Well-targeted climate philanthropy.
Clean Economy Fund favours a highly strategic, evidence-driven approach to climate philanthropy. We believe that well-targeted philanthropy can make all the difference in catalyzing game-changing climate solutions and supporting giant leaps toward a prosperous, net-zero emissions future.
Our approach includes extensive due diligence and is guided by 6 principles and 5 priorities.
Our 6 Principles.
1
Aligned with net-zero
2
Driving system-wide change
We aim to affect government policy, financial flows and public opinion, being three leverage points that can trigger system-wide shifts toward net-zero emissions.
3
Removing barriers to investment
We aim to play a transitional role, using philanthropy to unlock sustained public and private investment in the net-zero transition.
4
Doing what only philanthropy can do
We engage in activities where there is a clear and critical role for philanthropy and where philanthropy can be expected to have a significant positive impact.
5
Engaging key stakeholders
We aim to take an equitable, inclusive and “big tent” approach that works with government, industry and civil society stakeholders that have a clear and fundamental role to play in the net-zero transition.
6
Building capacity
We aim primarily to strengthen capacity within the existing ecosystem of non-profit practitioners while also being open to opportunities for growing and diversifying that ecosystem.
Our 5 Priorities.
Clean energy & electrification
The burning of fossil fuels for energy and transportation is the number one cause of climate change worldwide. In Canada, about three quarters of greenhouse gas emissions come from burning fossil fuels. Decarbonizing and electrifying Canada’s energy system is a fast track to cutting out fossil fuels and achieving our 2030 climate goals. To do that, experts say we need to at least double the size of Canada’s electricity system with renewable and non-emitting sources, double end-use energy efficiency, and accelerate the electrification of transportation, building heating and industrial processes.
Industry & economy
Many of Canada’s traditional economic sectors face unique challenges in reducing emissions. Heavy industries like cement, steel and manufacturing account for 12% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, agriculture accounts for 10%, and oil and gas production accounts for 28%. Meanwhile, many of these same sectors can also seize new export opportunities, driven by fast-growing global demand for low-carbon products, but only if they succeed in decarbonizing. Philanthropy here is best targeted at projects that convene solutions-oriented partners from industry, labour and other stakeholder groups to help them develop net-zero action plans, establish coherent policy requests and advance groundbreaking demonstration projects.
Cities
Half of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions originate in our cities and communities. Meanwhile, cities have proven to be hotbeds of innovation where government, business and civil society actors are able to collaborate on practical solutions. Supporting efforts at the urban level is a key to Canada’s 2030 climate success. Philanthropy can have a big impact by focusing on the following areas: buildings & housing, urban transportation, community energy solutions, health institutions, and municipal leadership.
People & democracy
Some communities and constituencies require dedicated attention for Canada to successfully achieve its 2030 climate goals, either because they face disproportionate costs from a net-zero transition or because they are especially at risk from the impacts of climate change. In some instances, these communities can act as particularly powerful advocates for the net-zero transition. Philanthropy here is best targeted at projects supporting: Indigenous leadership, youth empowerment, labour and training organizations, rural communities, low-income Canadians, health care sector advocates, cross-sector coalitions, and public and consumer communications.
Policy & finance
Securing adequate private and public action and investment to finance the net-zero transition requires clear policy signals, a shared knowledge base, and agreed-upon terms, standards and definitions. Philanthropic support for this “behind-the-scenes” type of work has been some of the most impactful of the past decade. Examples of the types of work that philanthropy can support right now are: activating provincial policy leadership, facilitating the role of the finance sector, promoting specific policies like carbon pricing, conducting energy-economy modelling, and advocating for good governance and legal accountability.
For more information on the Clean Economy Fund, please contact us directly.
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