Corporate Giving Programs

Countries are off track on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with around half of the 140 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets for which sufficient data is available deviating from the required path. On a “business-as-usual” pathway, where social, economic and technological trends do not shift markedly from historical patterns, the SDGs as a whole would remain out of reach even in 2050. The latest 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 (https://lnkd.in/eykeRr8Z) reveals a critical funding gap of USD $4 trillion annually (pre-COVID $2.5 trillion, see figure 👇 ), primarily affecting developing nations. As we stand at a pivotal moment, it's clear that traditional funding methods are insufficient to meet these escalating needs, especially in the face of global challenges like climate change, inequality, and economic instability. As high as financing gap estimates are, they pale in comparison to the costs of inaction. The cumulative additional economic and social costs incurred from climate change under a business-as-usual scenario through 2050 are estimated to be almost five times larger than the climate finance needed to limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Every dollar invested in risk reduction and prevention can save up to 15 dollars in post-disaster recovery efforts. 🔑 Key Insights: 🔹 Developing countries face steeper financing costs, severely hampering their sustainable development goals (SDGs). 🔹 Part of the gap is still the huge amount of (implicit) subsidies going to fossil fuels (7% of GDP 👇...this is already more than the $4 trillion that is needed) 🔹 The Role of Private Finance: Private finance emerges as a pivotal player. However, to truly make an impact, it must align more closely with sustainable development goals. It is clear that the largest part of sustainable finance is nothing else than risk mitigation (see figure 👇) 🔹 How to get better finance: ◼ Innovative Financing: Leveraging tools like green bonds and social impact investing to direct funds where they are most needed. ◼ Reforming Financial Systems: Enhancing the capacity of financial institutions to support sustainable projects through improved regulatory frameworks. ◼ Encouraging Public-Private Partnerships: These can mobilize significant resources, combining the agility of private sector innovation with the authoritative backing of public entities. As the 2025 International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain approaches, there's a collective urgency to reform our global financial systems. This is crucial not only for bridging the finance gap but also for ensuring that investments are both impactful and aligned with the global sustainable agenda.

Sustainable Finance Imperative in the GCC In a world where environmental and social accountability is paramount, sustainable finance has transitioned from a niche consideration to a mainstream imperative. In collaboration between KPMG Lower Gulf and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) we have today published the report “The Sustainable Finance Imperative” that highlights the significant strides being made in the GCC region, particularly the UAE, in mobilizing capital toward sustainable projects. Key highlights from the report: 1️⃣ Ambitious Goals The UAE Banks Federation aims to mobilize over AED 1 trillion ($270 billion) in sustainable finance by 2030, aligning with international frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. 2️⃣ Core Themes The report identifies three primary themes driving sustainable finance in the region: 🟢Renewable energy projects 🟢Energy-efficient infrastructure 🟢Sustainable water management 3️⃣ Emerging Opportunities The report highlights potential in sectors like the circular economy, sustainable agriculture, tourism, and SME financing, crucial for economic diversification. 4️⃣ Systemic Challenges Despite the progress, challenges remain, including regulatory harmonization, capacity building, and data accessibility. The need for standardized definitions and metrics for impact measurement is crucial to fostering trust and credibility in sustainable investments. 5️⃣ Economic Impact Sustainable finance is not only vital for addressing climate change but also presents a significant opportunity for GDP growth and job creation. For instance, over 1 million jobs are projected to be created in the GCC due to green investments by 2030. 6️⃣ Forward-Looking Recommendations The report emphasizes the importance of establishing clear taxonomies for impact measurement, implementing policy incentives, enhancing data collection infrastructure, and building ESG capabilities across stakeholders to drive sustainable finance practices. Abbas Basrai Fadi Al-Shihabi فادي الشهابي Lotfi El Jai Ayasha AlGhas Maysam Rawashdeh Sarah Pirzada Usmani Gerard Vinals Foguet, CFA Jaime Hermosilla Rafecas #SustainableFinance #GCC #ESG #KPMG #FAB #ClimateAction #RenewableEnergy #EconomicDiversification #Sustainability #ImpactInvesting ##sustainability #climatechange #esg #togetherforgreen #togetherforclimate #togetherforaction #fromvisiontoimpact

