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CLIMATE IMPERATIVE FOUNDATION

SAN FRANCISCO, CA · EIN 845024713 · Form 990 · FY2021 · NTEE C12 · Environment · Very Large (>$50M) · www.climateimperative.org
revenue
$221.5M
expenses
$109.7M
net assets
$127.1M
employees
0
program ratio
93%
filing since
2020
mission · from form 990

TO CUT GLOBAL CARBON EMISSIONS AT SPEED AND SCALE, AND SECURE A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL.

profile · synthesized from sources

Climate Imperative Foundation funds and supports organizations advancing high-impact climate policies in major greenhouse gas-emitting countries. It focuses on rapid decarbonization through renewable energy, electrification, and industrial emissions reductions, prioritizing solutions that deliver equity, health, and environmental benefits. The foundation operates globally, primarily by funding local and international partners to scale effective climate action.

named programs · 9 · from sources

what they call their work

Building Electrification and Workforce Equity
Supports Emerald Cities Collaborative’s building electrification efforts and workforce training for low-income communities of color
Building Electrification and Workforce Training
Supports building electrification and development of career pathways in the green economy for low-income communities of color
Decarbonization of Industrial Facilities
Supports efforts to reduce emissions from major industrial sources such as steel and aluminum production in the U.S.
Decarbonizing Industry in Indiana
Supports Citizen Action Coalition’s work to decarbonize steel and aluminum facilities in Indiana and grow sustainable metals manufacturing
Global Coal Plant Tracking
Funds Global Energy Monitor’s open-source research on coal-fired power plants worldwide and global energy system data analysis
Global Energy System Research
Supports open-source research on coal-fired power plants and global energy system data and analysis
Healthy Air Campaign
Supports mobilization of the health community around clean air and climate protections in the U.S., focusing on air quality standards and zero-emission vehicles
Zero-Emission Transport Research
Funds the International Council on Clean Transportation’s research on zero-emission technologies for cars, trucks, rail, and lower-emission aviation solutions
Zero-Emission Transport Technologies
Funds research and policy programs on zero-emission vehicles for cars, trucks, off-road vehicles, rail, and lower-emission aviation solutions
activities · 42

