Influence Summary: For the third year in a row, the Energy for Growth Hub made Vox’s list of “the most high-impact, cost-effective, and evidence-based organizations” working to fight climate change. The list spotlights organizations doing “especially promising” work where progress is possible right now and smaller donors can make a big difference. The Hub was also listed by The Washington Post as an example of how to make small donations with a big climate impact. Both lists draw on research from Founders Pledge, which helps guide entrepreneurs’ charitable giving and climate charity evaluator Giving Green. Vox reporters call us “a leader in the clean energy space” and highlight our goal to end energy poverty.

We include the lists among our top influence stories because they indicate that journalists and donors are using our work to influence their peers to support small-but-mighty organizations like ours. It’s also a sign that our niche approach of using targeted research, data, and advocacy to influence climate and energy policies is gaining new audiences, even — or especially! — in a bitterly partisan environment.

What They Say

Vox reporters Sigal Samuel, Rachel DuRose, Sam Delgado, and Sara Herschander say:

“Want to fight climate change effectively? Here’s where to donate your money.”

Read the full article.

And Michael Coren in The Washington Post asks:

“If you want to donate to organizations that help the planet, how can you get the most out of every climate dollar? You could support concrete actions, like planting trees, with established though somewhat limited benefits. But is there a better way to maximize impact far into the future?”

Why It Matters (and Why We Consider it Influence)

We’re, of course, elated that our work is mentioned among the most “high-impact, cost effective, evidence-based organizations” where donors’ money is likely to have “an exceptionally positive impact.” We’re especially pleased the list spotlights things we care deeply about: evidence over ideology, useful insights for policymakers and investors, and pragmatic new ideas for big impact. And we’re honored to be included alongside allies like the Clean Air Task Force and Project InnerSpace.

What matters even more:

• New audiences are making the case that good climate and development outcomes require ending energy poverty. Climate justice is not just about everyone doing their fair share to reduce emissions. It’s also about every person on the planet having the abundant energy they need to thrive. This can be a tough sell, but the recognition by Vox, The Washington Post, Giving Green, and Founders Pledge all hint that we’re starting to break through.

• Policy change is messy but, when done well, is high-leverage. It’s not always easy to explain how nonpartisan think tanks like the Hub contribute to tangible change in the world. We have our own method to show influence and impact on policy and our own way of getting things done in Washington DC. These lists help make the case that investing in a range of organizations with different skills and strengths (research, advocacy, new technology, and more) is how to make progress against wicked global problems.

• Journalists and philanthropy advisors are using our approach to shape other donors’ decisions about what to fund and why. Vox and The Washington Post were informed by extensive research from Founders Pledge, which helps guide entrepreneurs’ charitable giving, and from the charity evaluator Giving Green. We’ve also been recommended by Coefficient Giving (formerly Open Philanthropy) which is a credibility signal to donors wanting to support economic growth in poorer countries. These organizations all help donors (especially individuals and newer philanthropic organizations) identify less-well-known, high-impact organizations where their giving can make a big difference.

Bottom line influence → Our work is shaping a conversation in the media and among influential philanthropy about what to fund and why if you care about global progress on climate change or global poverty.

Learn more about our approach and read our influence and impact stories. 

Related Insights:

• Showing Policy Impact Isn’t Straightforward. Here’s Our Method to the Messiness.
• The Hub Began With A Fridge
• How to Get Sh*t Done in Washington DC
• Our Modern Energy Minimum Metric is Directing Billions in New Energy Financing and Raising Global Energy Ambitions
• Rose Mutiso Reshapes Energy Inequality Solutions with African Perspectives
• New US Development Finance Corporation Created By Congress, Boost to Global Infrastructure Investment