Fossil-Fuel Divestment Gains Momentum in Philanthropy


Foundation: MacArthur Foundation, Knight Foundation, Surdna Foundation, Ford Foundation, McKnight Foundation

credit: ATV Illustrated

Two of the world's biggest foundations have decided to get out of the fossil fuel business, the New York Times reports.

The Ford Foundation, which has $16 billion in assets, says it will no longer invest in coal, oil, and gas companies and will shift its investments to "climate-friendly" companies and funds within five years.

The MacArthur Foundation, which has around $20 billion, will do the same within a year.

"We're calling on governments and corporations to act on climate aggressively and commensurate with the science," says a leader of Divest-Invest Philanthropy, which is pushing the philanthropic community to get out of fossil fuel investments.

Both foundations are joining nearly 200 charitable organizations and firms that manage investments for wealthy families that have committed to divest, according to Divest-Invest Philanthropy.

"I'm glad that we were able to finally reconcile our financial imperative with our moral imperative as a foundation," the Ford Foundation's president tells the AP.

But critics say such moves could hurt investment returns and hinder foundations from maintaining their endowments, which are required to pay out only 5% of their assets annually.

"I don't think the Ford Foundation deserves to be congratulated for doing the right thing," a former Wall Street portfolio manager tells the Times.

Read the Entire Article


Selected Foundation News

A customized collection of news from foundations from around the Web.

Tomorrow's Creative Workforce

Research supports arts education integrated into traditional classrooms and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs for growing industries.CTE is a viable and growing partner with the arts in...more

Creative Justice's Short Documentary 'Free the Youth' Is A Highlight in This Year's Seattle ...

The Seattle Black Film Festival (SBFF) is back once again to bring Seattleites a taste of Black cinema from local, national, and international filmmakers.The documentary is composed of interviews of...more

Grants Expand Urban Farm Project's Community Garden
Foundation: Arkansas Community Foundation

The Faulkner County Urban Farm Project (UFP) has been awarded three competitive grants totaling $3,600 so far in 2025.The grants will bolster its efforts to address food insecurity and promote food...more

Jamestown Tarp Skunks Announce 2025 Season Schedule

Jamestown Tarp Skunks Announce 2025 Season Schedule.The Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League team will begin their season at home against the Batavia Muckdogs at 6:30 p.m., May 29.July 25th's show...more

Community Effort Begins to Create Lincoln Commons on Former School Site

Lincoln Commons will be a community gathering space in central Sioux Falls.The project is the first step in a multipronged partnership to turn a green space into a neighborhood asset.The goal was to...more

Preparations Underway For 13Th Annual Warren Gives Event

Preparations Underway for 13th Annual Warren Gives Event.The annual 16-hour online donation event set for Wednesday, May 14th, starting at 6:00AM.This year's event features 110 participating...more

Community Foundation Announces $85000 in Competitive Grants to Local Non-Profits

The Community Foundation of Teton Valley is thrilled to announce 2025 Competitive Grant Awardees.Awardees gathered at the Teton Geo Center to celebrate the $85,000 granted to support critical...more

Tell Greensboro Leaders How to Improve Downtown
Foundation: Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, Cemala Foundation

Residents are being invited to provide input regarding the "vision for the Future of Downtown Greensboro" The Thrive35 Vision Plan that's now under discussion will take community suggestions into...more

Coastside Gives Aims to Hit $10 Million and Build Sustainability

Coastside Gives aims to raise $1.6 million and hit the 10-year mark in a big way.Event's strength lies in its collaborative nature, executive director says.Event also raises awareness about the wide...more

Lawton Community Foundation Awarding Scholarships to Comanche County Seniors

The Lawton Community Foundation is awarding $41,750 in scholarships to 19 high school seniors.The students, their parents, community partners and donors will be honored at a breakfast hosted by the...more






Empowerment Plan is a nonprofit aimed at helping countless homeless people find jobs. To combat the country’s homeless crisis, the Plan hires homeless people and teaches them how to make coats for the homeless suffering on the streets.




Federal Government Grant and Assistance Programs



Edited by: Michael Saunders

© 2008-2025 Copyright Michael Saunders