Canada’s climate movement just received a significant boost of $76 million. A recent article for the Energy Mix follows the Earth Day announcement, when three major donors - the Brian and Joannah Lawson Family Foundation, Sarah Abell, and the Consecon Foundation - committed new funding to the Climate Champions program, coordinated by the Clean Economy Fund. Their actions represent a growing momentum in Canadian climate philanthropy and a recognition of the role of private funding in systemic change.
This support follows an even larger philanthropic milestone from late 2024 - which was the largest climate-related philanthropic commitment in Canadian history - when nine charities and wealthy families pledged $405 million over the next decade. The article notes that this investment is aimed at reaching the “hearts and minds” of Canadians, based on a growing realization for an essential cultural shift needed to sustain climate progress.
Even with this substantial investment, the climate funding community emphasizes that money alone is not enough. Devika Shah, Executive Director of Environmental Funders Canada, suggests that “people power, grassroots cultural change, and political activism and engagement” is what is actually needed.
This statement reflects the direction of climate philanthropy, which is headed toward decarbonization and changes in democracy, but also emphasizes community inclusion and long-term cultural transformation in order to empower future generations. Although this marks a financial milestone, climate action needs to build upon a deeper understanding of what it means to establish climate resilience. This article underscores how to actually reach carbon-neutrality, strong leadership and coordination is needed across sectors and communities, and that philanthropic donors will have to continue to step up in new ways.
Photo credit: Shane Rounce from Unsplash