Foundations Launch $50 Million Adaptation and Resilience Fund for Communities Facing Climate Risks

Collaborative effort from global philanthropies will spark climate resilience, ease the burden of economic impacts, and protect communities from escalating climate risks

SAN FRANCISCO | August 5, 2025 ― A new Adaptation and Resilience Fund (A&R Fund) will help deliver over $50 million to locally led adaptation solutions that support people facing the greatest climate risks such as extreme heat, floods, and droughts. The funding will spur community resilience in low- and middle-income geographies with projects that range from early warning systems to innovative financial tools. The effort is led by ClimateWorks Foundation in partnership with Howden Foundation, Laudes Foundation, Quadrature Climate Foundation, and The Rockefeller Foundation.

“Adaptation is where local innovation meets global momentum. With bold investments in climate adaptation, philanthropy can help connect the dots to strengthen collaboration, pilot scalable solutions, and build resources for community resilience,” said Jessica Brown, senior director of adaptation and resilience at ClimateWorks Foundation.

This funding fulfills a $50 million commitment made by philanthropies last year in response to the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat. With more than 2.4 billion people at risk of severe heat every year, philanthropy can act as a critical support for communities facing health and economic impacts. Initial grants will support efforts to combat extreme heat in urban areas in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.

“We can’t win on decarbonization if we don’t invest in resilience, and yet adaptation remains chronically underfunded,” said Jess Ayers, CEO of Quadrature Climate Foundation. “The Adaptation and Resilience Fund represents a turning point: by directing more than $50 million to locally led solutions, we are shifting power and resources directly to communities facing extreme heat and other climate shocks. This isn’t just about survival, it’s about catalyzing equitable, systems-level change where it’s needed most.”

“In the U.S. and around the world, people, especially vulnerable people, know that extreme heat, fueled by climate change, is not a future threat — it is here, and getting worse,” said Elizabeth Yee, executive vice president of programs at The Rockefeller Foundation. “This fund fills a critical need, helping cities take the steps they need to prepare for and protect their residents against extreme weather, starting with heat. We are proud to be working alongside a diverse group of partners who share a common goal: protecting people’s health and economic security.”

Adaptation remains one of the most underfunded areas of climate action, as public finance flows cover only 10% of adaptation costs in low-income countries. Business investments in adaptation and resilience can yield returns ranging from $2 to $42 for every dollar spent, and can help build climate resilience at a local scale with people-centered solutions. The A&R Fund reflects the growing momentum from funders to invest in climate resilience, an area that saw over $650 million in funding in 2024.

“Investing in climate adaptation is not just a moral imperative, it has clear business benefits. Supporting innovative solutions that strengthen resilience can help address industry challenges, including protecting supply chains, reducing long-term risk, and creating long-term business value,” said Amol Mehra, director of industry programmes at Laudes Foundation.

“We’re proud to be a partner of the Adaptation and Resilience Fund, which demonstrates how philanthropy can work together to support locally-led adaptation solutions, ensuring our resources reach the places and communities that need them the most. Extreme weather events ― driven by climate change ― are the biggest risk the world faces over the next decade. Philanthropy has a critical role to play in supporting those most impacted to access the information and resources that they need to respond,” said Claire Harbron, CEO of Howden Foundation.

Later this month, ClimateWorks will be seeking proposals for locally driven initiatives to combat extreme heat and strengthen economic stability, workers’ rights, and health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

About ClimateWorks Foundation

ClimateWorks Foundation is a global platform for philanthropy to innovate and scale high-impact climate solutions that benefit people and the planet. We deliver global programs and services that equip philanthropy with the knowledge, networks, and solutions to drive climate progress for a more sustainable and equitable future. Since 2008, ClimateWorks has granted over $2 billion to more than 850 grantees in over 50 countries.

About Howden Foundation

Howden Foundation is the corporate foundation of global insurance group, Howden, extending the charitable work of the business and its people. We empower communities around the world who are facing the worst impacts of the climate crisis to take action to address it, such that they can prepare for, adapt to and recover from its increasingly devastating effects. Working in partnership with these communities and the organizations that know them best, we provide funding, support and technical advice wherever it is needed most.

About Laudes Foundation

Laudes Foundation is an independent foundation contributing to the movement to accelerate the transition to a green, fair, and inclusive global economy. In response to the urgent challenges of climate breakdown and deepening inequality, Laudes supports brave action that inspires and challenges industry to harness its power for good. Founded by the Brenninkmeijer family business owners, Laudes Foundation builds upon six generations of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, working collaboratively alongside a wider network of philanthropic organizations, to both influence finance and capital markets and drive equitable industry transitions within the built environment and fashion and food sectors.

About The Rockefeller Foundation

The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance.

About Quadrature Climate Foundation

Quadrature Climate Foundation (QCF) is a charitable foundation working to build a just, equitable, and low-carbon future. Established in 2019 by the founders of Quadrature Capital, QCF supports efforts that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, remove carbon from the atmosphere, and strengthen climate, social, and economic resilience.