The Climate Funders’ Collaborative (Baja, Imperial and San Diego Region) works together to identify new opportunities and areas of alignment to strengthen connections to support frontline communities impacted by climate change and uplift locally driven solutions that build climate resilience. 

So far in 2024, the group convened three in-person, network-wide learning gatherings, with a fourth scheduled for November 13-14 in the Imperial Valley. Each gathering has proved to be a cornerstone of powerful learning, relationship building, and vital conversations. 

These included the following: 

• Meeting in January at the San Diego Foundation to strategize for the year ahead. 
• Meeting in June at the Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve in Mission Bay to learn about coastal resilience (check out The Funders Network post for highlights).
• Meeting in September in Sherman Heights, San Diego to explore solar and decarbonization strategies (check out Catalyst’s post and the Sherman Heights Community Center post for highlights).

Fostering Connection

CFC gatherings have been marked by a spirit of collaboration. Each session brought together diverse stakeholders, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives and expertise. These interactions have not only strengthened our network but have also fostered a sense of community among participants who share a common goal: improving climate resilience in our region.

Insights and Innovations

The discussions held during our gatherings have led to profound insights. Participants have shared innovative strategies and best practices, highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing climate challenges. From exploring sustainable funding models to sharing successful case studies, the learning that has emerged is invaluable.

Funder Alignment

One of the critical themes we’ve focused on is funder alignment. The group initiated a planning process to both identify opportunities for funding alignment and collaboration, in addition to a larger planning process to develop a strategic action plan. In addition to these larger network gatherings, the CFC steering committee met quarterly, which now consists of 10 funders.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for our fourth gathering in Imperial Valley on November 13th and 14th, we’re excited to build on the momentum we’ve created, diving deeper into this region. 

Over the course of the year,  the CFC has achieved remarkable strides in learning and relationship building. The commitment and enthusiasm of funders active in this group are a testament to the power of collaboration in tackling climate challenges. We look forward to continuing this journey together, united in our commitment to create a more resilient future for our region. 

The Climate Funders’ Collaborative was established in 2022 by Smart Growth California and Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties, and both provide ongoing support for this growing network in partnership with CFC co-chairs, Christiana DeBenedict from The San Diego Foundation and Juliet Flores from The California Endowment. The CFC steering committee meets quarterly and also hosts quarterly learning gatherings for its larger network of funders in the region.  

If you currently fund, or are considering funding in the Imperial, Baja and/or San Diego Region and would like to be added to the CFC funder list, please contact Ron Milam.