Giving & Impact

We fund people and organizations advancing bold action that empowers communities while accelerating progress toward a thriving planet and society.

Together, these efforts help climate solutions and communities flourish.

Through investments in policy advocacy, talent, communications, and strategic initiatives, Three Cairns Group advances clean, affordable energy, durable emissions reductions, healthier and more resilient communities, and shared wellbeing. Recognizing that ambitious change requires collaboration and flexibility, we take a nimble, open-minded approach to our work.

healthy climate

We employ a multifaceted, people-centric approach to mitigating climate change.

We recognize that policy, talent development, advocacy, and strategic investments in targeted sectors are key levers to accelerate climate action.

Policy & Advocacy

Climate mitigation is a central focus of our giving. Understanding the scale of change needed to address the climate crisis, we support key partners at the national, state, and local levels that advance durable climate policy, clean energy deployment, and talent development. Focused on high-impact opportunities with significant potential for emissions reductions, these partners help strengthen communities and advance equitable, evidencebased climate solutions with lasting impact.

Who we support

Environmental Defense Fund
Connected Grid Initiative
Environmental Advocates NY
Natural Areas Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy
WE ACT for Environmental Justice

Talent & Leadership

People are at the heart of climate action and will be the engine that drives climate solutions forward. We invest in programs that develop leaders, support innovators, and expand pathways into climate-focused careers. We also partner with leading research universities, recognizing their unique ability to advance interdisciplinary climate solutions through research, policy development, innovation, communications, and talent development. By strengthening the talent pipeline across industries, geographies, and sectors, and equipping changemakers with the knowledge, networks, and resources they need to succeed, we help build the leadership capacity needed to accelerate climate action and deliver lasting impact.

Who we support

Yale School of the Environment’s Three Cairns Climate Program for the Global South
Activate
Columbia Business School’s Climate Change and Business Program
Jackson School Climate Fellows for the Global South
Natural Areas Conservancy CUNY Internship

Communications & Public Engagement

Public attitudes on climate and effective communications drive momentum for progress. We support organizations that make complex climate, policy, and public decision-making issues more accessible, helping people engage with important issues, strengthening accountability, and countering misinformation.

Who we support

Climate Central
NY Focus
The City
Yale Program on Climate Change Communication

Place-Based Stewardship

Strong communities depend on healthy environments and local institutions. In line with our people-centric approach to climate action, we support organizations rooted in place, particularly in New York City, the Adirondacks, and Rhode Island, that strengthen environmental stewardship, community well-being, and local institutions.

Who we support

Adirondack Land Trust
Central Park Conservancy
Community-based resilience and conservation initiatives

Thriving Communities

Beyond our core mission, Three Cairns Group supports a select group of initiatives designed to build a brighter and more inclusive future.

We recognize that civic participation, effective systems of care, and strong cultural institutions are essential to community well-being, resilience, and shared prosperity.

Democracy & Civic Resilience

Healthy democratic institutions underpin progress on climate and many other important issues. We fund nonpartisan organizations that strengthen civic participation, protect democratic institutions, and improve the information environment through civic engagement, public education, strategic communications, and digital media.

Who we support

America Votes
Center for American Progress
Parents Together
States United Democracy Center
Work Money

Mental Health & Care Systems

Strong communities depend on accessible, effective systems of care. We invest in select efforts that strengthen mental health services and improve care for people with serious mental illness, particularly where gaps in coordination create significant human and societal costs. Our support emphasizes collaboration, evaluation, and scalable models that can strengthen public systems over time.

Who we support

Allied Care Coordination Initiative
Fountain House
Inseparable
Lenny Learning (formerly Brain Health Bootcamp)

Arts, Culture, & Community

Arts and cultural institutions help people connect, learn, and engage in civic life. We support organizations that expand access to culture, strengthen local media, and foster community, dialogue, and belonging.