activities · 30
what they do
direct service · 8
- Geographic distribution of grant fundingDistributes grant funding with 43% going to the South, 34% to coastal regions, 19% to inland areas, and 4% to Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
- Grantmaking to Grassroots Organizations Grassroots Rapid-Response GrantmakingProvides over $50 million in grants to more than 300 grassroots organizations across 45 states, with a focus on directing 95% of funding to frontline leaders of color, and at least 80% to organizations led by women and gender nonconforming people. This includes rapid-response grants for disaster relief and specific funding for communications staff.
- Grantmaking to frontline climate justice organizations Grassroots Rapid-Response GrantmakingDistributes grant funding to grassroots organizations led by people of color, women, and gender nonconforming leaders, with a geographic distribution of 43% to the South, 34% to coastal regions, 19% to inland areas, and 4% to Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Since 2015, has invested over $50 million in grants to more than 350 organizations across 45 states.
- Grantmaking to frontline climate justice organizations Grassroots Rapid-Response GrantmakingDistributes grant funding to grassroots organizations led by people of color, women, and gender nonconforming leaders, with a commitment to direct 95% of funding to frontline leaders of color and at least 80% to organizations led by women and gender nonconforming people. Has invested over $50 million in grants to more than 350 organizations across 45 states since 2015.
- Provision of in-kind resources for disaster resilience and communications Emergency Communication SupportProvides video production kits, solar generators, water purification systems, and rapid-response grants for solar kits and generators to support grantees’ communications capacity and community resilience during disasters.
- Provision of in-kind resources for disaster resilience and communications Emergency Communication SupportProvides video production kits, solar generators, and water purification systems to grantees to support communications and disaster resilience, including rapid-response grants for solar kits and generators.
- Provision of rapid-response and resilience resources Emergency Communication SupportProvides rapid-response grants and physical resources such as solar generators, solar kits, water purification systems, and video production kits to support disaster resilience and local communications for frontline organizations.
- Targeted funding for organizations led by people of color and women Grassroots Rapid-Response GrantmakingPledged to direct 95% of funding to frontline leaders of color, with at least 80% to organizations led by women and gender nonconforming people, increasing representation from 55% to 90% for people of color-led groups and from 50% to 70% for women-identifying leadership between 2019 and present.
advocacy · 8
- Advocacy and policy support for renewable energy and climate justice Renewable Energy Policy AdvocacySupports grassroots organizations in achieving policy victories such as 100% renewable energy commitments in multiple states and cities, pipeline opposition, and economic investments. Funded groups with budgets under $500,000 that have secured new climate policies and community benefits.
- Advocacy and policy support for renewable energy and climate justice Renewable Energy Policy AdvocacySupports grassroots organizations in achieving policy victories including 100% renewable energy commitments in multiple states and cities, pipeline opposition, and economic investments, while advancing climate justice in mainstream public dialogue.
- Advocacy and policy support for renewable energy and climate justice Renewable Energy Policy AdvocacyProvided funding to small-budget grassroots organizations that achieved policy victories including 100% renewable energy commitments in multiple states and cities, pipeline shutdowns, and new economic investments.
- Advocacy for Climate Justice Policies Renewable Energy Policy AdvocacySupports grassroots organizations that achieve policy victories, such as securing 100% renewable energy commitments and shutting down pipelines. The organization also works to bring climate justice solutions into mainstream public dialogue and increase the media influence of its grantees.
- Advocacy for Climate Justice Policy Renewable Energy Policy AdvocacySupports grassroots organizations that achieve policy victories, such as securing 100% renewable energy commitments and shutting down pipelines. The organization also organizes press calls to amplify frontline voices and brings climate justice solutions into mainstream public dialogue.
- Amplification of frontline voices in media and public discourse Media Amplification for Climate JusticeOrganized press calls resulting in 19 articles featuring frontline voices after disasters, increased media influence for 65 grantees with over 350 media hits and 8 billion potential impressions, and brought climate justice solutions into mainstream public dialogue in 2021.
- Amplification of frontline voices in media and public discourse Media Amplification for Climate JusticeOrganizes press calls and media campaigns that amplify frontline voices, resulting in over 350 media hits and broadcast events viewed by more than 25 million people in 2021, with 8 billion potential impressions. Brought climate justice solutions into mainstream public dialogue and increased media coverage of clean energy with an equity lens.
