Launched in 2016, the Climate Breakthrough Award program is uniquely designed for social change leaders to develop, launch, and scale their boldest new initiatives with breakthrough potential to address climate change. The program is structured to foster breakthrough-oriented work in policy, economic, and social transformation by blending the large-scale innovation focus of institutions known for pursuing breakthrough inventions, like DARPA and ARPA-E, with the nimble and entrepreneurial spirit of startup incubators and venture capital. Here’s how it works.
We invest IN exceptional leaders
Every year, we vet and select individuals to be Climate Breakthrough Awardees who 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. That’s why our rigorous sourcing, vetting, and selection process is a critical ingredient of the program.
We set a high bar for what “bold” means
We need high-ambition, high-gain ideas that can drive large-scale system changes, not incremental work centered on near-term success, to swiftly and justly close the gap between the world today and a sustainable future. That’s why we focus on ideas with breakthrough potential. This means they 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 of people within ten years of launch.
We provide substantial, flexible, multiyear support
Big ideas need resources to take root and time to get off the ground. Our program provides: 1) a multi-million-dollar grant over three years, 2) critical wraparound resources, 3) robust Impact and Learning (I&L) tools, 4) if the initiative is gaining traction, an extra matching grant at the end of their tenure.
Our program is non-directive, and our funding is 100 percent flexible. While we offer resources and connections, we trust our awardees to manage their work freely without the common constraints imposed by funders that often stifle innovation.
We prioritize a culture of learning and embracing shortfalls
Not all bold efforts we bet on will thrive and, therefore, we embrace the potential for failure. This spirit of exploration and experimentation, typically associated with scientific breakthroughs, tech innovation, and business ventures, is at the heart of our approach to philanthropy and climate action. Consistent progress might look good in a grant report, but it’s a sure sign we’re not dreaming big enough.
what happens during a tenure?
Strategy development phase
We don’t require or want fully-formed proposals from candidates. After selection, awardees develop a complete strategy document during a fully-funded phase that lasts six to nine months. This approach not only encourages awardees to think ambitiously but also urges them, knowing they have secured funding and other resources.
Launch of initiative
After completing strategy development, awardees move into the implementation stage. Alongside their main grant, awardees have access to funding for tailored wraparound support to help ensure their initiatives move forward as effectively and efficiently as possible. They also have access to funding for Impact and Learning (I&L) resources, collaborating with us to design assessment tools that reflect the scale and ambition of their initiatives.
Transition beyond tenure
Awardees, as they enter their final year, gain expanded support to advance their initiatives through connections with broader funding networks. 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. Awardees also benefit from heightened visibility among key stakeholders, with Climate Breakthrough serving as a trusted reference as they continue to expand their work.
frequently asked questions
Send your inquiries to info@climatebreakthrough.org
No, the program is neither a bootcamp nor a traditional incubator. While we took inspiration from the startup incubator ecosystem and other fields, we’ve adapted and expanded on the concept to create a unique program. While the term ‘award’ traditionally signifies recognition for past achievements, ours spurs a new era of action.
We do not accept unsolicited applications or self-nominations for the Climate Breakthrough Award program. 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.
No, candidates do not need to speak English to be considered. Our team works 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.