Giving Green's Top Nonprofits: 2024-2025
Clean Air Task Force
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Having had a successful track record of pushing for climate solutions in the US, Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is now going global. By identifying barriers to technology deployment, engaging with stakeholders, and advocating for supportive policies, CATF aims to speed up the growth of low-carbon technologies to reduce emissions broadly and quickly. We are particularly impressed that CATF has built momentum for areas of innovation that need more funding support, such as superhot rock geothermal energy, zero-carbon fuels, and the decarbonization of aviation and maritime shipping.
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Future Cleantech Architects
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For hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry and aviation, we do not yet have the tools to reach net zero. Future Cleantech Architects works across technical research & policy engagement to advance innovation in critical areas often neglected by funders and governments. We were impressed by Future Cleantech Architect’s depth of in-house expertise and evidence of its meaningful influence on EU climate policy.
Good Food Institute
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Livestock production is responsible for at least 10% of global emissions – livestock belch methane, require substantial (often deforested) grazing land, and contribute to general supply chain emissions. The Good Food Institute (GFI) seeks to make alternative proteins as affordable and delicious as conventional products. It pushes for more government funding for research, fights for fair labeling, and helps cultivated meat get to market. We think GFI is a powerhouse in supporting alternative proteins, with impressive wins under its belt.
Industrious Labs
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Heavy industries like steel and cement are the building blocks of the global economy, accounting for one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. Industrious Labs runs comprehensive campaigns to decarbonize specific industries, targeting corporate actors and governments alike. Critically, through coalition building, regranting, and training, it is scaling advocacy well beyond its own organization. We are excited about Industrious Labs’ actionable, industry-specific strategies and the strength of its leadership team.
Opportunity Green
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Aviation and maritime shipping are challenging sectors to decarbonize and have not received much support from philanthropy in the past. Opportunity Green pushes for ambitious regulations, promotes clean fuels, encourages companies to adopt greener fleets, and works to reduce demand for air travel. We are especially excited about Opportunity Green’s efforts to elevate climate vulnerable countries in policy discussions, as we think this could improve the inclusivity of the process and the ambition level of policies.
Project InnerSpace
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Deep underground, the Earth’s crust holds abundant heat that can supply renewable, carbon-free heat and reliable, on-demand electricity. Project InnerSpace is fast-tracking next-generation technologies that can make geothermal energy available worldwide. It has a bold plan to reduce financial risks for new geothermal projects, making geothermal energy cheaper and more accessible, especially in densely populated areas in the Global South.
How we find effective climate charities
Systems change
To address the drivers of climate change, we need to change the rules of the game. Our research focuses on giving strategies that take a bold, systemic approach to lowering emissions, such as through crafting strong climate policy, advancing clean technologies, shaping markets, and changing norms. Our research shows that giving opportunities that focus on systems change can be an order of magnitude more effective than the best direct emissions reductions projects, such as carbon offsets.
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Scale, feasibility, and funding need
We use three broad criteria to assess the promise of an approach: scale (how big a problem is it?), feasibility (how hard is it to address?), and funding need (how much would more donations help?).
How we find effective climate nonprofits
We follow a five-step research process: identify impact strategies, assess impact strategies, longlist potential organizations, evaluate specific funding opportunities, and publish recommendations. Read more about how we find top climate change charities.