The Energy Foundation is a committed partner in the global effort to address one of the greatest threats facing our world—climate change. As an independent, nonpartisan, non-governmental U.S. charitable organization, our mission is to advance greenhouse gas neutrality, world-class air quality, universal energy access, and green growth by transforming energy systems. We deliver our mission by providing grants to policy research groups, industry associations, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations committed to sustainable energy development and the energy transition. We also implement a select number of our own programs on the ground.
Our work is currently focused on China given the scale of its energy sector and its role in global emissions. Progress on China’s energy transition presents one of the most significant opportunities to address climate change worldwide. Despite geopolitical tensions, meaningful engagement in China on climate change, emissions reductions, and supporting the clean energy transition is in everyone’s interests. Given our substantial efforts in China, we are also referred to as Energy Foundation China.
Since 1999, we have funded over 4,000 projects in support of our mission in China. Our grantees are leading institutions and experts in the fields of power, industry, transportation, cities, environment, low-carbon development, and communications. Our work can best be summarized as falling into three categories:
- Supporting research and pilot projects and educating stakeholders on the impacts of climate change and the transition required to mitigate those impacts.
- Developing and sharing best practices to address climate change.
- Helping to inform the policy process to reduce emissions.
Prior to 2019, we operated jointly with the United States Energy Foundation as a single institution. In order to increase operational effectiveness, we formally separated in 2019 to become two independent, 501(c)(3) public charities. The Energy Foundation and the United States Energy Foundation now conduct our activities independently of each other.
