Blog

Climate Change is Shaping Philanthropic Work

September 17, 2024  |  center for effective philanthropy, climate action, climate change, environmental justice, equity in funding, philanthropy, united nations development program, youth development, youth leaders
A group of young people sit holding signs about environmental action

Climate change has an impact on virtually all areas of human life. Extreme heat and more frequent storms are shifting where we live, how we engage in recreation, and how we construct our built environment. Stress about an uncertain environmental future is spiking mental health concerns. Inequitable impacts of climate change also are exacerbating existing racial and economic disparities in our society. Foundations and non-profit organizations are not exempt from the impacts of climate change.

A forest fire burns the tops of trees

A 2022 report from the Center for Effective Philanthropy showed that 60% of foundations and non-profits viewed climate change as an extremely urgent problem. Despite this, the report also found that many organizations were not taking meaningful action to support climate change mitigation or adaptation. In the past two years, the gap between outlook and action has narrowed. This is in part in response to escalating concern among the public about climate change. A 2024 global survey from the United Nations Development Program shows that 80% of people want their countries to do more when it comes to climate change. Almost 70% of people said climate change is affecting their major life decisions such as where to live or work and 84% of people in the world’s largest economies want to see increased collaboration on climate action. With this level of attention on climate, philanthropic organizations would be remiss to not consider climate change a key issue.

A family plays in a creek with splashing water

Foundations are choosing many different ways to engage with climate. Some are investing in technological solutions, others are supporting innovative research, and still others are working on public awareness campaigns. At NRF, climate is a top issue for us, and we’re focusing on the people who will be most affected by climate change – youth. We know that young people are ready to be leaders on this important issue. As such, we want to make sure that all kids have access to natural spaces and nurturing mentors in their communities, because we understand that those are key ingredients for developing climate action.

A young person crouches under a tree and examines the ground

Further, we recognize that not all youth are affected equally by environmental issues. Communities of color and low income communities are experiencing disproportionate levels of climate impacts. We also know that non-profit organizations led by people of color are underfunded as compared to peer organizations with white leadership. That’s why our emphasis on climate is coupled with a focus on equity. We seek to offer funding and holistic support to youth-focused organizations that both serve and are embedded in low-income communities and communities of color. We want all kids to have the opportunity to develop lifelong relationships with nature and advocate for the needs of their families and communities. Equitable funding models are essential for realizing this future.

A group of kids play in the sand at the beach

While climate change is a serious and dire issue, climate action doesn’t have to be. Our grantees help kids find joy in the outdoors and establish a sense of connection to peers and mentors in their communities. For NRF, making climate a priority is all about supporting the many amazing organizations that help youth find pride in who they are and gain confidence in using their voices to create a better world.