Top Philanthropy Advisors Recommend the Hub for Effective Giving

Bottom Line Impact

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 cited 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 charity evaluator Giving Green. We’ve also been recommended by Coefficient Giving (formerly Open Philanthropy) for our work on growth in lower-income countries.

Why It Matters

We include this among our influence stories because it indicates 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) We Did

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?”

Big Win: Influential Outside Actors Recognize the Value of the Hub’s Evidence and Policy Impact

We’re of course elated to be included on these lists. We’re especially pleased they spotlight 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. These recognitions suggest that our message is breaking through.
Policy change is messy but — when done well — very high-leverage. It’s not easy to explain how policy-focused organizations like the Hub contribute to tangible change. We have our own method to show influence and impact on policy, and our own way of getting things done in Washington DC. Our inclusion on these lists helps make the case that investing in a range of organizations with different skills, strengths, and networks is how to make progress against wicked global problems.

Journalists and philanthropic advisors are using our approach to shape 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 charity evaluator Giving Green. Coefficient Giving (formerly Open Philanthropy) also recommends the Hub. This provides powerful credibility signals to donors trying to identify less-well-known, high-impact organizations where their giving can make a big difference. We’re glad they found us and are telling others.