International Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change: Progress Report 1

Every foundation, regardless of size, geographic location and mission area, has levers to tackle climate change. The International Commitment serves as a lever for internal prioritisation, a framework to support foundations in developing their approach to climate, and a vehicle through which to advocate externally for change. 

Overview

This first progress report for the International Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change articulates the progress made by foundations as they seek to integrate climate across their work, from governance to grantmaking. It shares examples of good practice, sheds light on challenges, and identifies opportunities for continued individual and collective progress.

Using the input of signatories from around the world, the report showcases the practical ways foundations are implementing the commitment’s pillars, reflects on shared challenges and points to the power of collective action in advancing climate philanthropy.

This report is more than a progress tracker, it is a tool to inspire, mobilise and connect. It celebrates the milestones reached by signatories, offers inspiration through real examples, and provides a valuable benchmark for internal reflection, strategic planning and collaboration. It serves as a platform to engage new actors and amplify the global voice for climate action in philanthropy.

For foundations not yet on the climate journey, it shows that every organisation regardless of size or mission has the potential to act. For signatories, it is a moment to reflect on the progress made so far and address future challenges and opportunities.

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Key takeaways

  • 95% of responding signatories reported progress on overall climate commitments since signing and 88% felt the commitment has impacted their awareness and climate action, and others considered themselves already at an advanced stage
  • Signatories are scaling up their climate funding, with two-thirds (63%) of responding signatories increasing programmatic or grant spending or impact, and 20% dedicating funds to climate action for the first time.
  • Signatories perceive “Influencing and Advocacy” to be a particularly impactful lever. Nearly nine out of ten responding signatories (89%), are supporting climate advocacy in their area of work and/or region. Eight out of ten (80%), are seeking opportunities to meet and engage with frontline communities, and others are advocating for climate action.
  • Respondents are on a learning journey regarding endowments and assets, with fewer responses under this pillar suggesting respondents’ lower confidence in this area. Two-thirds (66%) ranked it as one of their top two challenges, and nearly 60% have taken little or no action.
We are very pleased that there is a movement such as Philanthropy For Climate that gives us the opportunity to publicly endorse the importance of climate funding and, with that, inspire others to follow in our footsteps

IKEA Foundation

As the first foundation in the country to sign the International Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change, we are committed to revealing our potential in the country as a pioneer. In accordance with this purpose, we actively share our climate journey at every opportunity and engage in knowledge exchange with our grantees, international partners, and other stakeholders.

Sabancı Foundation

In view of the shifting attitudes towards philanthropy, we want to redefine European philanthropy, not as a mere replication of existing models but as an improved paradigm of what philanthropy can be – a new type of shared philanthropy. Our commitments to climate action also respond to a broader call for philanthropy to enhance transparency and accountability.

European Cultural Foundation

Background

The report is a product of the European Philanthropy Coalition for Climate and WINGS.

The European Philanthropy Coalition for Climate (Climate Coalition) has worked in partnership with WINGS to launch and scale the global Philanthropy For Climate movement and the International Commitment since 2021. The Climate Coalition leads on supporting national commitments in Europe and acts as the main point of contact for European signatories that have signed the International Commitment.

Transparency is a core part of the global Philanthropy For Climate movement, incorporating an accountability and ambition-raising mechanism that requires signatories to reflect on and report the actions they have taken under each pillar. Understanding what progress is being made and what challenges still need to be overcome is key to strengthening the pace and scale of philanthropy’s response to the climate crisis.

By providing an update of progress along the commitments, this report offers a a unique opportunity to share collective progress and learning with signatories and illustrate to foundations considering signing the commitment, the value of the approach and the support available to take the next step on their climate journey – whether they are just getting started or ready to demonstrate leadership.

Contact

Karalyn Gardner
Programme Manager – Climate Coalition
karalyn.gardner@philea.eu