what they do

advocacy · 19
  • Advancing industrial decarbonization in Indiana Industrial & Infrastructure Decarbonization Policy Advocacy
    Supports Citizens Action Coalition's efforts in Indiana to decarbonize industrial facilities and grow the sustainable metals manufacturing industry.
  • Advocate for high-impact climate policies through strategic partnerships Climate Policy Advocacy & Coalition Building
    Partners with experienced organizations to support high-impact climate policy decisions that drive emissions reductions, including engagement with major policy frameworks like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, China’s 1+N policies, and the EU Green Deal.
  • Advocate for high-impact climate policy through strategic partnerships Climate Policy Advocacy & Coalition Building
    Engages in partnerships with experienced organizations to support and advance high-impact climate policy decisions that drive emissions reductions in the U.S., Europe, and globally.
  • Advocate for major climate policy initiatives globally Climate Policy Advocacy & Coalition Building
    Recognizes and supports the advancement of key climate policies such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, China’s 1+N framework, and the EU Green Deal as critical drivers of global emissions reductions.
  • Advocates for major global climate policy initiatives Climate Policy Advocacy & Coalition Building
    Publicly recognizes and supports landmark climate policies such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, China’s 1+N framework, and the EU Green Deal as critical drivers of global emissions reductions.
  • Advocating for high-impact climate policy through strategic partnerships Climate Policy Advocacy & Coalition Building
    Engages in partnerships with experienced organizations to support and advance high-impact climate policy decisions that drive global emissions reductions, including recognition of major policy frameworks like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, China’s 1+N policies, and the EU Green Deal.
  • Partner with organizations to advance high-impact climate policies Climate Policy Advocacy & Coalition Building
    Collaborates with experienced organizations to support climate policy decisions that drive significant emissions reductions, including through targeted advocacy and coalition-building.
  • Partners with organizations to advance high-impact climate policy decisions Climate Policy Advocacy & Coalition Building
    Collaborates with experienced partners to support policy interventions that drive significant emissions reductions, including work with the American Lung Association, European Climate Foundation, and Citizens Action Coalition.
  • Recognize and highlight major global climate policy advancements Climate Policy Advocacy & Coalition Building
    Publicly acknowledges significant climate policy developments such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, China’s 1+N policies, and the EU Green Deal as critical steps toward global emissions reduction.
  • Support European and global climate policy initiatives Climate Policy Advocacy & Coalition Building
    Supports the European Climate Foundation’s mission to advance climate action at national, European, and global levels.
  • Support European climate policy and advocacy efforts Climate Policy Advocacy & Coalition Building
    Provides support to the European Climate Foundation to advance climate action at national, European, and global levels.
  • Support advocacy campaigns for clean air and climate policy Industrial & Infrastructure Decarbonization Policy Advocacy
    Supports advocacy efforts such as the American Lung Association's Healthy Air Campaign, the European Climate Foundation, and Citizens Action Coalition's decarbonization work in Indiana to advance clean air, climate protections, and sustainable industrial policy.
  • Support climate and clean air advocacy campaigns in the U.S. Industrial & Infrastructure Decarbonization Policy Advocacy
    Supports the American Lung Association's Healthy Air Campaign to mobilize the health community around clean air and climate protections in the United States.
  • Support decarbonization and sustainable industry efforts in Indiana Industrial & Infrastructure Decarbonization Policy Advocacy
    Supports Citizens Action Coalition’s work in Indiana to decarbonize industrial facilities and grow the sustainable metals manufacturing industry.
  • Support for climate and clean air advocacy campaigns Industrial & Infrastructure Decarbonization Policy Advocacy
    Supports various organizations' advocacy efforts, including the American Lung Association's Healthy Air Campaign for clean air and climate protections in the U.S., the European Climate Foundation's mission, and Citizens Action Coalition's work in Indiana to decarbonize industrial facilities.
  • Support health-focused climate advocacy in the U.S. Industrial & Infrastructure Decarbonization Policy Advocacy
    Supports the American Lung Association's Healthy Air Campaign to mobilize the health community in advocating for clean air and climate protections in the United States.
  • Support industrial decarbonization and sustainable manufacturing in Indiana Industrial & Infrastructure Decarbonization Policy Advocacy
    Supports Citizens Action Coalition's work to decarbonize industrial facilities and grow the sustainable metals manufacturing industry in Indiana.
  • Supporting European climate policy advancement Climate Policy Advocacy & Coalition Building
    Supports the European Climate Foundation's work to advance climate policy at national, European, and global levels.
  • Supporting clean air and climate advocacy in the U.S. health sector Industrial & Infrastructure Decarbonization Policy Advocacy
    Supports the American Lung Association's Healthy Air Campaign to mobilize the health community around clean air and climate protections in the United States.
research · 10
  • Fund research on coal and global energy systems
    Supports Global Energy Monitor's international research on coal-fired power plants and global energy system data and analysis.
  • Fund research on zero-emission transport and lower-emission aviation Zero-Emission & Lower-Emission Transport Research
    Supports the International Council on Clean Transportation's research and policy programs focused on zero-emission transport technologies and lower-emission aviation solutions.
