Funding search · renewable energy · California
Who funds renewable energy work in California
15 funders have a record of paying for renewable energy work by California recipients: 381 grants totaling $525.4M, most recently in 2024 — mostly private foundations, plus grantmaking charities. The largest by matched giving are United States Energy Foundation ($71.5M), Energy Action Fund ($8.3M) and The Bloomberg Family Foundation ($244.6M).
From IRS Form 990-PF and 990 Schedule I filings, 2019–2025. Grants already paid to California recipients — evidence of what these funders back, not open calls.
United States Energy FoundationSan Francisco, CACharity · may take applications
177 matching grants · $71.5M · through 2024Largest: $1.6M to TIDES FOUNDATION — to support education and outreach to build a clean energy future. to support education and outreach to build an equitable clean energy future. to support education and outreach to …
Energy Action FundSan Francisco, CACharity · may take applications
47 matching grants · $8.3M · through 2024Largest: $2.0M to TIDES ADVOCACY — to support clean energy policy advancement in the states.
Largest: $40.4M to CLIMATEWORKS FOUNDATION — accelerate transition to clean energy
Sustainable Markets FoundationNew York, NYCharity · may take applications
28 matching grants · $1.3M · through 2023Largest: $300,000 to CALIF ENV JUSTICE ALLIANCE — clean energy and just transition
Sea Change FoundationSan Francisco, CA
16 matching grants · $76.6M · through 2024Largest: $20.1M to UNITED STATES ENERGY FOUNDATION — promote clean energy
Largest: $750,000 to BERKELEY LAB FOUNDATION — to advance research on a clean energy transition
Largest: $100,000 to CLEAN ENERGY FOR AMERICA EDUCATION FUND — to reframe the public narrative around clean energy
Largest: $300,000 to Sierra Club Foundation — to expand clean energy in minnesota and other key midwestern states and secure an equitable transition to 100 percent clean energy by 2050
Climate Imperative FoundationSan Francisco, CACharity · may take applications
9 matching grants · $19.3M · through 2023Largest: $13.3M to SIERRA CLUB FOUNDATION FBO SIERRA CLUB CALIFORNIA — to support research, education, and outreach about transitioning from coal to clean energy, transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy and clean and healthy homes
MultiplierSan Francisco, CACharity · may take applications
13 matching grants · $11.8M · through 2024Largest: $4.2M to UNITED STATES ENERGY FOUNDATION — transmission solutions for a clean energy future
Largest: $3.4M to (298) UNITED STATES ENERGY FOUNDATION — climate: to accelerate the transition to clean energy in the northeast
John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation (Consolidated)Chicago, IL
7 matching grants · $16.5M · through 2024Largest: $4.0M to United States Energy Foundation — in support of state-level advocacy for clean energy policies
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Start with one paperBroader: renewable energy funders nationally · all California-based grantmakers