Worth applying. Almost $2.1B in funding for climate and ESG technologies! Nine funding routes worth knowing if you're building in clean tech, sustainability or ESG right now. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programme - up to around $1.6 million across Phase I and II, recently reauthorised through 2031 after a five month lapse. https://lnkd.in/en3AziQe National Science Foundation (NSF) America's Seed Fund - up to $305,000 for Phase I, a strong low-friction entry point via their Project Pitch process. https://seedfund.nsf.gov Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) - non-dilutive funding for high risk, high reward energy technology, often several million dollars per award. https://lnkd.in/eBdJRt_K Third Derivative - RMI and New Energy Nexus's global climate tech accelerator, connecting hard tech startups to investors and corporate partners rather than writing a fixed cheque. https://lnkd.in/eHr55UtC European Union Innovation Fund - one of the world's largest clean tech programmes, with individual grants ranging from tens of millions to over a billion euros. https://lnkd.in/ew3KXYGn EIC - European Innovation Council Accelerator - pairs a grant of up to 2.5 million euros with optional equity investment of up to 10 million euros for deep tech SMEs. https://lnkd.in/ej-qXnHK Breakthrough Energy Fellows - catalytic, non-dilutive funding from $50,000 to $500,000 for early stage climate innovators. https://lnkd.in/e__iKQ49 Elemental Impact - a non-profit climate investor backing companies from pre-seed to Series C, including a Data Center Innovation Initiative funded by Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft. https://lnkd.in/ekPnxNRK New South Wales Clean Technology Innovation Grant - up to 5 million Australian dollars for Australian businesses piloting lab-proven clean technologies, applications close 8 September 2026. https://lnkd.in/ejSr4WzD A few things worth knowing before applying: some of these are non-dilutive grants as well as equity investments, deadlines and open/closed status shift constantly, and a handful (like the EU Innovation Fund) operate on a completely different scale to early stage programmes, so it's worth matching the opportunity to your stage rather than chasing the biggest number on the page.

Unlocking capital is one of the most critical factors to scaling a circular economy for plastics. Doing so requires us to reduce risk, strengthen the investability of projects, and develop financing approaches that can mobilise capital at scale.    Many waste management and recycling projects struggle to access financing because of perceived risk, limited operating track records, and uncertainty around future revenues – challenges that are particularly acute in emerging markets.    Blended finance can help address these barriers by bringing together public, private, and philanthropic capital, while concessional funding can help de-risk projects and reduce the cost of capital.    The Green Investments Partnership (GIP) puts this approach into practice. Established under Singapore’s Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (FAST-P) initiative and managed by Pentagreen Capital, GIP brings together governments, development finance institutions, commercial banks, and the Alliance. Within this structure, the Alliance participates through a junior interest position and provides technical expertise in assessing recycling technologies. GIP recently reached US$800 million in commitments at its second close, to support sustainable infrastructure and transition projects across South and Southeast Asia.    In Indonesia, our technical expertise and concessional contribution to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)’s Project-Specific Window have helped unlock approximately US$150 million in sovereign lending for the Solid Waste Management for Sustainable Urban Development Project, supporting investments to strengthen integrated solid waste management services for 11 million people across more than 10 cities and districts.    Financing structures are only part of the equation. Projects also need clear pathways to profitability and greater certainty around future revenues. Long-term purchasing commitments can strengthen bankability, while effective policy frameworks, including EPR, can support the long-term economic viability of collection, sorting, and recycling systems.    There is no single solution. Mobilising capital at scale will require us to address risk, strengthen project pipelines, and bring together different sources of capital in ways that make investment possible. 