  • Support for climate and energy research Zero-Emission & Lower-Emission Transport Research
    Supports research and policy programs on zero-emission transport technologies and lower-emission aviation solutions through the International Council on Clean Transportation, and international research on coal-fired power plants and global energy system data and analysis through Global Energy Monitor.
  • Support global energy system research and data analysis
    Supports Global Energy Monitor's international research on coal-fired power plants and global energy systems to inform climate policy and action.
  • Support research on zero-emission transport and aviation Zero-Emission & Lower-Emission Transport Research
    Supports the International Council on Clean Transportation's research and policy programs focused on zero-emission transport technologies and lower-emission aviation solutions.
  • Support research on zero-emission transport and global energy systems Zero-Emission & Lower-Emission Transport Research
    Funds and supports research initiatives focused on zero-emission transport technologies, lower-emission aviation, and global energy system data, including analysis of coal-fired power plants.
  • Support research on zero-emission transport and global energy systems Zero-Emission & Lower-Emission Transport Research
    Funds research initiatives including the International Council on Clean Transportation’s work on zero-emission transport and lower-emission aviation, and Global Energy Monitor’s analysis of coal-fired power plants and global energy trends.
  • Supporting global energy systems research and data analysis
    Supports Global Energy Monitor's international research on coal-fired power plants and global energy system data and analysis.
  • Supporting research on zero-emission transport and aviation Zero-Emission & Lower-Emission Transport Research
    Supports the International Council on Clean Transportation's research and policy programs focused on zero-emission transport technologies and lower-emission aviation solutions.
  • Supports research on zero-emission transport and global energy systems Zero-Emission & Lower-Emission Transport Research
    Funds and supports research initiatives focused on zero-emission transport technologies, lower-emission aviation, and global energy data analysis, including work by the International Council on Clean Transportation and Global Energy Monitor.
capacity building · 13
  • Advance equity in the green economy through workforce development Building Electrification & Workforce Training
    Supports Emerald Cities Collaborative’s building electrification and workforce training programs aimed at creating equitable opportunities in the green economy for low-income communities of color.
  • Advances equity in the green economy through workforce and building electrification programs Building Electrification & Workforce Training
    Supports building electrification and workforce training initiatives led by the Emerald Cities Collaborative to promote equitable access to green economy opportunities in low-income communities of color.
  • Funding and technical support for climate policy development Climate Policy & Carbon Removal Support
    Provides funding, technical support, and expertise to inform climate policy decisions in major-emitting countries, engaging in partnerships with experienced organizations to support high-impact climate policy decisions that drive emissions reductions.
  • Provide funding and technical support for climate policy development Climate Policy & Carbon Removal Support
    Provides funding, technical support, and expertise to inform climate policy decisions in major-emitting countries, enhancing the capacity of partners to shape effective climate policies.
  • Provide funding and technical support for climate policy development Climate Policy & Carbon Removal Support
    Provides funding, technical support, and expertise to inform climate policy decisions in major-emitting countries, with a focus on high-impact outcomes.
  • Provide funding and technical support for climate policy development Climate Policy & Carbon Removal Support
    Provides funding, technical support, and expertise to inform climate policy decisions in major-emitting countries, enabling evidence-based and high-impact policy outcomes.
  • Provide funding and technical support for climate policy development Climate Policy & Carbon Removal Support
    Provides funding, technical support, and expertise to inform climate policy decisions in major-emitting countries, working through partnerships with experienced organizations to advance high-impact policy outcomes.
  • Provides funding and technical support for climate policy development in major-emitting countries Climate Policy & Carbon Removal Support
    Offers financial resources, technical assistance, and expert guidance to shape and inform high-impact climate policies in countries with significant emissions, aiming to accelerate global decarbonization.
  • Providing funding and technical support for climate policy development Climate Policy & Carbon Removal Support
    Provides funding, technical support, and expertise to inform climate policy decisions in major-emitting countries, enhancing the capacity of partners to shape effective climate strategies.
  • Support building electrification and green workforce equity programs Building Electrification & Workforce Training
    Supports Emerald Cities Collaborative's efforts in building electrification and workforce training to advance equity for low-income communities of color in the green economy.
  • Support building electrification and green workforce equity programs Building Electrification & Workforce Training
    Supports Emerald Cities Collaborative's building electrification efforts and workforce training programs to advance equity for low-income communities of color in the green economy.
  • Support for green economy workforce training and equity Building Electrification & Workforce Training
    Supports Emerald Cities Collaborative's building electrification efforts and workforce training programs to advance equity for low-income communities of color in the green economy.
  • Supporting building electrification and green workforce equity Building Electrification & Workforce Training
    Supports Emerald Cities Collaborative's building electrification efforts and workforce training programs to advance equity for low-income communities of color in the green economy.
strategies · 28