- Media and press engagement to amplify frontline voices Media Amplification for Climate JusticeOrganizes press calls that resulted in 19 articles featuring frontline voices after disasters and increased media influence for grantees, generating over 350 media hits and 8 billion potential impressions in 2021.
research · 4
- Research on Media Representation Media Amplification for Climate JusticeDocuments increases in news coverage of clean energy with an equity lens, focusing on communities of color, and tracks year-over-year growth in coverage of women spokespeople and equity issues since 2017.
- Research on media representation in climate discourse Media Amplification for Climate JusticeDocuments year-over-year growth in news coverage of clean energy with an equity lens, including increased representation of communities of color and women spokespeople in climate media since 2017.
- Research on media representation in climate justice Media Amplification for Climate JusticeDocuments trends in media coverage of climate issues, including year-over-year growth in reporting on clean energy with an equity lens, increased representation of women spokespeople, and focus on communities of color since 2017.
- Research on media representation of climate equity Media Amplification for Climate JusticeDocumented year-over-year growth in news coverage of clean energy with an equity lens, including increased representation of communities of color and women spokespeople since 2017.
capacity building · 10
- Capacity Building for GranteesOffers communications and media capacity support to grantees, investing nearly $7 million in this area. This includes providing video production kits, solar generators, and water purification systems, and supporting grantees in areas like clean energy technologies, green buildings, and climate policy.
- Capacity Building for GranteesOffers communications and media capacity support, including video production kits, solar generators, and water purification systems, to grantees. The organization has invested nearly $7 million in communications support for frontline climate justice groups and co-developed ecosystem funds like the Justice 40 Accelerator to strengthen frontline leadership.
- Co-creation of ecosystem funds for frontline leadership Climate Justice Ecosystem Fund DevelopmentCo-developed three ecosystem funds—including the Justice 40 Accelerator and Fund for Frontline Power—at the request of frontline leaders, contributing $250,000 and raising $1.25 million for the Justice 40 Accelerator and committing $1 million while raising $3.1 million for the Fund for Frontline Power.
- Co-creation of ecosystem funds for frontline leadership Climate Justice Ecosystem Fund DevelopmentCo-developed three ecosystem funds, including the Justice 40 Accelerator and Fund for Frontline Power, in response to requests from frontline leaders, committing $1 million and raising $3.1 million for the latter and contributing $250,000 while raising $1.25 million for the Justice 40 Accelerator.
- Co-creation of ecosystem funds for frontline leadership Climate Justice Ecosystem Fund DevelopmentCo-developed three ecosystem funds—including the Justice 40 Accelerator and the Fund for Frontline Power—in collaboration with frontline leaders to strengthen leadership, innovation, and narrative power in climate justice movements. Contributed $250,000 and raised $1.25 million for the Justice 40 Accelerator and committed $1 million while raising $3.1 million for the Fund for Frontline Power.
- Co-developing Ecosystem Funds Climate Justice Ecosystem Fund DevelopmentCo-developed three ecosystem funds, including the Justice 40 Accelerator and Fund for Frontline Power, to strengthen frontline leadership and innovation in climate justice.
- Communications capacity building for frontline groups BIPOC-Led Advocacy & Communications Capacity GrantsProvides communications and media capacity support to grantees, including nearly $7 million in dedicated funding, and awarded $4 million to 20 BIPOC-led organizations to hire communications staff and participate in a two-year narrative fellowship.
- Communications capacity building for granteesProvides communications and media capacity support to grantees, including funding for communications staff and participation in a two-year narrative fellowship. Has invested nearly $7 million in communications support for frontline climate justice groups.
- Funding and support for narrative and communications capacity BIPOC-Led Advocacy & Communications Capacity GrantsAwards multi-year grants and provides communications support including funding for staff hires and narrative fellowships; has invested nearly $7 million in communications support and awarded $4 million to 20 BIPOC-led organizations for communications capacity building.
