The Climate Breakthrough Award program supports visionary social change leaders to develop, launch, and scale their boldest new initiatives for large-scale policy, economic, and social transformation to address the climate crisis. Launched in 2016, the program is designed to overcome the constraints of traditional grantmaking that often stifle breakthrough thinking. It blends the large-scale innovation focus of institutions known for pursuing inventions, like DARPA and ARPA-E, with the nimble and entrepreneurial spirit of startup incubators and venture capital.
Quite simply, there is no other climate philanthropy initiative like the Climate Breakthrough Award.
1. Investment in exceptional people
The program is for individuals. We select, trust, and invest in exceptional people to be Climate Breakthrough Awardees based on their track record and potential for greater impact.
They boast a rare combination of traits: a social innovator with the demonstrated ability to effect change, an ambitious strategist thinking at immense scale, and a visionary with uncommon audacity paired with humility and compassion.
2. High bar for ‘bold’ climate action
The program focuses exclusively on what it takes to win in resolving the climate crisis: large-scale policy, economic, and social transformation rather than incremental efforts centered on near-term success.
This means Awardees pursue high-ambition, high-gain mitigation initiatives that, if successful, could significantly reduce global annual greenhouse gas emissions, affect entire industries or regions of the world, and materially change the lives of tens of millions within ten years of launch.
3. Substantial, flexible, multiyear support
The program provides unparalleled freedom, flexibility, time, and resources to think and build bigger. When Awardees are selected for the program, they get access to:
- $4 million, the largest climate award for individuals, in multiyear, flexible, non-directive funding
- Dedicated wraparound resources
- Tailored Impact and Learning (I&L) tools
- Expanded support through connections to broader funding networks
- Heightened visibility among key stakeholders, with us serving as a trusted reference
- A lifetime invitation to the annual Climate Breakthrough Awardee retreats
4. Learning and embracing shortfalls
The program fosters learning and embraces failures. Not all bold initiatives will thrive; that’s why it’s critical to reduce barriers and challenges associated with non-linear efforts such as typically rigid performance indicators and create the space for transformative ideas to take root.
Together, we employ a spirit of exploration and experimentation, often associated with scientific breakthroughs, tech innovation, and business ventures, to transform policy, economic, and social systems. While consistent progress might look good in a grant report, it’s a sure sign we’re not dreaming big enough.
how it works
Strategy development phase
We identify candidates through a rigorous scouting and vetting process. Most grants ask for detailed proposals up front. We take a different approach: we select Awardees first and then provide six to nine months of full funding so they can develop a comprehensive strategy. This gives them the space to think ambitiously and strategically, confident that they have the resources and support to launch and scale their ideas.
Launch and implementation
After developing their strategy, Awardees move into implementation with comprehensive support. In addition to their main grant, they have access to funding for tailored wraparound services to help them work as effectively and efficiently as possible, as well as Impact and Learning (I&L) resources to design assessment tools that match the scale and ambition of their initiatives.
Transition beyond tenure
Awardees get support to advance their initiatives through broader funding networks. They gain heightened visibility among key stakeholders, with our organization serving as a trusted reference. Current and alumni Awardees are invited to annual retreats featuring experts in fields such as fundraising and strategy, creating spaces for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and fresh inspiration.
frequently asked questions
Our program is not a traditional award or prize for work that is substantially underway or already completed. While a candidate’s track record helps us assess their potential, the purpose of the program is to launch new initiatives or expand early-stage efforts.
Though we took inspiration from the startup incubator ecosystem and other fields, we’ve adapted and expanded on the concept to create a unique program.
Initiatives that focus narrowly on technological innovation and research and development (R&D), or aim to generate profit would not align with our mission.
We do not accept unsolicited applications or self-nominations. Candidates are nominated by our network of scouts and partners to undergo a rigorous vetting process that includes a series of interviews, reference checks, and strategy idea exploration.
Candidates do not need to speak English to be considered. We work with interpreters and translators to aim for a fair and inclusive selection process for all candidates.
We make an annual call for scouts with expertise in specific sectors or geographies. Stay connected with Climate Breakthrough to watch for those announcements.
Send your inquiries to info@climatebreakthrough.org