2026 Climate Action Fund FAQ

The overall goal of the Climate Action Fund is to increase climate philanthropy in Central Texas. In order to encourage new donors to support climate issues, we simplify the decision making by selecting and highlighting a cross section of organizations working on climate in the region. Funds raised from the community will be aggregated and awarded based on a review process by both climate experts and community members. New donations to the fund will be matched 1:1 by the fund organizers. The total match pool is $100,000, shared across all donations. A short list of 5-10 organizations will be selected and promoted in a community fundraising campaign. Grant amounts will be determined by the review process and total funds raised.

• Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations

• At least 2 years of operating history

• Direct, specific climate impact in Central Texas (Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, or Caldwell counties)

• Annual operating budget under $2 million (for multi-region organizations, this refers to the budget for Central Texas work)

• Clear climate focus or demonstrable climate connection

Yes. Climate change creates impacts across public health, food systems, housing, education, and economic stability. If your organization's work addresses those impacts or strengthens your community's ability to respond to them, we encourage you to apply. The application gives you the opportunity to explain the connection between your work and climate change.

No. Your organization does not need an office in Central Texas, but the work you describe must have direct, specific impact in the Austin MSA region (Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, or Caldwell counties). Statewide or national organizations may apply if they can demonstrate concrete local impact.

Applications are due by Friday, April 10, 2026.

The fund expects to award grants to 5-10 organizations. Grant amounts will vary based on review outcomes, organizational need, and proposed use of funds. Grants are unrestricted.

No. Grants from the Climate Action Fund are unrestricted. We ask applicants to describe how funding would support their climate work so reviewers can evaluate impact, but selected organizations are not locked into what they describe in the application.

• Energy and Built Environment: renewable energy, building efficiency, weatherization, energy poverty, electrification, grid resilience

• Natural Systems and Land Use: urban canopy, green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, land use

• Community Resilience, Equity, and Education: climate adaptation, public health, food access, environmental justice, climate education, policy advocacy

Select the category that best fits your work. You may also select an optional secondary category

Applications are reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts and community stakeholders.

Reviewers score each application on three criteria: Climate Impact Clarity, Climate Equity and Justice, and Use of Funds and Organizational Capacity. The fund team uses reviewer scores to inform final selection and allocation decisions

No. All applicants must answer the four application questions.

Selected organizations will be notified by late April 2026.

Selected organizations will be briefed on the fund and asked to help promote it to their networks as part of the fundraising campaign. Grants will be processed and distributed through the Austin Community Foundation by mid-June 2026.