how they think

Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any approach shared with other orgs to see the full field.

  • Disciplined prioritization for high-impact climate action disciplined prioritization unique to this org
    Applies analytical rigor and disciplined prioritization to focus resources and efforts on high-leverage, near-term actions that maximize carbon reductions within critical timeframes.
  • Disciplined prioritization for maximum carbon reduction disciplined prioritization unique to this org
    Applies analytical rigor and disciplined prioritization to focus on high-impact, high-leverage actions that achieve the largest carbon reductions within the critical near-term timeframe.
  • Disciplined prioritization of high-impact climate actions disciplined prioritization unique to this org
    Applies analytical rigor and strategic focus to identify and advance high-leverage interventions that maximize carbon reductions within the critical near-term window.
  • Disciplined prioritization of high-impact climate actions disciplined prioritization unique to this org
    Applies analytical rigor and strategic focus to identify and advance high-leverage interventions that maximize carbon reductions within the critical near-term timeframe.
  • Disciplined prioritization of high-leverage climate actions disciplined prioritization unique to this org
    Applies analytical rigor to identify and focus on high-impact, near-term interventions that maximize carbon reductions, ensuring resources are directed toward the most effective strategies for mitigating climate change.
  • Disciplined, high-impact prioritization for near-term carbon reduction disciplined prioritization unique to this org
    Applies analytical rigor to identify and focus on high-leverage, high-impact actions that maximize carbon emissions reductions within the critical near-term timeframe.
  • Independent advisory model for expert guidance independent_advisory_model unique to this org
    Utilizes an independent advisory committee to provide expert input and guidance on climate initiatives without ceding decision-making authority over funding.
  • Independent expert advisory model independent_advisory_model unique to this org
    Utilizes an independent advisory committee to provide expert guidance on climate initiatives without granting authority over funding decisions, ensuring strategic rigor and objectivity.
  • Independent expert guidance via advisory committee independent_advisory_model unique to this org
    Uses an advisory committee to provide independent expert input and technical guidance without delegating funding decision authority, ensuring informed yet autonomous decision-making.
  • Independent expert guidance via advisory model independent_advisory_model unique to this org
    Utilizes an advisory committee to provide independent expert input on climate strategies without delegating funding decision authority, ensuring informed yet autonomous grantmaking.
  • Independent expert guidance without decision control independent_advisory_model unique to this org
    Uses an advisory committee to provide independent expert input on climate strategy and funding priorities, while maintaining centralized decision-making authority to ensure strategic alignment.
  • Policy-driven clean energy transition policy-driven clean energy transition unique to this org
    Focuses on designing and implementing energy policy in major emitting countries over the next decade as the primary mechanism to accelerate the clean energy transition and achieve large-scale emissions reductions.
  • Policy-driven clean energy transition policy-driven clean energy transition unique to this org
    Focuses on designing and implementing energy policy in major emitting countries over the next decade as the primary mechanism to accelerate the clean energy transition and reduce emissions at scale.
  • Policy-driven clean energy transition through expert support and funding policy-driven clean energy transition unique to this org
    The organization accelerates the clean energy transition by designing and implementing energy policies in high-emission countries, leveraging funding, technical assistance, and expert guidance to influence high-impact climate policy decisions in the critical near term.
  • Policy-driven clean energy transition through targeted country engagement policy-driven clean energy transition unique to this org
    Focuses on designing and implementing energy policy in major emitting countries over the next decade as the primary mechanism to accelerate the clean energy transition and achieve large-scale emissions reductions.
  • Policy-driven clean energy transition through targeted country engagement policy-driven clean energy transition unique to this org
    The organization focuses on designing and implementing energy policy in major emitting countries over the next decade as the primary lever to accelerate the clean energy transition and achieve large-scale emissions reductions.
  • Policy-focused climate strategy with co-benefits policy-focused climate strategy unique to this org
    Targets near-term policy decisions in high-emission countries and regions to maximize emissions reductions while delivering co-benefits in health, environment, and equity.
  • Policy-focused climate strategy with co-benefits policy-focused climate strategy unique to this org
    Targets near-term policy decisions in high-emission countries and regions to maximize emissions reductions while delivering co-benefits for health, environment, and equity.
  • Policy-focused climate strategy with co-benefits integration policy-focused climate strategy unique to this org
    Targets near-term policy decisions in high-emission countries and regions to maximize emissions reductions while delivering co-benefits for health, environment, and equity.
  • Policy-focused climate strategy with co-benefits integration policy-focused climate strategy unique to this org
    Targets near-term policy decisions in high-emission countries and regions to maximize emissions reductions while delivering health, environmental, and equity co-benefits.
  • Policy-focused climate strategy with co-benefits integration policy-focused climate strategy unique to this org
    Targets near-term policy decisions in high-emission countries and regions to maximize emissions reductions while delivering co-benefits in health, environment, and equity.
  • Policy-focused climate strategy with co-benefits integration policy-focused climate strategy unique to this org
    Targets near-term policy decisions in high-emission countries and regions to maximize emissions reductions while intentionally delivering co-benefits in health, environment, and equity.
  • Regranting and best practice dissemination for equitable climate solutions regranting and best practice dissemination unique to this org
    Advances equitable climate solutions by supporting credible local organizations, identifying scalable best practices, and leveraging regranting partners to extend impact and reach.
  • Regranting and scaling best practices regranting and best practice dissemination unique to this org
    Advances equitable climate solutions by supporting credible local organizations, identifying effective models, and using regranting partners to scale impact and disseminate best practices.
  • Regranting and scaling best practices regranting and best practice dissemination unique to this org
    Advances equitable climate solutions by supporting credible local groups, identifying and scaling best practices, and leveraging regranting partners to extend reach and impact.
  • Regranting and scaling of equitable climate solutions regranting and best practice dissemination unique to this org
    Advances equitable climate solutions by supporting credible local organizations, identifying best practices, and leveraging regranting partners to scale impact and extend reach.
  • Regranting and scaling of equitable climate solutions regranting and best practice dissemination unique to this org
    Advances equitable climate solutions by supporting credible local organizations, identifying best practices, and leveraging regranting partners to expand impact and reach.
  • Scaling equitable climate solutions via regranting and best practices regranting and best practice dissemination unique to this org
    Advances equity in climate action by supporting credible local organizations, identifying effective models, and scaling impact through regranting partners and dissemination of best practices.
financials · form 990 · fy2021

