Latin America and the Caribbean

Overview

Throughout the Americas, The Rockefeller Foundation is focused on advancing solutions that are good for people and planet. Why? Excessive heat kills 56,000 people per year in the Americas, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). A child born in the Americas in 2020 will experience 1.3 times more fires, 2 times more droughts, 2.5 times loss of crops, and 4.5 times more heat waves than those born in 1960.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, the lives and livelihoods of 41 million people are under threat, according to the United Nations — but the region is also endowed with valuable natural assets. With the announcement of a new Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean coming to Colombia in 2025, we are more committed than ever to ensuring everyone has a good job, good health, good food, enough electricity, and a chance to thrive in the face of climate change’s effects.

In 2024, our Big Bets Fellowship brought together 16 leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean working on climate solutions and supported them with programming, networking, and professional development as they developed their big bets.

Why It Matters

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of the Latin America and Caribbean population cannot afford a healthy diet
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people in Latin America and the Caribbean have their lives and livelihoods threatened by climate change
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of the planet’s biodiversity, 25% of its forests, and one-third of its freshwater are found in Latin America and the Caribbean

Meet the 2024 Latin America and the Caribbean Fellows

In its first year, 16 leaders from across Latin America and the Caribbean were selected to advance bold climate solutions, supported by The Rockefeller Foundation’s Big Bets Climate Fellowship.

Meet the Fellows

Our Committed Grants

Learn how our funding is making a difference across Latin America — backing bold initiatives that strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and drive lasting impact.

View America’s Focused Grants

Our Regional Work