[MacArthur Foundation](https://www.macfound.org)

March 2026

Typical awards range from $50,000 to $2,000,000; generally one- to three-year durations.

Supports efforts to reduce energy-related emissions and advance equitable climate solutions, with a focus on the U.S. and India.

Unsolicited proposals are not accepted; funding is by invitation or referral only.

--- ## Description The Climate Solutions grant from the MacArthur Foundation aims to address the global climate crisis by supporting strategies that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy-related sources. The program emphasizes equitable climate solutions, centering on subnational efforts in key cities, states, and regions—particularly in the United States and India. The grant seeks to empower communities most affected by climate change, especially those lacking access to clean energy, economically disadvantaged by the energy transition, or facing disproportionate health impacts. Priority is given to BIPOC-led organizations, Indigenous peoples, rural communities, and displaced workers. Grantmaking is structured around four main approaches: - Altering political discourse to elevate equitable climate solutions. - Advancing and enforcing climate-friendly energy policies and regulatory action. - Expanding financing and the climate solutions funding community. - Supporting power building and capacity-building, especially among marginalized groups. The program supports a range of activities, from policy advocacy and public engagement to innovative financing and capacity-building for local organizations. --- ## Due Dates - March 2026 (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Awards typically range from $50,000 (e.g., for convenings) up to $2,000,000 (for general operations or large-scale initiatives). - Most grants are for one to three years. - The program has invested over $600 million across nearly 200 organizations since 2014. --- ## Eligibility - Organizations led by or representing communities without reliable, clean energy, those economically disadvantaged by the energy transition, and groups experiencing disproportionate health impacts. - Priority for BIPOC-led organizations, Indigenous peoples, rural communities, and displaced workers in the U.S. - In India, focus on capacity-building for organizations (including those not exclusively climate-focused) and those representing workers’ and smallholder farmers’ interests. - Other eligible entities may include investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and aligned funders. - **Unsolicited proposals are not accepted**; applications are by invitation or referral only. --- ## Application Process - The MacArthur Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals for this program. - Prospective applicants may share new ideas or perspectives by contacting the program team, but formal applications are only accepted from organizations invited to apply. - If invited, applicants will be required to submit a full proposal via the foundation’s grants portal. - For more information, review the [grant guidelines](https://www.macfound.org/programs/bigbets/climate-solutions/grant-guidelines). --- ## Additional Information - The program’s strategy is designed to catalyze transformative change by supporting organizations that can influence policy, mobilize communities, and scale innovative climate solutions. - Emphasis is placed on learning from and sharing decision-making with communities most affected by climate change. - Seed funding for innovative or timely approaches is available to a lesser extent. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview](https://www.macfound.org/programs/bigbets/climate-solutions/) - [Grant Guidelines](https://www.macfound.org/programs/bigbets/climate-solutions/grant-guidelines) - [Program Strategy](https://www.macfound.org/programs/bigbets/climate-solutions/strategy) - [MacArthur Grants Portal](https://macfound.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) - [General Grantseeker Information](https://www.macfound.org/grants/info-for-grantseekers) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Program Email | climatesolutions@macfound.org | | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.macfound.org/about/contact-us) | | Foundation Phone | +1 312-726-8000 |

Climate Solutions

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