Climate Grants and Investments

Providing impact investments and nonprofit grants to support innovative climate solutions.

Fostering resiliency, empowering people, protecting the planet

In 2021, the Cisco Foundation committed US$100 million over 10 years to fund nonprofit grants and impact investing in climate solutions.

Our funding takes two forms:

Impact investments

Venture and fund investments in early-stage climate companies, from Pre-Seed to Series A.

Grant funding

Grants given to eligible nonprofit organizations working on building an inclusive, regenerative, and resilient climate future.

“Currently, less than 2 percent of philanthropic dollars go toward addressing climate change. Investment capital for innovative solutions that could reduce carbon emissions that lead to global warming is inadequate as well.”

Peter Tavernise, Climate Impact and Regeneration Lead, Cisco Foundation Climate Initiative

Climate impact pillars

We focus on supporting solutions in six key areas:

Protect and scale natural carbon sinks

We seek restoration and preservation of the Earth's oceans, soil, and forests through nature-based solutions.

Adopt regenerative and resilient agriculture

We support food and farming systems that aim to restore and protect soil and ecosystem health.

Promote inclusive clean energy solutions

We see energy as a way to improve lives and to alleviate pressures on the ecosystems we depend on.

Resourcing action and connection efforts

We support community resourcing through education initiatives and improved financing structures.

Advance the circular transformation

We promote a world where resources are perpetually reused, and waste is designed out of processes.

Build sustainable infrastructures

Development of climate-smart cities to propel more climate-resilient communities.

Characteristics of our funding

We have developed values and priorities that guide and unify our work across both portfolios.

Co-benefits

Our climate solutions balance global needs, bioregional contexts, social impact, and biodiversity.

Systems change

we supports systems change across the climate finance and climate action ecosystems.

Flexible, holistic, and blended finance

When appropriate, we combine grants, equity, or debt to fill financing gaps and catalyze impact.

Taking action to protect the planet

Watch this video about Cisco Foundation grantee Canopy, which was created via a partnership with Global Citizen.

Impact stories

Examples of organizations, startups, or venture funds that have received Cisco Foundation funding:

Investing in Africa’s clean energy transition

Africa's vast potential fuels our climate impact investment strategy.

Celebrating women in climate innovation

Women’s leadership in climate innovation helps us build resilient ecosystems.

Tribal forestry and science innovations

Data and Indigenous practices are being combined to protect forests.

Our funding recipients

See the full list of organizations, startups, or funds that have received Cisco Foundation funding through the US$100 million commitment.

Investments – Portfolio companies and funds

Grants – Funding partners

Purpose Reporting Hub and Cisco Purpose Report

Cisco is putting people, technology, and resources toward Powering an Inclusive Future for All, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.