Benefits. Funders Are Paying Attention in Different Ways

Access to Clean Energy Offers a World of Benefits. Funders Are Paying Attention in Different Ways

Access to energy is a linchpin of advancing sustainable global development forward. Some funders invest capital, others focus on grants. Among the companies raking in the former is d.light. 

Read More

When the Floods Come, Rockefeller Wants This Region to be Ready

When the Floods Come, Rockefeller Wants This Region to be Ready

The Bay Area is one of many urban regions threatened by rising sea levels. Rockefeller is backing an effort there to get ahead of the curve, replicating a design competition used in NYC after Sandy. 

Read More

Two Approaches, One Planet: Another Effort Linking Conservation and Climate Change

Two Approaches, One Planet: Another Effort Linking Conservation and Climate Change

With global warming profoundly affecting ecosystems, more conservation groups are stepping up to engage the climate issue. We look at a new initiative by the Land Trust Alliance, backed by Doris Duke. 

Read More

Environmental Giving in 2016: Trends and Hot Topics

Environmental Giving in 2016: Trends and Hot Topics

OK, so 2016 wasn't fantastic. But it wasn't all bad, and philanthropy backed exciting grassroots movements, city projects, and sustainable development work, to name a few bright spots.

Read More

Grants on Climate Change and Creation: What a Faith Funder Is Doing

Grants on Climate Change and Creation: What a Faith Funder Is Doing

Nonprofits of all stripes are beginning to see climate mitigation as part of their agenda, including churches. We take a look at the Episcopal Church's grantmaking in this area. 

Read More

Where Is MacArthur’s Budding Climate Program Heading Now?

Where Is MacArthur’s Budding Climate Program Heading Now?

Now in its second year, MacArthur’s climate program continues to find its legs, with giving exceeding $100 million. That includes the program’s first grants toward India, totaling $18 million.

Read More

As the Fossil Fuel Divestment Movement Gains Steam, It's Getting Harder for Foundations to Ignore

As the Fossil Fuel Divestment Movement Gains Steam, It's Getting Harder for Foundations to Ignore

The number of foundations that have committed to divesting from fossil fuel holdings continues to grow, forming a leadership role in a movement that has now snowballed to $5 trillion. When will more follow?

Read More

"There's a Real Opportunity for Funders to Learn Here." Lessons from Standing Rock

"There's a Real Opportunity for Funders to Learn Here." Lessons from Standing Rock

The Dakota Access oil pipeline fight demonstrates the power of rapidly funding direct action and community-led movements. But that requires changing some key norms of philanthropy. 

Read More

Leverage: Why This Foundation is Backing a Carbon Investment Fund

Leverage: Why This Foundation is Backing a Carbon Investment Fund

Traditional grantmaking dollars can only go so far when it comes to tackling climate change. Which is why Packard is keen to help a carbon offset effort that aims to attract large private investments.

Read More

What a Big Bank is Doing to Light Up Poor Countries

What a Big Bank is Doing to Light Up Poor Countries

Bank of America's foundation is a surprisingly robust environmental funder, with an eye on clean energy in developing countries. Who knew?

Read More

The Funders Behind a Push to Make Cities Both Sustainable and Inclusive

The Funders Behind a Push to Make Cities Both Sustainable and Inclusive

The Emerald Cities Collaborative is working to ensure low-income communities of color have a strong role in city sustainability efforts. Who's writing the checks? 

Read More

A Global Green Funder Tries its Hand at Community-Level Climate Justice

A Global Green Funder Tries its Hand at Community-Level Climate Justice
The Oak Foundation has been on the move this year, making big shifts within its environment program. The latest development sets aside $20 million for the underfunded cause of climate justice.
Read More

Can the Liberal Arts Help Fight Climate Change? This Funder Thinks So

Can the Liberal Arts Help Fight Climate Change? This Funder Thinks So
Slowly but surely, awareness is growing of how the liberal arts can complement the sciences. The Mellon Foundation has proved particularly integral in driving this paradigm shift.
Read More

A Tech Billionaire's Energy Institute is Up and Running. Where Are Its Grants Going?

A Tech Billionaire's Energy Institute is Up and Running. Where Are Its Grants Going?
With a background in software, Thomas Siebel wants to accelerate advances in modern energy systems. What does this mean in practice at the new Siebel Energy Institute?
Read More

A Who's Who of Funders Are Going After the "Low-Hanging Fruit" of Climate Change

A Who's Who of Funders Are Going After the "Low-Hanging Fruit" of Climate Change
Hydrofluorocarbons, which are used for refrigeration, are among the most potent of all greenhouse gases. Which is why a group of 19 climate funders are coming together to help reduce them.
Read More

The Troubling Oil Money Behind Dartmouth’s New Energy Institute

The Troubling Oil Money Behind Dartmouth’s New Energy Institute
To create an institute focused on society’s energy problems, Dartmouth accepted $80 million from a powerful oil family surrounded by controversy. Such a gift seriously undermines the project's credibility.
Read More

With Birds at Risk, Audubon Jumps Into Climate Issues in a Big Way—With Big Funders

With Birds at Risk, Audubon Jumps Into Climate Issues in a Big Way—With Big Funders
This 111-year-old institution might not seem to be the most likely candidate to take on climate change. But it's doing just that, and its nonpartisan profile and grassroots reach are big draws for funders.
Read More

What's Toyota Up to With Its Green Research Grants?

What's Toyota Up to With Its Green Research Grants?
Toyota has been taking all kinds of steps lately to secure its role as one of the more forward-thinking car companies. That includes a green energy research fellowship, just making its second annual round of grants.
Read More

An Activist Actor's Climate Group Is Moving Rapid Grassroots Grants

An Activist Actor's Climate Group Is Moving Rapid Grassroots Grants
Mark Ruffalo’s The Solutions Project has quickly grown into a legit clean energy campaign, and in the past year, a grantmaker. Here's a look at its plan to deploy nimble community-based grants.
Read More