Climate Change Investment Initiative Grant Program

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.

NOTE: For best consideration, please apply early.
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.
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
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.

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

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.