the money

revenue
Total revenue$221.53M
Contributions & grants$221.53M100%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$5K0%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$109.72M
Program expenses93%
Admin / overhead7%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$101.75M
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$130.22M
Cash$129.97M
Investments$0
Liabilities$3.14M
Net assets$127.08M
Liquid reserves14.2 mo
2 years on record · 2020–2021 · YoY revenue +167.7%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021

who runs it

board members · 8
  • ANITA BEKENSTEIN — DIRECTOR
  • GEORGE PAVLOV — DIRECTOR AS OF 08/21
  • JOHN DOERR — CHAIR
  • LAURENE POWELL JOBS — DIRECTOR
  • ROSS JENSEN — DIRECTOR THRU 03/21
  • RYAN PANCHADSARAM — DIRECTOR THRU 03/21
  • SAM WALTON — DIRECTOR AS OF 02/21
  • SANJEEV KRISHNAN — DIRECTOR AS OF 12/21
relationships · 16

who they work with

  • American Lung Association Partner — Supports the Lung Association's Healthy Air Campaign to mobilize the health community around clean air and climate protections in the U.S.
  • Center for the New Energy Economy Partner — Advisory council member Bill Ritter is former Executive Director of the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University.
  • Centre for Science and Environment Partner — Advisory council member Anumita Roy Chowdhury is Executive Director of Research and Advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi.
  • China Government — Engages with China's 1+N climate policies as part of its strategy to reduce global carbon emissions.
  • Citizens Action Coalition Partner — Supports CAC's work in Indiana to decarbonize industrial facilities and grow the sustainable metals manufacturing industry.
  • Columbia SIPA CGEP Partner — Advisory council member David Turk is a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Columbia SIPA CGEP.
  • Deloitte Partner — Advisory council member Bernhard Lorentz is Managing Partner and Global Leader Climate Strategy at Deloitte.
  • Emerald Cities Collaborative Partner — Supports ECC's building electrification efforts and workforce training programs to advance equity in the green economy.
  • European Climate Foundation Partner — Supports ECF's mission at the national, European, and global level.
  • European Union Government — Engages with the EU Green Deal as part of its strategy to reduce global carbon emissions.
  • Global Energy Monitor Partner — Supports GEM's international research on coal-fired power plants and global energy system data and analysis.
  • International Council on Clean Transportation Partner — Supports ICCT's research and policy programs on zero-emission transport technologies and lower-emission aviation solutions.
  • Opportunity@Work Partner — Advisory council member Byron Auguste is CEO & Co-Founder of Opportunity@Work.
  • U.S. Department of Energy Government — Advisory council member David Turk is Former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy.
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Government — Advisory council member Margo Oge is former Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality.
  • United States Government — Engages with U.S. policy, including the Inflation Reduction Act, as part of its strategy to reduce global carbon emissions.