INTRODUCTION TO CLIMATE FUND I
About
CIV:LAB is redefining philanthropy and shaping the role of community participation in achieving national climate goals through place-based grant-making. Our grant-making fund supports organizations working on technology, workforce development, and education solutions in the climate space. CIV:LAB currently supports initiatives in New York City and the state of Michigan, with additional U.S. locations to be added in 2023 and 2024.
Our Process
We support organizations and programs that are prioritizing equity, environmental justice, and economic development through climate initiatives with unrestricted, one-time grants that range in size from $10,000 to $100,000.
- Nonprofits/NGOs
- Community-based organizations
- Government programs and initiatives
- Academic programs and initiatives
- Startups
Our Climate Fund selection process is a collaborative effort in partnership with local Advisory Committees with climate expertise, deep knowledge of local community perspectives, and connections to local climate efforts. These Advisory Committees represent various ecosystems and help select grantees to receive CIV:LAB funding.
Inclusive and Distributive Decision-Making
Local advisory committees help guide decision-making and grant-making allocation. In doing so, CIV:LAB is:
- Making use of existing local ecosystems
- Encouraging cross-sector collaboration
- Building connections across and within local communities
- Developing long-term, transformative change
- Supporting a variety of organizations as they scale efforts
Where We Are
Support the Climate Fund: Open Call
CIV:LAB recruits Advisory Committee members to represent ecosystems they are part of while guiding CIV:LAB Climate Fund decision-making. Members will be local climate leaders who will use their expertise and credibility to champion climate initiatives and support impact-driven climate action through grant-making with CIV:LAB.
Members of the Advisory Committee will provide CIV:LAB with diverse knowledge of community perspectives, connections to local climate efforts, and guidance on strategy for the Climate Fund’s future endeavors.
We are not actively recruiting Advisory Committee members at this time. Please check back during the next recruitment cycle.
CIV:LAB recruits people who are interested in serving as community reviewers of grant proposals submitted for the Climate Fund. Additional reviewers read and evaluate grant applications in their technical or impact area of expertise. We are asking reviewers to commit to reading 10 applications over two grant cycles.
We are currently actively recruiting community reviewers for the New York City Climate Fund. If you’re interested in participating, please complete the Interest Form below.
Join the Movement:
Fund Local Climate Action
Philanthropy is falling behind as the devastating effects of the climate crisis accelerate. In 2020, less than 2% of all donations went to environmental groups.
Even as funders begin to shift their attention to climate action, the processes and networks that deploy those resources have not adapted to the urgency of the situation. While this existential threat to humanity is global in scale, progress must begin at the local level.
That’s where CIV:LAB comes in. The mission of our organization is to fund local climate action, bringing benefits that will radiate across social and geographic boundaries, because meaningful climate action demands environmental justice.
Don’t let the climate crisis win. Become a funder for a community climate organization now.
Become a Funder