Impact startups in MENA are growing fast but funding strategies must evolve just as quickly. One of the questions I’m asked most often by founders is: “Where do we start when it comes to raising funds for climate or sustainability-focused ventures in this region?” Here’s how I usually break it down in 4 key pathways I’ve worked with or closely observed, each requiring a clear narrative, regional awareness, and the right positioning: 1. Government-backed innovation platforms These are not just about incubation, they are increasingly designed to de-risk startups and connect them to capital. 🔹 Example: Hub71 (Abu Dhabi) offers access to corporates, sovereign investors, and a growing base of VC partners through its Incentive Program. It's a launchpad for startups aligned with national priorities. 2. Climate-aligned positioning Framing your solution around climate resilience or adaptation is no longer optional—it’s a strategic funding move. 🔹 Example: ALTÉRRA, the $30B climate investment fund launched by the UAE at COP28, is designed to mobilize capital into areas like clean energy, food security, and nature-based solutions. Startups that clearly align with these priorities stand a stronger chance of attracting institutional and private funding. 3. Corporate sustainability partnerships Corporates in MENA are increasingly partnering with startups to accelerate their ESG goals—often offering pilot funding, technical support, or access to infrastructure. 🔹 Example: PepsiCo Middle East has launched several open innovation challenges in the region, focusing on sustainable packaging, water reuse, and food system transformation. These partnerships are a valuable entry point for startups ready to co-create scalable solutions. 4. Strategic VC alignment Venture capital in MENA is increasingly aligning with long-term sustainability themes—especially in climate tech and resource efficiency. 🔹 Example: VentureSouq, a MENA-based VC, launched its Climate Tech Fund I to invest in technologies tackling the climate crisis—from energy and mobility to the circular economy. They’re actively backing companies that blend strong commercial potential with measurable impact. The takeaway? It’s not just about raising funds, it’s about raising strategically. That’s how you align with where capital is moving in the region. If you found this useful, share it with a founder or ecosystem builder working on climate and impact in MENA. Let’s make these conversations more visible ;-) #ClimateFinance #MENA #ImpactStartups #StrategicFunding #GreenTransition #BusinessWithPurpose

In capital markets, three terms are often used interchangeably: 🌍 Sustainable Finance 🌱 Green Finance 🔥 Climate Finance They are related — but fundamentally different. Understanding the distinction is critical for investors, banks, regulators, and corporates. ⸻ 🌍 1️⃣ Sustainable Finance Definition: Integration of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) factors into financial decision-making. Scope: 🌱 Environment 👥 Social impact 🏛 Governance standards Examples of Projects: 🏥 Healthcare expansion 🏘 Affordable housing 👩💼 Women-led SME financing ⚡ Renewable energy 📊 Corporate ESG transformation Financing Instruments: 📈 Sustainability-Linked Bonds (SLBs) 💳 Sustainability-Linked Loans (SLLs) 📊 ESG Funds 🤝 Blended Finance 🌐 Impact Investing Vehicles 🔎 Sustainable finance is strategy-driven. It reshapes how capital is allocated across portfolios. ⸻ 🌱 2️⃣ Green Finance Definition: Financing dedicated strictly to environmental benefits. Scope: ♻ Environmental protection only Examples of Projects: ☀ Solar & wind farms 🏢 Green buildings 🚰 Wastewater treatment ♻ Recycling plants ⚙ Energy efficiency upgrades Financing Instruments: 💚 Green Bonds 💵 Green Loans 🕌 Green Sukuk 🏗 Project Finance 🔎 Green finance is project-specific and environmentally targeted. ⸻ 🔥 3️⃣ Climate Finance Definition: Financing aimed specifically at climate change mitigation & adaptation. Scope: 🌡 Emissions reduction 🌊 Climate resilience Examples of Projects: 🌳 Carbon credit development 🏭 Industrial decarbonisation 🚗 EV transition 🌾 Climate-smart agriculture 🌊 Coastal protection systems Financing Instruments: 🌍 Carbon Funds 📉 Transition Bonds 🏦 Multilateral Climate Facilities 📜 Results-Based Climate Payments 🛡 Adaptation Funds 🔎 Climate finance is carbon-centric and resilience-focused. ⸻ 🧠 The Strategic Hierarchy Sustainable Finance = The Umbrella ☂ Green Finance = Environmental Capital Allocation 🌱 Climate Finance = Carbon & Resilience Capital 🔥 ✔ Every climate finance project is green. ❌ Not every green project is climate-focused. 📊 Sustainable finance integrates both within a broader ESG framework. For financial institutions and corporates, clarity here impacts: 📑 Regulatory reporting 💰 Access to capital 📈 Investor positioning 🌍 Long-term competitiveness The future of finance is not just green. It is structurally sustainable and climate-resilient. #SustainableFinance #GreenFinance #ClimateFinance #ESG #CarbonMarkets #ImpactInvesting #TransitionFinance #SustainableDevelopment

