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.

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 South. By 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?
- Encourage Climate Action: Promoting the urgent need for all funders to respond to climate change, irrespective of their funding focus areas.
- Foster Collaboration & Partnerships: Facilitating partnerships that create innovative, multi-dimensional responses to climate change.
- Promote Sustainability & Adaptation: Integrating climate considerations into funding strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investments across all sectors.
- Advocate for Systemic Change: Supporting the creation of a more just and climate resilient future for South African communities.
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.
Key Reports & Publications:
- The Climate Crisis: A Toolkit and Resource Pack for Funders in South Africa Why, How, and the Role of Philanthropy
- Climate Change: A Series of Case Studies on South African Funders’ Climate Journeys
- IPASA Climate Funder Landscaping and Scoping Report
- Climate Action Entry Points for ECD Funders
- Climate Change & Social Change: How funders can act on both
- Opportunities for Climate Philanthropy Engagement in Africa: Summary Report
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
Media and Interviews
Bizcommunity: South African philanthropists unite for climate action with new pledge.
Engineering News: Local private philanthropy funding pledge to counter effects of climate change now live
Infrastructure News: South Africa Leads Africa’s First Climate Philanthropy Commitment For Independent Funders | Infrastructure news