Climate Change Investment Initiative Grant Program

Climate Change Investment Initiative Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Exelon Foundation
Amount: Unspecified amount in in-kind support
Last Updated: July 22, 2025

Summary

The Climate Change Investment Initiative Grant Program, funded by the Exelon Foundation, aims to support innovative start-ups focused on climate change solutions within Exelon's service territories. With a commitment of $20 million over ten years, the program promotes not only environmental sustainability but also social equality and economic prosperity. Eligible businesses can benefit from substantial equity investments and valuable in-kind services. The initiative seeks to empower diverse leadership teams, particularly those representing women and minorities, to drive impactful change.

Overview

NOTE: For best consideration, please apply early. Our Mission The Climate Change Investment Initiative (2c2i) is a 10-year, $20 million, joint commitment between Exelon Corporation and its philanthropic arm, Exelon Foundation, to invest in and cultivate innovative start-ups focused on advancing climate change mitigation, adaptation and resiliency efforts, while also promoting social equality and economic prosperity, in Exelon’s service territories. These service territories include Chicago, IL ; Philadelphia, PA; Baltimore, MD; Washington D.C.; Atlantic City, NJ and Wilmington, DE. Our Program Through the combined resources of Exelon Foundation ($10 million equity investment commitment) and Exelon Corporation (up to $10 million in-kind service commitment), 2c2i supports innovative start-ups that catalyze solutions to climate change challenges within Exelon’s major market areas, while advancing social equality and economic prosperity. Upon selection, 2c2i start-ups realize a number of benefits to accelerate their ventures while delivering real-world impact. These benefits include: A minimum of $100,000 equity investment from Exelon Foundation In-kind services from Exelon Corporation. These services may include but may not be limited to:Brokering of relationships between the start-ups and key organizations/ stakeholders in Exelon territories that can support the start-up’s activity and mission Subject matter expertise-based guidance and advice Business plan review and guidance Networking opportunities with other 2c2i ventures and alumni Exposure to external sources of follow-on capital Regulatory and financial feedbackExelon commits to work with each selected start-up on an Impact Project Our Areas of Impact and Investment 2c2i was founded to drive positive impact around every dimension of ESG investing: Environmental: Advancing GHG emissions mitigation and climate change resiliency. Social: Supporting economic growth and opportunity for low-income or underserved communities while promoting environmental justice and equality. Governance: Supporting underrepresented women and minority founders: While 2c2i invests in start-ups with leadership teams from all backgrounds, it welcomes participation from and is committed to supporting start-ups that have women or minority representation among its founder or leadership teams. Focus Areas Under its Environmental mandate, 2C2i supports start-ups addressing the following areas: Mitigation: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Building Energy Efficiency Improvement Industrial Process Energy Innovation Renewable Energy Growth Electrification of TransportationResilience & Adaptation:Integrate Climate Change Effects into Planning Enhance Flood MitigationImprove Stormwater Management Respond to Increasing Temperatures Under these broad themes, 2c2i invests in start-ups that operate across the functional areas: WaterWasteTransportFoodEnergyBuilt EnvironmentsNature

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. These service territories include:Chicago, IL ; Philadelphia, PA; Baltimore, MD; Washington D.C.; Atlantic City, NJ and Wilmington, DE.Businesses can be located outside of the six markets, but the work needs to impact one of them.

Ineligibility

Non-profit organizations are not eligible to apply to the 2c2i program.