Climateworks Foundation
ClimateWorks Foundation is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 2008, the organization functions as a catalyst for accelerating climate progress by connecting funders and implementing organizations worldwide to create and scale transformative climate solutions across sectors and geographies.
Key facts about Climateworks Foundation
- EIN
- 26-2303250
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $96,269,808
- Grants made (2024)
- 140
- Average grant
- $687,641
- Median grant
- $200,000
- Total assets
- $533,132,275
- Primary geography
- California (38% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated June 2026.
Who Climateworks Foundation funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for Climateworks Foundation's 140 itemized 2024 grants were California (38%), District of Columbia (25%) and New York (19%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (40 grants), New York, NY (20 grants), San Francisco, CA (13 grants) and Oakland, CA (6 grants). 4% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "To Support the Transition to a Sustainable Financial System" (12 grants), "To Support the Global Transition to Clean Transportation" (12 grants) and "To Support Communities Most Affected by Climate Change" (5 grants).
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$533.1M
+13.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$96.3M
+7.9% YoY
Grant Count
140
-3.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$688K
+11.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: ClimateWorks Foundation's mission is to connect philanthropy, grantees, and strategic partners to build and deliver high-impact climate solutions that benefit all people. The organization is driven by a vision of creating a thriving planet for all living beings for generations to come.
Primary Focus Areas: The foundation's grantmaking priorities include renewable energy, sustainable transportation, sustainable cooling, maritime shipping, carbon removal, and climate adaptation and resilience. The organization also supports climate-related research and analysis.
Grantmaking
Since 2008, ClimateWorks Foundation has granted over $2 billion to more than 850 grantees across 50 countries, working alongside 80 funders. The foundation has made over 1,500 grants since its inception.
Ready to take the next step with Climateworks Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
ClimateWorks Foundation funds organizations globally across 50 countries. The foundation's grantmaking has particular concentration in the District of Columbia, California, and New York, though its reach extends internationally with grantees in over 40 countries.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 140 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
2024 Financial Data:
- Total Assets: $533,132,275
- Total Revenue: $350,641,228
- Total Expenses: $317,281,654
- Net Income: $33,359,574
- Total Liabilities: $91,800,000
- Total Giving: $229,765,915
Staffing: The foundation employs 189 staff members as of 2024.
Tax Status: ClimateWorks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity with tax-exempt status since February 2009. The organization files Form 990 annually with the Internal Revenue Service.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $533,132,275 | $470,889,781 | $503,138,297 |
| Revenue | $350,641,228 | $266,466,761 | $330,535,203 |
| Expenses | $317,281,654 | $264,000,632 | $355,547,001 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $15,852,277 | $10,285,663 | $2,717,407 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
710 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest recipients include The Energy Foundation ($12,759,098), United States Energy Foundation ($9,039,098), International Council on Clean Transportation ($8,845,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| THE ENERGY FOUNDATION SAN FRANCISCO, CA | TO EXPAND ACCESS TO SUSTAINABLE COOLING AND REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ($750,000); TO PROTECT THE CLIMATE, REDUCE POLLUTION, AND STRENGTHEN ECONOMIES ($1,670,000); SUSTAINABLE MARITIME SHIPPING ($1,300,000); THE GLOBAL TRANSITION TO CLEAN TRANSPORTATION ($8,839,098); FOR CLIMATE-RELATED RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS ($200,000) | $12,759,098 |
| UNITED STATES ENERGY FOUNDATION SAN FRANCISCO, CA | TO SUPPORT THE GLOBAL TRANSITION TO CLEAN TRANSPORTATION | $9,039,098 |
| INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL ON CLEAN TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON, DC | TO SUPPORT THE TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE AVIATION SECTOR ($330,473); RESPONSIBLE CARBON REMOVAL AND RESTORE THE CLIMATE ($89,527); SUSTAINABLE MARITIME SHIPPING ($1,100,000); THE GLOBAL TRANSITION TO CLEAN TRANSPORTATION ($6,125,000); GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT ($800,000); TO REDUCE EMISSIONS FROM NON-CARBON POLLUTANTS ($400,000) | $8,845,000 |
| INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOUNDATION AUSTIN, TX | TO SUPPORT THE GLOBAL TRANSITION TO CLEAN TRANSPORTATION | $6,148,938 |
| ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND INC NEW YORK, NY | TO SUPPORT THE TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE AVIATION SECTOR ($250,000); SUSTAINABLE MARITIME SHIPPING ($650,000); THE TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE FINANCE SYSTEM ($100,000); RESPONSIBLE CARBON REMOVAL AND RESTORE THE CLIMATE ($110,000); DECARBONIZATION EFFORTS AND THE TRANSITION TO CLEAN ENERGY IN CHINA ($2,000,000); TO SUPPORT THE TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEM ($350,000); TO PROTECT THE CLIMATE, REDUCE POLLUTION, AND STRENGTHEN ECONOMIES ($722,129) | $4,182,129 |
| ROCKEFELLER PHILANTHROPY ADVISORS INC NEW YORK, NY | TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES IN BUILDING INCLUSIVE MODELS FOR CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION ($100,000); COMMUNITIES MOST AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE ($950,000); THE GLOBAL TRANSITION TO CLEAN TRANSPORTATION ($2,025,000); RELIABLE ACCESS TO MINERALS THAT BENEFIT ENERGY TRANSITION ($150,000); THE TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE FINANCE SYSTEM ($250,000); FOR CLIMATE-RELATED RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS ($180,000) | $3,655,000 |
| COAL SWARM DBA GLOBAL ENERGY MONITOR SAN FRANCISCO, CA | TO SUPPORT THE GLOBAL ENERGY TRANSITION TO RENEWABLES ($2,600,000); TO PROTECT THE CLIMATE, REDUCE POLLUTION, AND STRENGTHEN ECONOMIES ($350,000) | $2,950,000 |
| NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL NEW YORK, NY | TO EXPAND ACCESS TO SUSTAINABLE COOLING AND REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ($746,302); THE GLOBAL TRANSITION TO CLEAN TRANSPORTATION ($100,000); TO PROTECT THE CLIMATE, REDUCE POLLUTION, AND STRENGTHEN ECONOMIES ($1,987,000) | $2,833,302 |
| PACIFIC ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES CENTER SAN FRANCISCO, CA | TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE MARITIME SHIPPING | $2,410,000 |
| ROCKY MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE BOULDER, CO | TO EXPAND ACCESS TO SUSTAINABLE COOLING AND REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ($605,344); SUSTAINABLE MARITIME SHIPPING ($460,000); THE GLOBAL TRANSITION TO CLEAN TRANSPORTATION ($748,000); THE TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE FINANCIAL SYSTEM ($130,000); FOR AN EVENT ($30,000) | $1,973,344 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HELEN MOUNTFORD | PRESIDENT AND CEO | 40 | $622,909 |
| SHAWN REIFSTECK | MANAGING DIRECTOR | 40 | $493,190 |
| IRENE KIM | VP, PHILANTHROPIC PARTNERSHIPS | 40 | $468,537 |
| CHARLES MCELWEE | VP, PROGRAMS | 40 | $455,221 |
| BRIAN MCCRACKEN | CFO, TREASURER | 40 | $432,962 |
| SURABI MENON | VP, GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE | 40 | $441,807 |
| MICHAEL BOSSE | DEPUTY VP, PROGRAMS | 40 | $399,581 |
| LINDSEY ALLEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CLUA | 40 | $383,661 |
| ANTHONY EGGERT | SENIOR DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATION | 40 | $365,341 |
| JAN DERRICKSON | SR. DIRECTOR, CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL | 40 | $361,938 |
| NEGAR NARAGHI | SENIOR DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES | 40 | $327,084 |
| SHELAGH WHITLEY | SENIOR DIRECTOR, SUSTAINABLE FINANCE | 40 | $377,834 |
| REBECCA DELL | SENIOR DIRECTOR, INDUSTRY | 40 | $348,655 |
| MAKEEBA BROWNE | CHIEF OF EQUITY, JUSTICE AND CULTURE | 40 | $325,608 |
| GRETCHEN RAU | SECRETARY | 40 | $208,508 |
| FRANKLIN M ORR JR | BOARD CHAIR | 2 | — |
| NANCY LINDBORG | BOARD VICE CHAIR | 2 | — |
| JAMSHYD GODREJ | BOARD DIRECTOR (THRU 2/2024) | 2 | — |
| ARUNABHA GHOSH | BOARD DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| NAOKO ISHII | BOARD DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| CAIO KOCH-WESER | BOARD DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| CARLOS LOPES | BOARD DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| KYUNG-AH PARK | BOARD DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| KRISTIAN PARKER | BOARD DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| JONATHAN PERSHING | BOARD DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| ANTHA WILLIAMS | BOARD DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
ClimateWorks Foundation received the Stars of STEM award from the Museum of Science in Boston in 2023.
