The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with support from Amazon, has launched the Climate Gender Equality Fund (CGEF, or the Fund) – a public-private partnership designed to mobilize funds to scale up climate finance that promotes gender-equal action on climate. The CGEF will improve access to climate finance for gender-sensitive, women-led, and nonprofit organizations that are working to address climate change. The CGEF is one of the first major activities of USAID’s Climate Finance for Development Accelerator (CFDA), a $250 million initiative designed to mobilize $2.5 billion in public and private climate investments by 2030 to finance a range of climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions. to scale the transition to a clean and resilient economy.
Launched with an initial commitment of $6 million between USAID and Amazon, CGEF seeks to mobilize at least $60 million in capital from corporations, foundations, bi/multilateral organizations, and other funds. CGEF will reach out to women climate leaders in emerging global markets where USAID operates (see additional details below). In addition, through the Women’s Climate Fund initiative, Amazon has separately committed to investing $50 million in leading, established climate technology companies that will enable Amazon to achieve its net-carbon goals.
The CGEF will increase access to finance for investment vehicles, businesses, and community organizations that develop and scale women-led and beneficial climate solutions.
Supports the development and scaling of climate change mitigation and adaptation businesses and solutions by directly financing climate-smart businesses and investment vehicles led by women and benefiting women through grants of at least ~$100,000 USD or more.
Supports intermediaries that facilitate financing for businesses and organizations at the intersection of gender and climate, such as incubators, accelerators, business service providers, associations, and other organizations working to transform climate finance into a gender-sensitive sector.
Stimulate thought leadership and advocacy to identify and remove systemic market barriers for women accessing climate finance, working through community-based organizations.
CGEF is seeking partners committed to catalyzing gender equity in climate finance to join us through the following:
Advisory Board: Active role in strategic direction, branding, and funding of sponsorship opportunities – suggested commitment of $3 million over a 3-year period.
Partnership Board: Support role, participation, and co-branding opportunities – contributions based on annual revenue or equivalent. Suggested annual donations over a 3-year period include: $250,000 for companies with revenue of $1 billion or more; or $100,000 for companies with sales of less than $1 billion.
To join us, please get in touch:
1. cohart@usaid.gov
2. More info: CGEF: www.climatelinks.org/climate-gender-equity-fund
3. CFDA: www.climatelinks.org/projects/CFD
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