Environmental Funders Network

The Environmental Funders Network (EFN) is a UK-based nonprofit organization established to enhance environmental philanthropy. Registered as a charity with the number 1181318, EFN connects various trusts, foundations, family offices, and individual donors who share a common goal of supporting environmental causes[1][3][5].

Mission and Activities

EFN's primary mission is to increase financial support for environmental initiatives and improve the effectiveness of environmental philanthropy. To achieve this, the organization focuses on several key activities:

• Relationship Building: EFN enables networking between its members and effective environmental organizations. This facilitates collaborations and information exchange, allowing funders to make more informed decisions[1][5].
• Intelligence Sharing: Through publications, events, and monthly newsletters, EFN aggregates and disseminates collective knowledge among its members. This helps funders stay updated on key environmental issues and best practices in funding[1][4][5].
• Research: EFN conducts analyses of the funding landscape to guide funders in making more strategic and impactful grants. This research helps identify areas where funding is most needed and how it can be more effective[1][5].

Rapid Response Fund

EFN also coordinates a Rapid Response Fund, which allows environmental organizations to quickly respond to unexpected environmental crises or opportunities. This fund enables timely and flexible support, ensuring that organizations can effectively address emerging challenges[1].

Membership and Funding

Membership in EFN is open to funding organizations interested in strategic environmental grant-making. Participants pay a membership fee based on a sliding scale related to their annual environmental grants. By joining, members gain access to exclusive events and insights that help them optimize their environmental philanthropy efforts[1][4].

Impact and Geographic Focus

EFN works primarily within the United Kingdom and its overseas territories. The organization aims to support projects that alleviate the impacts of environmental challenges on health, well-being, economic prosperity, and vulnerable groups. Despite the relatively low level of funding for environmental causes from UK foundations and public donations, EFN strives to enhance the effectiveness and scope of environmental funding[4][5].

History

Established in 2003, EFN has grown to include over 200 trusts, foundations, and individual donors since its inception. By fostering a collaborative and informed funding community, EFN seeks to transform environmental philanthropy in the UK and beyond[1][5].

[1] https://www.funderscollaborativehub.org.uk/collaborations/environmental-funders-network [2] https://www.greenfunders.org [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=1181318&subId=0 [4] https://www.environmentalgrants.org/the-environmental-funders-network/ [5] https://www.synchronicityearth.org/partner/environmental-funders-network-efn/