Environmental management and sustainability continue to attract significant global funding, creating opportunities for NGOs, startups, research institutions, community organizations, and social enterprises across Africa. Below are some of the strongest environmental and sustainability funding opportunities currently available or confirmed for African applicants. 1. IUCN – GEF Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Challenge Programme Funding Available: Up to US$300,000 per successful organization. Focus Areas: • Biodiversity conservation • Ecosystem restoration • Sustainable agriculture • Fisheries and food security • Waste management and pollution reduction • Low-carbon development Application Information: Africa-specific calls have been confirmed and will follow the current launch phase. Access Link: https://csochallenge.org/ Announcement: https://lnkd.in/dg3CjBKP Funding Amount: Up to US$300,000 2. ISPO Impact Foundation – Conservation and Environment Grant Funding Available: €2,000 to €100,000 per project. Focus Areas: • Nature conservation • Environmental stewardship • Ecosystem restoration • Community environmental initiatives Deadline: 30 June 2026 Access Link: https://lnkd.in/d2Vx9zhS Funding Amount: Up to €100,000 3. Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) – Madagascar Biodiversity Call Funding Available: US$50,000 to US$200,000. Focus Areas: • Biodiversity conservation • Protection of threatened species • Ecosystem management • Community conservation initiatives Deadline: 7 July 2026 Access Link: https://lnkd.in/daR7wRup Funding Amount: Up to US$200,000

Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) are indispensable partners for sustainability-focused companies aiming to scale their impact. Organizations like the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which is still open for business by the way, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) provide funding solutions tailored to ambitious projects in emerging markets. In the UK, British International Investment (BII) and in the Netherlands, FMO, also offer interesting, creative approaches for funding that can support corporate solutions to climate change, regenerative agriculture or water access. DFIs are particularly useful for initiatives requiring substantial capital, such as renewable energy infrastructure or large-scale agricultural development. With funding options like debt, equity, and blended finance, DFIs can help de-risk investments while aligning them with long-term ESG goals. So for example, if your company is expanding solar energy projects in Southeast Asia, DFIs can provide financing while offering valuable guidance on navigating local regulations and market conditions. Their involvement also signals credibility, which can attract additional investors. However, partnering with DFIs requires preparation. Their processes are rigorous, and project scalability, financial viability, and alignment with their priorities are essential for securing support. If you’re ready to think big and make a lasting impact, DFIs are a crucial ally in your sustainability journey.

