SOUTH AFRICAN PHILANTHROPY COMMITMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Empowering South African Philanthropy for Climate Action

About the Commitment

IPASA is mobilising funders across South Africa to take collective action against climate change. The South African Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change aims to unite local funders in committing to address, adapt to, and limit the impacts of climate change. The urgency of the climate crisis cannot be ignored. As one of the most unequal countries in the world, South Africa faces severe climate challenges, particularly in vulnerable communities. These challenges must be met with coordinated and meaningful action, and signing this commitment provides an opportunity for funders to make a bold statement that climate action is critical across all sectors.

This pledge offers funders an opportunity to align their efforts, create local impact, and amplify the voice of the Global South within the global climate philanthropy ecosystem. This landmark pledge is Africa’s inaugural step into the global Philanthropy For Climate movement, becoming the 1st in Africa and the 10th globally. It’s a powerful testament to unity in diversity and a shared commitment to a sustainable future. As part of the growing global movement, this initiative aligns with the collective efforts of seven country-specific pledges – Canada, Spain, France, Italy, the UK, Poland, and Brazil – a regional pledge from the Arab Foundations Forum, and the International Commitment led by WINGS and Philea. Together, these pledges emphasize the importance of local leadership and international collaboration, reinforcing a global call to action for the philanthropic sector in addressing the climate crisis. 

CLIMATE PLEDGE LOGO

IPASA’s leadership in this movement not only reflects Africa’s growing role in addressing climate change but also inspires philanthropists worldwide to be part of the solution. Be a force for change. Be part of this movement. 

By signing this commitment, funders pledge to integrate climate considerations into their work, support adaptation, and build climate resilience across sectors. 

A Call to Action for Funders

The South African Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change is more than a statement – it is a call to action. By signing the pledge, funders commit to integrating climate change into their strategies, adapting their work to the realities of a changing environment, and actively addressing the climate crisis in the communities they serve. This commitment encourages practical, incremental steps that drive climate resilience, collaborative partnerships, and sustainable investments.

The commitment connects South African funders with global climate efforts, while also amplifying their unique priorities. This commitment aims to highlight the Global South in climate philanthropy conversations, thereby allowing local funders to drive impactful, long-term change that addresses the distinct challenges that climate issues pose in their contexts.

Why Signing The Climate Commitment Matters

Climate change is an all-encompassing challenge that affects every sector of development, from education and health to social justice and economic equality. For South Africa, a country facing extreme climate impacts and extreme inequality, it is essential that the philanthropic sector drives a collective effort that accelerates climate action across all sectors and steps up to support communities in responding to and adapting to climate change.

Why Sign the Climate Commitment?

Acknowledging the Crisis

Climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable communities, exacerbating existing inequalities. It also impacts on funders’ investments. By signing the pledge, funders acknowledge the urgent need to respond to the climate crisis and its impact on the communities they serve.

Uniting for Impact

The pledge unites South African funders, offering a platform for collaboration. No single funder can tackle the climate crisis alone, but by joining forces, funders can leverage shared resources, knowledge, and strategies to make a greater impact.

Defining South African Priorities

This is the first initiative of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa. The pledge allows South African funders to define their own priorities within the climate response framework, ensuring that local context, needs, and realities are at the forefront of climate philanthropy.

What Does This Commitment Look Like?

The South African Philanthropy Commitment on Climate is more than a statement—it is a call to action. By signing the pledge, funders commit to integrating climate change into their strategies, adapting their work to the realities of a changing environment, and actively addressing the climate crisis in the communities they serve. This commitment encourages practical, incremental steps that drive climate resilience, collaborative partnerships, and sustainable investments. It aligns South African funders with global efforts, while amplifying the unique priorities of the Global SouthBy strengthening the voice of the Global South in climate deliberations and action can create, funders can catalyse long-term change that addresses inequality and environmental challenges together.



What Can this Commitment Achieve?

Progress with Climate Action

IPASA is committed to transparency and learning. Regular progress reports will showcase funders’ achievements and challenges, highlighting the incremental steps taken toward sustainable climate action.

IPASA members who have signed the commitment:

IPASA would like to thank our members who formed part of the task team that co-created the South African Commitment on Climate Change. This significant initiative was made possible through the collaboration and dedication of the following organisations: African Climate Foundation, The Lewis Foundation, Environmental Justice Fund, DO MORE FOUNDATION, Social Change Assistance Trust, Grindrod Family Centenary Trust, Ford Foundation, Momentum Group Foundation, Ball Family Foundation, JET Education Services, Hlanganisa Community Fund, Southern African Trust, and  the Standard Bank Tutuwa Community Foundation. 

Need More Information or Support?

 

 If you would like more information or need assistance with your climate journey, please contact judith@ipa-sa.org.za