It is possible to slow and ameliorate today. If we don't, we may not be able to survive tomorrow. I love this world, its lifeforms, its people, and I want them to continue to exist. 

Rainforests are the most diverse and most essential biome on the surface of the earth for fighting climate change. They are approaching a terrifying tipping point; it's on us to intervene to keep the rainforests intact.

it feels apocalyptic in new york right now. channeling that fear into a small extra action for our collective future

Biodiversity is an inherent moral good, and also an important instrumental good for the survival and benefit of humankind.  Life is sacred; we need to protect it in all its forms.

Supporting highly-impactful, evidence-based solutions to the triple challenge of climate change, air pollution and energy poverty.

The Founders Pledge Climate Fund exists to leverage each dollar and fund the most effective, neglected climate solutions.

Climate change is an incredibly complex problem borne out of how we produce and consume energy; it's intertwined with challenges of economic development, energy poverty, and emissions-fueled air pollution. It is an environmental and humanitarian crisis we must urgently address.

We aim to take a holistic approach that recognizes the global nature of this challenge and the fact that, despite its urgency, we are still in the early days of climate action. We address the worst-case scenarios of climate damage, and look for solutions that can reduce current carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to clean energy to meet global demand, especially in developing countries. Through the Fund, we:

- Accelerate innovation in neglected technologies
- Catalytically grow the most effective climate organizations
- Promote policy leadership and paradigm shaping

### Our Approach to Grantmaking
When evaluating potential grants, we consider several key points:

- **Counterfactual impact.** Our grants are designed to create a meaningful outcome that would not otherwise have happened. This means that you can rely on the Funds to create meaningful, real change, rather than just maintaining the status quo.
- **Impact-driven philanthropy.** This fund prioritizes the highest-impact solutions to challenges. We assess where the gaps are, which opportunities may be neglected by other funders, and where the biggest wins are in terms of making the biggest difference.
- **The organization’s funding gap.** Not all organizations are set up to scale up their programming and many can’t productively absorb large amounts of unsolicited funding. We evaluate all potential grantees’ capacity for growth and consider how much money they could put to good use.
- **Organizational strength.** Particularly with unrestricted funding, it’s important to have trust in the leadership and capacity of the organizations we support. We look at their track record of success and their transparency about failures as well as successes, and we only support those organizations which are exceptionally well run.
- **Time-critical opportunities and funding certainty.** While Founders Pledge members give to our top climate charities regularly, sometimes there are time-critical opportunities which require fast decisions. We will use the Fund to make grants that enable such short-term opportunities and stability for high-impact funding opportunities thereby increasing the impact compared to individual giving to specific organizations.
- **Portfolio approach.** Because most climate damage comes from particular severe outcomes – with a world of 4 degrees of warming being much worse than twice as bad as a world with 2 degrees – and because every particular strategy – such as energy innovation – might underdeliver, we pursue a portfolio approach to maximize positive impact. This means we will diversify our bets in ways that, when one approach fails (such as energy innovation), the others we promote (such as carbon removal) can be expected to be particularly important and still available.

### Frequently-Asked Questions

**Can charities apply for money from the Fund?**
The Funds do not generally accept applications from charities, and we request that charities do not send unsolicited applications for funding. If the Fund Managers choose to open up an application round, this will be publicized.

**How frequently will you make grants from the Fund?**
In general, Fund Managers will review grantmaking decisions on a quarterly basis. Decisions will be made based on the value of Funds and the available options for high-impact grantmaking. We may disburse funds outside of quarterly review dates if we become aware of a particularly promising and time-sensitive funding.

**How will my contribution be used?**
All funds are granted out. The Fund is not an investment vehicle. The Fund does not use any percentage of contributions to cover staff time or other overhead costs. Every dollar contributed to the Fund will be used to make grants directly to end-user organizations creating a real difference.

### More Questions?

To learn more about the Founders Pledge Climate Fund, please visit [founderspledge.com](https://founderspledge.com/funds/climate-change-fund) or email the Fund Managers at [funds@founderspledge.com](mailto:funds@founderspledge.com).

Founders Pledge: Climate Fund

Rainforest Trust saves endangered wildlife and protects our planet through partnerships, community engagement and donor support.

So far, we have protected more than 50 million acres by establishing protected areas in partnership with local organizations and engaged communities across more than 72 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

The best way to protect rainforests

We are confident that the simplest and most cost-effective solution to prevent deforestation is to create legally-recognized protected areas where forests and their species can continue contributing to the health of the global ecosystem.

Our unique, cost-effective conservation model has been implemented successfully for over 30 years.

Through highly effective partnerships, we ensure sustainable results necessary for the long-term protection of tropical ecosystems and the wildlife they hold. Our reserves are exemplary models of international conservation. Rainforest Trust identifies critical sites that provide a permanent refuge for endangered species, but that face immediate and direct threats typically from loggers, miners or ranchers.

We work with local communities to protect wild lands

We establish strategic partnerships with local communities and committed conservationists, providing technical capacity and support while respecting and embracing local knowledge and land stewardship that is key to achieving long-term land management and species protection.

Protection requires swift action, and we work with our partners to develop scientifically-based conservation plans that are not only timely, but also resilient and sustainable. Our partners work closely with their national governments and local communities to formally establish reserves protecting the land.

These protected areas are established through direct land purchase; designation in cooperation with governments and communities; and community-managed areas that secure communal lands occupied by indigenous groups which depend on the land for their survival.

Rainforest Trust

Conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.

WWF's mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.  Our vision is to build a future where people live in harmony with nature.

World Wildlife Fund

Founders Pledge is a global nonprofit empowering entrepreneurs to do the most good possible with their charitable giving. 

We equip members with everything needed to maximize their impact, from evidence-led research and advice on the world’s most pressing problems, to comprehensive infrastructure for global grant-making, alongside opportunities to learn and connect. We’re grateful to be funded by our members and other generous donors. 

Founders Pledge

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We are a nonprofit, so instead of charging fees we rely on the generosity of donors like you.

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