Climate Breakthrough Award

Geographic Scope: Global, unrestricted by geography

Focus Areas:

• Policy, economic, and social transformation to address climate crisis
• Large-scale mitigation initiatives with potential to significantly reduce global annual greenhouse gas emissions
• Initiatives affecting entire industries or regions
• Changes that could materially impact tens of millions within ten years of launch
• NOT narrowly focused on technological innovation, R&D, or profit-generating ventures

Program Structure:
The program is uniquely designed around four pillars:

1. Investment in Exceptional People

• Awards individuals, not organizations
• Selects based on track record and potential for greater impact
• Seeks candidates who are: social innovators with demonstrated ability to effect change, ambitious strategists thinking at immense scale, and visionaries with uncommon audacity paired with humility and compassion

2. High Bar for 'Bold' Climate Action

• Focuses exclusively on what it takes to win resolving the climate crisis
• Pursues high-ambition, high-gain mitigation initiatives

3. Substantial, Flexible, Multiyear Support

• $4 million—the largest climate award for individuals
• Multiyear, flexible, non-directive funding (100% flexible)
• Dedicated wraparound resources
• Tailored Impact and Learning (I&L) tools
• Expanded support through connections to broader funding networks
• Heightened visibility among key stakeholders
• Lifetime invitation to annual Climate Breakthrough Awardee retreats

4. Learning and Embracing Setbacks

• Prioritizes learning and embraces setbacks
• Reduces barriers associated with non-linear efforts
• Creates space for transformative ideas to take root
• Recognizes that not all bold initiatives will thrive

Strategy Development Phase (6-9 months)

• Unlike traditional grants, the program selects Awardees first
• Provides full funding so candidates can develop comprehensive strategy
• Gives space to think ambitiously and strategically

Launch and Implementation

• Awardees move into implementation with comprehensive support
• Access to funding for tailored wraparound services
• Impact and Learning (I&L) resources to design assessment tools matching scale and ambition

Transition Beyond Tenure

• Support to advance initiatives through broader funding networks
• Heightened visibility among key stakeholders
• Annual retreats featuring experts in fundraising and strategy
• Collaboration and knowledge sharing opportunities

Candidate Profile

Scouts and partners look for candidates that:

• Address critical gaps: Missing pieces in current solution landscape; emerging leaders from underrepresented regions, sectors, or underfunded fields; innovative tactics
• Challenge conventions: Disrupt status quo in solution development; push beyond limitations of well-established approaches
• Scale early wins: Poised to build on promising work; primed for new funding to expand scope or ambition

Scout Priorities

• Candidates nominated by global network of scouts and partners (not open applications)
• Rigorous scouting and vetting process
• Multiple interviews and in-depth reference checks
• Assessment of leadership and idea exploration
• Board recommendation and selection

What They Do NOT Fund:

• Traditional prizes or awards for work already substantially underway or completed
• Initiatives narrowly focused on technological innovation and R&D
• For-profit ventures
• Incremental efforts centered on near-term success

Contact:

• Email: info@climatebreakthrough.org
• For scout recommendations: Watch for annual calls for scouts with expertise in specific sectors or geographies

Awardee Cohorts:

• 2025 Cohort: Alessandra Orofino (Brazil), Gavin McCormick (USA), Liming Qiao (Singapore), Ramón Méndez Galain (Uruguay), Giuliana Furci/Merlin Sheldrake/Toby Kiers (Chile/UK/Netherlands)
• 2024 Cohort: Alex Doukas, Eriel Tchekwie Deranger (Canada), Kimiko Hirata (Japan), Tero Mustonen
• 2023 Cohort: Gita Syahrani, Jane Fleming Kleeb
• 2022 Cohort: Isabel Cavelier Adarve, James Irungu Mwangi, Vinuta Gopal/Brikesh Singh/Sanjiv Gopal
• 2021 Cohort: Denise Fairchild, Kathrin Gutmann, Sara Jane Ahmed
• 2020 Cohort: Mohamed Adow, Nicole Rycroft
• 2019 Cohort: Nguy Thi Khanh (Vietnam), Arief Rabik (Indonesia)

Application Process

Important Note: We do not accept unsolicited applications or self-nominations.

How Selection Works

1. Sourcing: Climate Breakthrough draws on global network of partners and rotating scouts with extensive connections on the ground to nominate candidates
2. Screening and Vetting: Candidates are assessed for suitability
3. Interviews: Select candidates interviewed on leadership and idea exploration
4. Board Recommendation: Candidates recommended to Board for selection

To Recommend a Candidate

• Climate Breakthrough makes an annual call for scouts with expertise in specific sectors or geographies
• Stay connected with Climate Breakthrough to watch for announcements
• Contact: info@climatebreakthrough.org

Frequently Asked Questions on Application

Is the program a prize for achieved work?
No. While track record helps assess potential, the program's purpose is to launch new initiatives or expand early-stage efforts.

Is this a bootcamp or incubator?
The program took inspiration from startup incubators but has been adapted and expanded to create a unique program.

Does the program consider climate technology initiatives?
Initiatives focusing narrowly on technological innovation, R&D, or aimed at generating profit would not align with the mission.

Is English proficiency required?
No. Candidates do not need to speak English. Climate Breakthrough works with interpreters and translators to ensure fair and inclusive selection for all candidates.

Contact for inquiries:
info@climatebreakthrough.org