OUTCOMES-BASED FINANCING FOR NATURE - A CASE STUDY OF ETHIOPIA Ethiopia’s sustainable land management (SLM) program (World Bank funded) provides a helpful framework of how to operationalize outcomes-based financing for nature in the global south. In the SLM program, the World Bank (primary funds from a multi-donor trust fund) rewards the government of Ethiopia for achieving measurable & pre-agreed outcomes in SLM. By linking funding to verified outcomes such as increased land tenure security, restored ecosystems, & reduced land degradation, these programs aim to strengthen environmental resilience, boost livelihoods, and build institutional capacity. Key programs under Ethiopia’s SLM OBF include; 1. Climate Action Through Landscape Management (CALM) Program - A flagship OBF initiative providing five-year performance-based financing to the Ethiopian government. - Establishes watershed user associations, implements watershed management plans, and issues landholding certificates. - Promotes adoption of sustainable practices, increase carbon sequestration, and strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods. 2. Sustainable Land Management Project (SLMP) - Brought over 900,000 hectares under sustainable management and issued land certificates to households, including landless youth. - Improved soil, water, and food security and laid the foundation for results-based systems in land management. ⸻ How OBF Works Performance-Based Payments: are released only after independently verified results are achieved. Outcome-Focused: Incentivizes sustainable land use, reduced emissions, and ecosystem protection. Institutional Strengthening: Encourages capacity building at all government levels — federal, regional, and local (woreda). ⸻ Other OBF Initiatives BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (ISFL): Provides results-based payments for verified emission reductions and informs other climate programs. Community Empowerment: benefit-sharing mechanisms to reward local communities for reducing emissions and conserving forests. Green Corridors & Ecosystem Services: Promotes payments for environmental services (PES) and the development of green corridors to enhance biodiversity and landscape connectivity. ⸻ Overall Impact The Ethiopian OBF model for sustainable land management has proven effective in aligning financial incentives with environmental and social goals. It encourages long-term sustainability, enhances Ethiopia’s climate resilience, and provides a replicable model for landscape restoration in other developing countries. ⸻ Read more: World Bank (2023). Climate Action Through Landscape Management (CALM) Program. World Bank (2022). Sustainable Land Management Project (SLMP) Completion Report. BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (ISFL), World Bank Group. Photo: Aerial photograph of a church forest (7.2 ha in size) in South Gondar, Ethiopia (Klepeis, et al. (2016). Ethiopian Church Forests).

💡 Inside an Investor’s Funding Rolodex: Grant & Loan Providers I Trust 🎯 European Innovation Council Accelerator • grants up to €2.5 M + equity up to €15 M • ideal for deep‑tech teams with clear impact plans 📑 Horizon Europe RIA & IA • collaborative R&D grants €3 M–€10 M+ • partner with universities or industry leaders for stronger consortia 🏦 InnovFin SME Guarantee Facility (EIB‑backed) • loan guarantees up to 50 % on €25 000–€7.5 M financing • lower interest rates and better terms 🌱 Innovation Fund • grants cover up to 60 % of eligible costs for large‑scale clean energy projects • pair with national agencies like the Swedish Energy Agency for co‑funding 🇸🇪 Vinnova • feasibility grants up to SEK 500 000 • innovation project grants up to SEK 10 M • fast open calls, strong on sustainability metrics 💸 Almi • loans from SEK 50,000 to SEK 5 M at below‑market rates • local coaching to turn pilots into scale‑ups 🇫🇮 Business Finland • R&D grants up to 50 % + innovation loans up to €2 M • expert reviews and export market introductions 🇬🇷 Hellenic Development Bank • loans €50 000–€1 M + 80 % guarantee cover • digital platform for green transition schemes 🌍 EASME (COSME & LIFE programmes) • COSME guarantees on €25 000–€1.5 M loans • LIFE grants for environment & climate action pilots ⚡ EIT Climate‑KIC • combined grants, coaching & investor matchmaking • rapid follow‑on funding & corporate pilots 🔌 EIT InnoEnergy • equity investments + grants up to €100 000 • access to utilities & corporate partners 🚀 Fast Track to Innovation (Horizon Europe) • close‑to‑market grants up to €3 M at 70 % funding • accelerated timelines, clear market readiness 🇫🇷 Bpifrance (France) • innovation grants & soft loans up to €3 M • equity co‑investment in high‑potential scale‑ups 🇬🇧 Innovate UK • grant competitions up to £2 M for UK‑based R\&D • access to KTN networks and industry experts 🇪🇸 CDTI (Spain) • aid for tech projects: grants, repayable advances & soft loans • strong on international R&D partnerships 🇩🇪 KfW (Germany) • start‑up loans up to €25 M at subsidised rates • green financing for energy and climate ventures Founder Tips to Navigate Grants & Loans • align programmes with your tech readiness and reporting capacity • build clear impact metrics and stakeholder support • plan applications months in advance, allowing time for feedback • focus on quality over quantity, target two programmes max #startupfunding #grantwriting #non‑dilutivecapital #loans #EUfunding #innovation #cleantech #deeptech #founderjourney #investorinsight