- Grantmaking to frontline climate justice organizations Grassroots Rapid-Response GrantmakingInvested over $50 million in grants to more than 350 grassroots organizations, primarily led by women of color, across 45 states since 2015. The organization does not accept unsolicited funding applications.
strategies · 31
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Amplification of feminine and marginalized leadership ground-up_power_building_with_feminine_leadershipPromotes feminine leadership and addresses historic underrepresentation in climate philanthropy and media by intentionally elevating women and Communities of Color in leadership roles and public narratives, building power from the ground up.
- Co-Created Grantmaking Infrastructure co-developed grantmakingCo-develops targeted grantmaking funds with frontline leaders and grantees to support innovation in climate justice, using invitation-only processes and annual fundraising to maintain responsiveness and flexibility without an endowment.
- Co-created grantmaking infrastructure for innovation co-developed_grantmakingAdvances climate justice innovation by co-developing targeted funding vehicles in partnership with frontline leaders and grantees, enabling rapid response and strategic investment in emerging solutions and movement needs.
- Co-developed grantmaking infrastructure co-developed_grantmakingCo-creates targeted grantmaking funds with frontline leaders and grantees to support innovation in climate justice, using invitation-only processes and annual fundraising to maintain responsiveness and flexibility without an endowment.
- Collaborative and Co-Created Grantmaking Infrastructure co-developed grantmakingCo-develops targeted funding initiatives with frontline leaders and grantees to support innovation in climate justice, ensuring responsive and adaptive philanthropic infrastructure.
- Collaborative and co-developed grantmaking infrastructure co-developed grantmakingCo-creates targeted grantmaking funds with frontline leaders and grantees to support innovation in climate justice, using invitation-only processes and annual fundraising to maintain responsiveness and flexibility.
- Community Resilience Infrastructure community_resilience_infrastructureIncreases frontline community resilience to climate crises by supporting disaster preparedness with tangible infrastructure such as solar generators and water filtration systems.
- Community Resilience Infrastructure community_resilience_infrastructureIncreases frontline community resilience to climate crises by funding and deploying physical infrastructure such as solar generators and water filtration systems through grantee partners.
- Community resilience infrastructure community_resilience_infrastructureIncreases frontline community resilience to climate crises by supporting disaster preparedness with tangible infrastructure such as solar generators and water filtration systems.
- Community resilience through infrastructure and preparedness community_resilience_infrastructureIncreases community resilience by supporting frontline organizations with physical infrastructure such as solar generators and water filtration systems for disaster preparedness and sustained operations during crises.
- Frontline Community-Led Climate Justice frontline_community_led_solutionsCenters climate solutions led by Black, Indigenous, immigrant, women, and Communities of Color by following grassroots leadership, supporting locally determined governance of funding, and prioritizing historically underfunded leaders to advance a Just Transition.
- Frontline Community-Led Climate Justice frontline_community_led_solutionsCenters climate solutions led by Black, Indigenous, immigrant, women, and Communities of Color by following grassroots leadership, supporting locally determined governance of funding, and prioritizing community-led innovation in the Just Transition.
- Frontline community-led climate justice frontline_community_led_solutionsCenters climate solutions led by Black, Indigenous, immigrant, women, and Communities of Color by following grassroots leadership, supporting locally determined governance of funding, and prioritizing community-led innovation in the Just Transition. This approach ensures that those most impacted by the climate crisis lead the design and implementation of solutions.
- Frontline community-led climate justice solutions frontline_community_led_solutionsFunds and amplifies climate justice solutions led by Black, Indigenous, immigrant, women, and Communities of Color, following grassroots leadership to advance a Just Transition and increase power in frontline communities.
- Frontline community-led climate solutions frontline_community_led_solutionsFunds and amplifies climate justice solutions led by Black, Indigenous, immigrant, women, and communities of color, ensuring that leadership and governance of funding decisions come from those most impacted by the climate crisis to advance locally determined Just Transition strategies.
- Grantee Capacity and Organizational Sustainability holistic grantee supportStrengthens grantees’ long-term effectiveness through holistic support including operational infrastructure, human resources development, wellness investment, media literacy training, digital capacity, and strategic communications co-creation.