Adaptation and Resilience Fund - ClimateWorks FoundationThe foundation participated in launching a $50 million Adaptation and Resilience Fund for communities facing climate risks, representing collaborative philanthropic efforts to address climate adaptation.
Foundations Launch $50 Million Adaptation and Resilience Fund for CommunitiesFunding for climate adaptation and resilience reached a record of $870 million, reflecting increased philanthropic commitment to this area.
Foundations Launch $50 Million Adaptation and Resilience Fund for CommunitiesClimateWorks Foundation received a $40 million gift to accelerate zero-emission maritime shipping initiatives.
Foundations Launch $50 Million Adaptation and Resilience Fund for CommunitiesSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Climateworks Foundation fund?
**Mission:** ClimateWorks Foundation's mission is to connect philanthropy, grantees, and strategic partners to build and deliver high-impact climate solutions that benefit all people. The organization is driven by a vision of creating a thriving planet for all living beings for generations to come. **Primary Focus Areas:** The foundation's grantmaking priorities include renewable energy, sustainable transportation, sustainable cooling, maritime shipping, carbon removal, and climate adaptation a…
How do I apply for a grant from Climateworks Foundation?
Since 2008, ClimateWorks Foundation has granted over $2 billion to more than 850 grantees across 50 countries, working alongside 80 funders. The foundation has made over 1,500 grants since its inception. **Grant Activity:** In 2024, the foundation made total grants of $229,765,915. Recent grant examples include: • Energy Foundation China: $12,759,098 (2024) for sustainable cooling, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, maritime shipping, clean transportation, and climate research • United States …
Where does Climateworks Foundation make grants?
ClimateWorks Foundation funds organizations globally across 50 countries. The foundation's grantmaking has particular concentration in the District of Columbia, California, and New York, though its reach extends internationally with grantees in over 40 countries.
What size grants does Climateworks Foundation award?
In 2024, Climateworks Foundation awarded 140 grants totaling $96.3M — an average of about $688K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Climateworks Foundation's EIN?
Climateworks Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-2303250. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Climateworks Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
National Philanthropic Trust
JENKINTOWN, PA
Assets
$42.2B
Grants
18,583
Total Given
$5.1B
Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program
SOUTHEASTERN, PA
Assets
$22.2B
Grants
24,269
Total Given
$3.0B
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
MENLO PARK, CA
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Impactassetsinc
BETHESDA, MD
Assets
$3.0B
Grants
2,733
Total Given
$580.1M
Tides Foundation
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Assets
$534.5M
Grants
2,110
Total Given
$382.1M
Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Assets
$9.1B
Grants
19,253
Total Given
$1.2B
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Inc
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$891.5M
Grants
1,153
Total Given
$275.0M
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
LOS ALTOS, CA
Assets
$8.5B
Grants
1,029
Total Given
$350.0M
The Ford Foundation
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$17.5B
Grants
4,007
Total Given
$844.7M
John D and Catherine T Macarthur
CHICAGO, IL
Assets
$9.3B
Grants
1,086
Total Given
$356.1M
New Venture Fund
WASHINGTON, DC
Assets
$624.9M
Grants
854
Total Given
$359.6M
More Funders in California
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.