Climate Conscious Philanthropy: Driving Justice and Impact.
This month on OKC Insights, we’re delighted to spotlight a recent event hosted by our friends at Philanthropy Ireland: Climate Conscious Philanthropy: Driving Justice and Impact. Mary and Oonagh from OKC were delighted to join this timely exploration of how Irish philanthropy can engage meaningfully with addressing the climate crisis.
We all care about the environment, and there has never been a time in history more important to turn that care into action. Every organisation should be thinking about how climate action fits into their own future strategies - climate-conscious funders need climate-conscious charities. Funders are increasingly looking for partners who are serious about sustainability and climate justice, and those who lead in this space will be best placed to inspire and engage.
Why Climate and Why Now?
Climate change is no longer a siloed issue; it is interconnected with every cause philanthropy supports - from health to housing, to arts and education. At the Philanthropy Ireland event, there was even a moment of reflection on how much we’ve all enjoyed the recent unexpected warmer weather, but also on what it really means - short-term gain for long-term pain perhaps? The climate crisis is already here, and its impacts will increasingly shape the lives and challenges faced by the communities we care about.
Philanthropy has a unique ability to lead with vision, to empower communities most impacted by climate change and to push for systemic solutions that prioritise justice and equity. As Karalyn Gardner of Philea reminded attendees at the event, integrating climate into our work is not just a responsibility, but an opportunity for foundations of all sizes and missions.
What Does It Mean to Be a Climate-Conscious Funder?
Three keynote speakers on the day brought distinct yet complementary perspectives:
Karalyn Gardner (Philea) introduced the Philanthropy for Climate movement and its seven-pillar framework, helping funders act on climate through education, resourcing, integration, endowments and assets, operations, advocacy and transparency.
Rachel Heydecker (ACF) gave us the UK perspective on the Funder Commitment on Climate Change, highlighting how a community of practice has supported UK foundations to embed climate into governance, grantmaking and internal operations.
Melanie Steinhardt (Community Foundation Ireland) shared the Foundation’s climate journey - from signing up to the International Philanthropy Commitment for Climate Change and creating a Climate Advisory Group, to dedicating over €10 million to climate action since 2020 and embedding sustainability into policies, partnerships and everyday practices.
They demonstrated that climate integration is a mindset shift, a learning journey and a long-term commitment - not simply a once-off project.
A Note for Charities
As grantmakers and corporates increasingly integrate climate into their strategies, they will be looking to partner with organisations that are equally committed to sustainability and climate justice. Whether your organisation works directly on environmental issues or not, considering your climate impact and showing how you are adapting will be an important part of future-proofing your organisation and deepening your impact.
Final Thoughts from OKC
At OKC, we believe climate action is not just for funders and charities focused exclusively on the environment - it’s for all of us. The impact of climate change is already being felt, and we must respond with urgency, responsibility and care. Whether you’re just starting out or already well on your climate journey, every smart step we take to develop meaningful environmental policies, can strengthen philanthropy’s role in building a more sustainable future and a fairer, more just society.