In the spring 2020 in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis, many prominent environmental voices were calling on the government to use the historic scale of upcoming stimulus spending as an opportunity to kickstart the low-carbon economy and go back to “a new normal.” The foundation supported 17 projects from diverse organizations throughout Canada advocating for a Green Recovery through policy development, government relations, communications, and mobilization.
Amplifying voices that often go unheard
When it comes to lobbying, industries have a disproportionate voice compared to the environmental sector. This is an issue of capacity that prevents climate mitigation from getting the ambition and commitment it needs in Canada. The Public Voice Fund aims to fill this gap by providing resources to Canadian charities so they can hire skilled government relations professionals to engage with Ottawa and other levels of government.
Building capacities of the climate grassroots movement organizers
The Climate Justice Organizing HUB is a newly created support structure designed around the needs of grassroots social movement organizers in Canada that respects organizers’ knowledge regarding their own challenges and priorities. Through responsive troubleshooting, skills and strategy sharing, and other capacity-building activities, its mission is to help organizers find their way to building a critical mass of engaged people who are working towards a just transition.
Increasing Canada’s philanthropic participation in funding climate change
Increasing climate action in philanthropy through pooling resources and collective efforts are crucial to build sustainable communities. Inspired by the UK, France and Spain’s national pledge on funders’ commitment to climate action and using COP-26 to drive momentum, the goal of this Canadian pledge is to engage foundations across the country to emphasize how climate intersects with all issues, including granting, operations and investments.