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. It’s uniquely designed to overcome the common constraints of traditional grantmaking that often stifle breakthrough thinking, blending 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.
Put simply, there is no other climate philanthropy program quite like the Climate Breakthrough Award.
1. Investment 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. High bar for ‘bold’ climate action
We focus 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 pursuing high-ambition, high-gain mitigation 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 freedom, flexibility, time, and resources to think and build bigger. Our multiyear 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 a three-year tenure
- 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 recognize that not all bold initiatives pursued by our awardees will thrive. That’s why it’s critical to reduce barriers and challenges associated with ambitious efforts and create the space for transformative ideas to take root. Together with our awardees, we employ a spirit of exploration and experimentation—often associated with scientific breakthroughs, tech innovation, and business ventures—in policy, economic, and social transformation. 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
Rather than requiring detailed proposals upfront, we first select suitable candidates. Once selected, awardees receive six to nine months of full funding to develop their comprehensive strategy document. This approach allows awardees to think more ambitiously and strategically, knowing they have secured significant resources and support to launch and scale their ideas.
Launch and implementation
Following strategy development, awardees advance to implementation with comprehensive support. Beyond their main grant, they receive funding for tailored wraparound services to help ensure they work as effectively and efficiently as possible. They also receive funding for Impact and Learning (I&L) resources to design assessment tools that reflect the scale and ambition of their initiatives.
Transition beyond tenure
Entering their final year, awardees receive enhanced 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