- Grassroots capacity and organizational support grantee_support_and_capacity_buildingStrengthens frontline organizations through capacity-building in media literacy, storytelling, operational infrastructure, human resources, and wellness, ensuring sustainable, resilient, and effective climate justice leadership.
- Grassroots capacity and resilience building community_resilience_buildingStrengthens frontline organizations through holistic support including operational infrastructure, wellness investment, leadership development, disaster preparedness resources (e.g., solar generators), and organizational capacity building to ensure long-term sustainability and community resilience.
- Ground-up power building with feminine leadership ground-up_power_buildingPromotes feminine leadership and builds power from the ground up to address historic underfunding and underrepresentation of Communities of Color in climate philanthropy and media, centering equity in movement leadership.
- Holistic Grantee Capacity and Wellness Support holistic grantee supportStrengthens grantees’ long-term sustainability by investing in operational infrastructure, human resources, media literacy, storytelling, networking, and leader wellness to build resilient, effective organizations.
- Holistic grantee capacity and wellness support holistic_grantee_supportStrengthens grantees’ long-term sustainability by investing in organizational capacity, operational infrastructure, communications training, digital tools, and leader wellness to build resilient, effective movements.
- Integrated Narrative Change and Media Amplification equity-centered narrative shiftShifts media narratives around climate change by centering equitable solutions from frontline communities and amplifying grantees’ stories through media partnerships, celebrity engagement, and communications capacity building to increase public visibility and influence.
- Integrated Narrative Change and Media Amplification equity-centered narrative shiftShifts media narratives around climate change by centering equitable, frontline-led solutions and amplifying grantees’ stories through media partnerships, celebrity engagement, and communications capacity building to increase public visibility and influence.
- Integrated media amplification and narrative change media_narrative_changeShifts media narratives around the climate crisis by centering equitable solutions from frontline communities and amplifying grantees’ stories through media partnerships, celebrity engagement, and communications capacity building to increase public visibility and influence.
- Integrated media amplification and narrative change equity-centered narrative shiftShifts media narratives around the climate crisis by centering equitable, frontline-led solutions and amplifying grantees’ stories through media partnerships, celebrity engagement, and communications capacity building to increase public visibility and influence.
- Integrated narrative change and media amplification media_narrative_changeShifts dominant media narratives around climate change by centering equitable, frontline-led solutions and amplifying the visibility of grassroots leaders through strategic media partnerships, storytelling support, celebrity engagement, and communications capacity building to increase public influence and movement power.
- Trust-Based and Solidarity Philanthropy trust-based_philanthropyPractices Trust-Based and Solidarity Philanthropy by providing multi-year general operating support, simplifying applications, co-creating funds in response to community needs, and replacing traditional reporting with impact tracking through media visibility and capacity building.
- Trust-Based and Solidarity Philanthropy trust-based_philanthropyPractices Trust-Based and Solidarity Philanthropy by providing multi-year general operating support, simplifying applications, co-creating funds in response to community needs, and replacing traditional reporting with impact tracking through media visibility and community-defined outcomes.
- Trust-based and solidarity philanthropy trust-based_philanthropyPractices Trust-based and Solidarity Philanthropy by providing multi-year general operating support, simplifying applications, co-creating funds in response to grassroots needs, and replacing traditional reporting with impact tracking through media visibility and community influence.
- Trust-based and solidarity philanthropy trust-based_philanthropyPractices Trust-based and Solidarity Philanthropy by providing multi-year general operating support, simplifying applications, co-creating funds in response to community needs, and replacing traditional reporting with impact tracking through media visibility and community-defined outcomes.
- Trust-based and solidarity-driven grantmaking trust-based_philanthropyOperates through Trust-based and Solidarity Philanthropy principles by providing multi-year general operating support, simplifying applications, co-creating funds with grantees, and replacing burdensome reporting with impact tracking via media visibility—ensuring responsive, equitable, and dignified support rooted in movement leadership.
named programs · 7
what they call their work
Communicating Our Power
Two-year fund providing $4 million to 20 BIPOC-led grassroots organizations across 16 states for communications staff, narrative strategy training, and infrastructure development
Communications Programming
Aims to shift media coverage of the climate crisis to center equitable solutions from frontline communities and increase grantees' influence. Provides communications training, digital capacity, marketing services, access to major platforms, and wellness support.
