Fosters transition to a net-zero society through philanthropic initiatives.
The European Climate Foundation (ECF) is a major philanthropic initiative working to foster the transition to a net-zero society. Founded in 2008, it supports over 500 partner organizations to drive urgent climate action and policy changes aligned with the Paris Agreement objectives. ECF focuses on eight interconnected priority areas, including Europe's industrial transformation, shifting the financial system, fossil-free energy, clean transport solutions, and European and national just transitions. The foundation operates through strategic grantmaking, thought leadership, network enabling, and narrative shaping. With an annual budget of approximately €25-36 million, ECF provides grants to a wide range of organizations across Europe. While specific grant amounts are not publicly disclosed, the foundation supports projects ranging from local climate NGOs to initiatives focused on citizen participation, peace and security, and agriculture. Recent grantees include Transport and Environment, BankTrack, Bankwatch, and the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit. ECF also launched ReNew2030, a global coalition to accelerate renewable energy deployment. The foundation does not accept funding from corporate or government sources, relying solely on philanthropic contributions. It is governed by a supervisory board comprising representatives from major foundations and climate-focused organizations. ECF maintains offices in several European countries and works closely with partners to tailor strategies to local contexts.