What Drives Us

Sequoia Climate Foundation believes in a world powered by clean energy, where all people are protected by policies that have averted the worst effects of climate change. We support ambitious organizations and coalitions catalyzing rapid emissions reductions, transforming global markets, and accelerating the transition to clean energy around the world.

What Drives Us

Sequoia Climate Foundation believes in a world powered by clean energy, where all people are protected by policies that have averted the worst effects of climate change. We support ambitious organizations and coalitions catalyzing rapid emissions reductions, transforming global markets, and accelerating the transition to clean energy around the world..

Our Guiding Principles

Urgency. Existing science and data demonstrate an immediate need for climate action that rapidly and justly cuts emissions at the global level. Such action must recognize that underserved and marginalized communities, globally, have already been hit hardest by the effects of the climate crisis. We believe bold and ambitious strategies are needed to avoid dangerous climate tipping points, more irreversible damage, and devastating human harm. Not only do we focus on the strategies, tactics, and geographies where our grantees can have the greatest impact and accelerate a just transition to clean energy— we take calculated risks based on emerging evidence to advance solutions at speed and scale.

Learning. Collective learning guides our work. Together, Sequoia’s grantees and partners build the capacity to design, assess, and invest in science-based climate change solutions with the highest probability of significant near-term impact. Our commitment to evidence and learning unleashes the power of science, data, and evidence-based decision making to accelerate climate change mitigation.

Global Action. We know that climate change isn’t just an environmental issue, and its impacts are experienced by individuals and communities worldwide. Our grantees, partners, and team of experts are located around the globe and are collectively working to transform markets, identify evidence-based solutions aimed at reducing emissions, and advance policies that accelerate a just transition to clean energy. 

Collaboration. We recognize and appreciate that our grantees and partners are closer to their focus areas than we are, and we respect their expertise. Sequoia is committed to building relationships in a spirit of respect, humility, and learning as we support the work of climate action.

Belonging. We understand the disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis on underserved communities, communities of color, and at-risk global populations in this and future generations. That is why people are at the center of everything we do. Where we work and how we work matters. We recognize that everyone has a role in the fight against climate change and we strive to create a sense of belonging for the unique voices, perspectives, and experiences of those involved in the most important fight of our time. 

Our History

Sequoia Climate Foundation is a private foundation based in Irvine, California.

We were founded in 2020 as it became clear that the scope, pace, and complexity of the climate crisis required a targeted philanthropic response. Our grantmaking leverages climate science to accelerate the energy transition across geographies and sectors. Those who are most vulnerable are already being affected by climate change, and those with no voice — including future generations — demand that we act with speed and at scale.

Sequoia and its grantmaking operations are committed to bolstering the urgent work of the Foundation’s grantees first and foremost. Together with our grantees and partners, we hope to build a world powered by clean energy, where all people are protected by policies that have averted the worst effects of climate change.