Funding trends 2026: Climate change mitigation philanthropy
Funding trends 2026: Climate change mitigation philanthropy
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Record funding numbers signal that philanthropy held firm on commitments to climate mitigation in 2024
In a time of converging climate, economic, geopolitical, and humanitarian crises, our analysis finds that total climate mitigation funding from foundations and individuals reached an estimated $11.7 billion to $18.4 billion in 2024. This range represents about 2.1% of total philanthropic giving worldwide, exceeding the 2% threshold for the first time.
How funding is distributed tells an important story: resources remain heavily concentrated in the United States and Europe, even as the energy transition accelerates across the Global South, where clean, affordable solutions are being embraced as a direct path to resilient economies and better lives.
This edition introduces new ways to map funding across sectors and understand where it is concentrated, where it is lacking, and where opportunities lie. The report also describes signals that indicate funding momentum held or even grew in 2025, but the full picture is still emerging.
Use this report to:
- Track the evolution of climate philanthropy
- Understand sectoral, strategic, and geographic funding trends
- See where funding is concentrated and where gaps remain
- Identify priorities to sustain critical funding momentum
- Make informed decisions on climate giving strategies
Foundation funding more than doubled from 2020 to 2024
Four priorities for philanthropy to rise to the challenge and sustain critical momentum
Grow the scale and scope of climate funding
Increase funding in the Global South
Fund solutions that improve lives and strengthen economies
Make funding more flexible and durable
About ClimateWorks insights and data
ClimateWorks equips philanthropy with insights and data that turn complexity into clarity — enabling funders to act with agility, collaborate more effectively, and develop high-impact climate strategies that benefit people, their communities, and the planet.



