Launched in 2016, the Climate Breakthrough Award program supports visionary social change leaders in developing, launching, and scaling their boldest new initiatives with breakthrough potential to address the climate crisis. The program is uniquely designed to remove the common constraints in the philanthropic sector 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. Here’s how it’s different.
1. Investing in exceptional people
We select individuals—not organizations—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. A high bar for what ‘bold’ means
We exclusively focus on new, breakthrough-oriented work in large-scale policy, economic, and social transformation—not incremental work centered on near-term success. This means high-ambition, high-gain initiatives that, if wildly 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 of people within ten years of launch.
3. Substantial, flexible, multiyear support
We provide awardees with significant resources, time, freedom, and flexibility to think and build big. Our program is entirely non-directive, and our funding is 100 percent flexible. When awardees enter the program, they receive:
- A $4 million award—the largest climate funding package for individuals—over three years
- Dedicated wraparound resources
- Tailored Impact and Learning (I&L) tools
- An additional matching grant at the end of tenure if the initiative gains traction
- 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
We believe learning is the heartbeat of progress, recognizing that not all initiatives pursued by our awardees will thrive. Together with our awardees, we share a spirit of exploration and experimentation—often associated with scientific breakthroughs, tech innovation, and business ventures—in the pursuit of transformative climate action. While consistent progress might look good in a grant report, it’s a sure sign we’re not dreaming big enough.
frequently asked questions
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.
No. 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.
While we may consider early-stage projects, the Climate Breakthrough Award program is designed for new work. As such, we are not interested in work that is already substantially underway or well-funded. The term ‘award’ traditionally signifies recognition for past achievements, but ours is designed to spur a new era of action.
Initiatives that focus narrowly on technological innovation and research and development (R&D), or aim to generate profit would not align with our mission.
No, 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