Margaret thanks everyone who has helped along the way as she hands over the reins.

During these stormy political times, it can be easy to lose sight of long-term power and institution building. That's why I'm so glad to share that Climate Emergency Fund was recently profiled in the Stanford Social Innovation Review. The article, Building a Climate-Activist Ecosystem, is a chance to take stock of what this unique institution has contributed to the climate movement — and why building philanthropic support for disruptive, grassroots activism matters now more than ever.

The results speak for themselves. As SSIR notes, our grantees have achieved significant policy wins: their campaigns helped push through the Inflation Reduction Act, prompted Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport to ban private jets, and secured Just Stop Oil's core demand — no new oil licenses in the North Sea.

Together, we have backed more than 150 organizations, trained over 100,000 activists, and generated extraordinary attention to the climate crisis. None of it would have been possible without you. What you've helped build isn't just a grant-making organization — it's a genuine infrastructure for the disruptive, nonviolent climate movement the moment demands.

And we're just getting started. In 2026, the Climate Resistance Incubator — led by some of the most respected movement strategists in the world — will begin launching the next generation of climate campaigns. 

As I prepare to transition out of the Executive Director role later this week and become Board Chair, handing the reins to the brilliant Philip Eubanks, this article feels like a perfect moment to say thank you to everyone who has helped us along the way. Five years ago, Climate Emergency Fund was a bold, uncertain bet. Today it's an institution playing a critical role in the movement infrastructure. That's because of you.Thank you for your support. 

I hope you'll read the piece, share it widely, and continue standing with Climate Emergency Fund as we enter this next chapter together.

Onward!

Margaret Klein Salamon, PhD 

Executive Director, Climate Emergency Fund