The Schmidt Family Foundation (TSFF) was recognized as one of the few Top 40 Climate Funders that also prioritizes environmental justice by awarding 30% or more of its funding allocations to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led organizations. The Donors of Color Network (DOCN), who prepared the report, also commended TSFF for its commitment to transparency.
Without the expertise of leaders and communities of color, who are at the frontlines of the climate crisis and often have the most to lose, we simply can’t advance toward a healthier planet. We took the Climate Funders Justice Pledge to show our support for the incredible work of people of color in this field, and we hope our fellow funders will join us.
Joseph Sciortino, executive director of The Schmidt Family Foundation
Despite the disproportionate impacts of climate change on communities of color, a recent study showed only 1.3% of climate funding was directed towards BIPOC-led, justice-focused groups, according to the Donors of Color Network, a cross-racial community of donors and movement leaders dedicated to environmental justice and racial equity. The Schmidt Family Foundation (TSFF), the parent organization of The 11th Hour Project, signed the DOCN’s Climate Funders Justice Pledge in April 2021, committing to direct at least 30% of climate change funding to BIPOC-led groups in line with DOCN’s recommendations.
TSFF has long incorporated racial and economic justice into its philanthropy, providing funding support and guidance to projects that promote human rights, especially in underserved communities and groups with limited resources. Last year alone, TSFF directed $10.8 million (30% of its total allocations) in funding towards BIPOC groups.
“Foundations taking the Climate Funders Justice Pledge are courageously setting the example – being transparent about their practices, aiming to do better, and compelling peers to step up,” said Sharon Chen, board member for the Donors of Color Network.
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