(January 15, 2010) — US foundations are awarding a rising number of grants to ameliorate the effects of global warming and climate change. Such funds have invested a total of $1.9 billion in the cause over the past 10 years, according to a new study by The Foundation Center.
According to the report, the number of climate change-related grants, which cover everything from emissions reduction to the role of rain forests, doubled from 2000 to more than $850 million in 2008, spurred by “heightened awareness of an impending climate crisis.” A majority of climate-change grants targeted activities in the US.
While philanthropic efforts to address climate change have been rising, only a small percentage of the largest funders still account for a majority of the support. The top 25 climate change grant makers in 2008 provided 90% of funding, the report said. The California-based William and Flora Hewlett Foundation led the pack, donating nearly $549 million in 2008. Other top funders included the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Ford Foundation.
The Foundation Center, established in 1956, is supported by nearly 550 foundations. It operates research, education, and training programs to advance knowledge of philanthropy.