Today, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and CIFF co-founder Sir Christopher Hohn pledged $500 million over the next five years to combat climate change. This funding contributes to a $4 billion global commitment made with 27 other philanthropies – the largest-ever philanthropic investment in climate mitigation.The announcement, made at the Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS) in San Francisco, represents a broad global commitment to accelerate proven climate and clean-energy strategies, spur innovation and support organisations around the world working to protect communities.

Having cumulatively invested over $400 million in climate change projects to date, CIFF’s new $500 million contribution announced today will further advance affordable, low- and zero-carbon solutions that are currently in motion. CIFF’s climate change portfolio will continue to focus on global and local solutions across the highest greenhouse gas emitting countries and cover multiple sectors, including energy transition, cities, transport, land use and super greenhouse gases.

Over the past two decades, the NGO sector—supported by philanthropy—has made important progress in the fight against climate change, including broadening access to low-cost, reliable wind and solar energy; designing policies that are revolutionising the integration of a new generation of electric vehicles; and providing critical support to countries working to meet the requirements of the historic Paris Agreement.

Much of the $4 billion investment announced today will support regional and local organisations working on the frontlines of climate change, and propel the expansion of proven approaches and innovations in climate change mitigation.

Kate Hampton, CEO of CIFF, said: “Each day brings new evidence of climate change affecting lives—from extreme weather events, to increased food insecurity, to tragic impacts on human health. We see the suffering that a steadily warming planet is causing to people around the world, but we also see hope. As philanthropists, we are committed to doing our part—and to engaging on climate change like never before.”

Funders contributing to this effort include:
Barr Foundation
Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bullitt Foundation
The Educational Foundation of America
Pirojsha Godrej Foundation
Grantham Foundation
The Grove Foundation
Growald Family Fund
The George Gund Foundation
Heising-Simons Foundation
William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
IKEA Foundation
Ivey Foundation
Joyce Foundation
JPB Foundation
KR Foundation
Kresge Foundation
Dee & Richard Lawrence and OIF
John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
McKinney Family Foundation
McKnight Foundation
Oak Foundation
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Pisces Foundation
Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF)
Sea Change Foundation
Turner Foundation
Yellow Chair Foundation

The full multi-partner press release and joint statement can be found here.