Environmental Grantmakers Association

EGA Member, Co-Director of the The Hive Fund for Climate and Gender Justice Fund for Climate and Gender Justice and co-recipient of the 2024 EGA Risk Taker Award Melanie Allen speaks on supporting Black-led organizations in the climate care space on the Tavis Smiley Podcast.   The episode explores creating opportunities for community-driven climate solutions, and why advancing equity is vital to achieving climate goals.   👉 Listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/e4xvs94Z

Many of us living on the Colorado Plateau will, at some point in our lives, pray for rain or snow. The Colorado Plateau is a dry region with extreme weather, only to be further transformed by climate change. Often, Native traditional knowledge is offered as a solution to adapting to a changing climate. Climate Reverance, a three-minute Colorado Plateau Foundation film, shows how Native and Indigenous traditional knowledge informs lived experiences to adapt to climate change and sustain biodiversity. Please watch and share! https://lnkd.in/gpd3SPjA

According to the 2023 Green 2.0 Report, BIPOC accounts for only 38% of full-time staff and 31.5% of individuals responsible for leading non-profit climate and environmental organizations. EGA member Barr Foundation’s Climate program focuses on racial equity, addressing systemic barriers, and creating pathways for BIPOC professionals through their fellowships, such as RAY and Young Black Climate Leaders. A recent evaluation to better understand both fellows and the staff running the fellowship programs highlighted three key findings: • The barriers to entering the climate and environment field are substantial. • These programs made a meaningful difference in alleviating some of those barriers. • There’s a need for even more connections. These evaluations highlighted some of the significant challenges BIPOC professionals faced and elevated how fellowships can help alleviate these barriers and build connections. Read more about Barr Foundation’s program findings and why fellowships help address barriers for BIPOC in the climate field: https://lnkd.in/g9aSZvHS 

The climate crisis affects every aspect of our communities, from public health to the economy to education, making it crucial for all sectors- including philanthropy- to make bold investments in climate action. Jamie Merisotis, President and CEO of EGA member Lumina Foundation, serves as a guest contributor alongside The Aspen Institute and Waverley Street Foundation as they discuss why philanthropy must rise and address this global threat. They outline three key actions that philanthropy can take:  • Drive attention: Less than 2% of all philanthropic giving goes toward climate issues, according to EGA member, ClimateWorks Foundation’s 2023 funding trends report. Philanthropy needs to keep climate action on the agenda and amplify climate issues. • Empower impacted communities: Philanthropy must invest in frontline communities, which are the most likely to be affected by climate change and the least likely to receive philanthropic support. • Advance Climate Literacy: Only 5% of public universities have an environmental literacy graduation requirement. Philanthropy has the opportunity to advance climate literacy across the education sector and ensure communities can better understand how climate change impacts them. Read more on how philanthropy can better prioritize climate action: https://lnkd.in/eiP4uwFR

EGA member, Casa Socio-Environmental Fund launched their policy brief, Community Philanthropy and Locally-Led Adaptation Solutions: Lessons Learned from the Global South at #COP29 🌍 This brief highlights the importance of Global-South-based funds in advancing climate adaptation, showcasing a network of funds with participatory management already engaged in climate efforts across the region. The brief offers recommendations for climate philanthropy to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of financial resources, focusing on communities in the process. https://lnkd.in/edMDFvnJ

EGA is thrilled to introduce our new website and brand! We are taking on a new visual identity that embodies our collective mission and interdependent values. 🌍 EGA’s new brand identity represents our vision of interconnectedness. We invite you to explore our brand and updated website today! https://ega.org/

Join HEFN and the Environmental Grantmakers Association (EGA) for this “Follow the Money” webinar to hear insights on the newest findings on 2022 Environmental Health & Justice funding. This new data highlights What, Where, How and Who environmental health & justice funding is going to, featuring updated demographic data analysis on BIPOC representation within grantee organizations and a new map looking at funding given to grantees based in different states. Register here ⬇️ https://ow.ly/WRnx50U4nn4

How can philanthropy actively participate in transformative systems change? EGA member, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) shares key takeaways from its 2023 Evaluation of the Shifting Systems Initiative Report. This evaluation stems from RPA’s “Shifting The System’s Initiative,” launched in 2016. The report highlights the discrepancy between extensive grantmaker discussions on systems change and the execution of transformative practices, including internal reform and addressing power imbalances. 💡 Read more on RPA’s recommendations on how to philanthropy can create systems change with “more walk, and less talk”: https://lnkd.in/d4MugmbB

"Democracy is more than a policy goal – it’s a living practice that thrives when communities have the power to create just and sustainable systems. Philanthropy can strengthen democracy’s roots by backing the long-term efforts of those on the frontlines, ensuring that the pursuit of justice is grounded in the needs and visions of the people themselves." Via our allies at Thousand Currents

"For Black men, who often carry the weight of societal pressures, this sense of brotherhood is a lifeline.” - Manny Almonte A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the latest installment of the Nature = series, where we explored how time outside can foster community, connection, and belonging among Black and Brown men. Manny Almonte and Andy Isaacson of Camping to Connect, along with CJ Goulding of Boyz N The Wood, shared powerful stories about the role of nature in building brotherhood and leadership through culturally resonant programming. We also screened the award-winning film Wood Hood, bringing to life the impact of these experiences on young men of color. 📽️ Missed the session? Catch the recording and access additional resources here: https://lnkd.in/gmHtssnf "Having access to the power of nature not only provides Black men with a space of healing, but also normalizes the idea of leaning on each other as brothers. As they return home, that social connection and support serves as a foundation to show up better as fathers, as brothers, as uncles, as community leaders.” - CJ Goulding, Boyz n The Wood Key Takeaways: -- Nature serves as a neutral ground for connection, offering participants a safe space for vulnerability and personal growth. -- Programs like Camping to Connect and Boyz N The Wood foster brotherhood, equipping participants with skills and tools to bring this sense of connection back to their communities. -- Building community, even in small ways, is essential and impactful. Watch the recording: https://lnkd.in/gkx2UnvD