Fund for Frontline Power
$10 million autonomous fund governed by frontline leaders to accelerate capital, land stewardship, and resource flow to grassroots climate justice solutions; The Solutions Project committed $1M and raised $3.1M
Grantee Support Program
Provides non-monetary support including video production kits, solar generators, water purification systems, wellness support, and technology solutions to strengthen community resilience
Grantmaking Program
Provides multi-year, general operating support to grassroots climate justice organizations, primarily through an invitation-only process, with a focus on organizations led by women and people of color.
Justice 40 Accelerator
Program designed to increase access and funding for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-led organizations eligible for federal Justice40 Initiative investments; includes application review, awarding grants, and media outreach
Media Capacity Building
Offers communications training, digital capacity, marketing services, publicist/videographer support, and media platform access to amplify grantees' work and narratives
relationships · 26
who they work with
- #StartSmall Government — Co-funder through Jack Dorsey’s philanthropic initiative, which partnered with the Clara Lionel Foundation to support The Solutions Project.
- APEN Action Partner — Trusted by frontline leaders from APEN Action for its capacity to strengthen grassroots innovations in climate justice.
- California Environmental Justice Alliance Partner — Grantee organization led by Gladys Limon ensuring California’s 100% clean electricity commitment benefits all communities, especially vulnerable ones.
- Center for Story-based Strategy Partner — Co-launched the Communicating Our Power fund with The Solutions Project.
- Clara Lionel Foundation Funder — Funded The Solutions Project as part of a $15M collective grant to 18 climate justice organizations.
- Climate Justice Alliance Partner — Co-launched the Communicating Our Power fund and requested The Solutions Project to host the Fund for Frontline Power.
- Donors of Color Network Partner — Co-Founder Ashindi Maxton is cited in support of ending underfunding of communities of color, indicating organizational alignment.
- Frontline Solutions Partner — Engaged a third-party firm, Frontline Solutions, to evaluate internal processes, data, and conduct confidential grantee surveys.
- Fund for Frontline Power Partner — Co-created the Fund for Frontline Power to strengthen frontline leadership and innovation.
- Grantee Partners Partner — Collaborates with grassroots organizations leading climate justice initiatives.
- Groundswell Partner — Co-launched the Justice 40 Accelerator with The Solutions Project.
- Justice 40 Accelerator Partner — Co-created the Justice 40 Accelerator to strengthen frontline leadership and innovation.
- Justice 40 Accelerator Partner — Co-developed and administered the Justice 40 Accelerator fund with frontline leaders.
- PUSH Buffalo Partner — Grantee organization led by Rahwa Ghirmatzion that developed solar-powered affordable housing for seniors in a low-income community of color.
- Partnership for Southern Equity Partner — Co-launched the Justice 40 Accelerator with The Solutions Project.
- Partnership for Southern Equity Partner — Grantee organization led by Nathaniel Smith centering equity in Atlanta’s 100% clean energy commitment.
- Rev. Leo Woodberry Partner — Grantee leader in Florence, S.C., advancing the Justice First movement for 100% clean energy, forest protection, and environmental justice across the South.
- Seventh Generation Partner — Industry partner (a Unilever Company) allied with The Solutions Project to support collective impact.
- Soulardarity Partner — Grantee-partner organization working on solar street lamp installation in Highland Park, Michigan.
- TED Partner — Media outlet partner used to amplify grantees' messages and stories.
- TIME Magazine Partner — Media outlet partner used to amplify grantees' messages and stories.
- The Kresge Foundation Funder — Shamar Bibbins, a senior program officer at The Kresge Foundation, serves as a Philanthropic Trustee of The Solutions Project.
- The Uproot Project Partner — Partner organization; journalist Yessenia Funes from this group is cited as a Solutions Project partner.
- Trustees Coalition — Collaborating with Trustees and grantees to assess innovation in philanthropy and support for frontline leaders.
- UPROSE Partner — Grantee partner; featured in a photo with Mark Ruffalo and cited in a quote from its Executive Director, Elizabeth Yeampierre.
- USA Today Partner — Published in-depth coverage of frontline voices following press calls organized by The Solutions Project.