CEO blog | While foundations can’t do everything, they can do something 

19 November 2024

Carol Mack, ACF chief executive, reflects on key insights and practical steps from the ACF leaders forum.

With world leaders gathering in Azerbaijan this month for the COP29 climate summit, the global spotlight is once again on the need to address climate change. Earlier this year, ACF’s very own leaders forum explored how foundations can contribute to this global effort and this blog takes a timely look at some of the key insights and practical steps from these discussions.

While the headlines often focus on rising temperatures and extreme weather events, climate change is disrupting daily life in subtle but significant ways. With hotter and longer heatwaves, the resulting crop damage has a knock-on effect on food prices, hitting those already impacted by the cost of living crisis. This was one of several examples given by Roger Harding of Round Our Way, about the impacts of climate change on those who are often overlooked in debates. Roger also highlighted research linking increased climate-induced storms and floods and that perennial political football – potholes – which have reached a five-year high across the UK, posing safety risks and straining local budgets. 

Adaptation to the climate crisis is a key aspect of the COP29 agenda – and was a focal point at the ACF leaders forum too, with a powerful keynote address by Baroness Brown of Cambridge, chair of the Adaptation Committee (which advises the Westminster government). She set out how climate change will affect everyone, and all aspects of our lives: from nature, housing and health to jobs, education and political stability.

While acknowledging that climate change is already baked in – by the middle of the century there will be a 50% chance each year of experiencing a summer as hot as the one of 2018 – Baroness Brown emphasised that anything positive that we do now will make things better than they otherwise would have been.

This resonated with foundation leaders, with a participant agreeing that “while foundations can’t do everything […] they can do something". Whether this is through small funding projects to enact change in the local community, considering your investment portfolio or signing the Funder Commitment on Climate Change, taking an action is what matters. Throughout the day there were examples of how foundations have made the connections between their missions and climate, as well as integrating climate into work in other ways – such as the role foundations can have in more responsible investment that will support the move to net zero.

And there were wider lessons about funding practices too. As Baroness Brown highlighted, philanthropy has an ability to take risks, such as supporting innovative ideas that aim to accelerate adaptation to the effects of climate change. In her words: “There should be some occasions where you are prepared to take more risk because there is a good chance of accelerating progress.”

If you are seeking further inspiration, recordings of the plenary sessions are available, as well as presentation slides, detailed notes, event photos and the brilliant learning gallery submissions we received from members on all aspects of foundation practice. 

The road ahead may be challenging but together we can make a difference – one grant, one investment and one action at a time.