Bridging the Climate Funding Gap: Connecting Funders, Founders, and Frontlines
Despite the explosion of climate innovation, a vast disconnect remains between those designing solutions and those financing them. At recent COPs and global gatherings, early-stage and youth-led climate ventures — particularly from the Global South — struggle to access capital, networks, or even a seat at the table. Funders talk to funders, startups pitch to startups, and the people most affected by climate change are too often left out of the conversation altogether.
This session breaks the silos. It brings together funders, early-stage innovators, and community stewards to reimagine how climate capital flows — not as a top-down pipeline but as a network of shared purpose and partnership. We’ll explore new matchmaking models, from philanthropy networks to direct funder-founder dialogues, and spotlight Indigenous and community-led stewardship initiatives seeking fair access to resources.
Speakers
Alhassan Omar — Climate advocate and consultant connecting Global South innovators with climate capital, drawing on a decade of advisory work across energy transitions and digital transformation.
Marcelo Cwerner — Finance and impact specialist leading the Amana Project, with a background spanning financial markets, innovative finance, and Amazon-focused venture building.
Sheela Bowler — Equity-driven social entrepreneur with 15+ years advancing global child rights, building alliances, and strengthening youth-led and community-rooted movements.
What to Expect
Expose the funding disconnect – Unpack why early-stage and Global South innovators remain excluded from mainstream climate finance.
Meet the frontlines – Hear from community and Indigenous leaders protecting biodiversity and managing stewardship programs in the Amazon and beyond.
Matchmaking for impact – Participate in a dialogue-inspired “philanthropy matchmaking” exercise that connects funders with emerging climate projects and ventures.
Rebalance power dynamics – Explore what funders can learn from youth-led, locally driven solutions — and how to design accessible, inclusive funding mechanisms.
Build bridges – Map opportunities for collaboration across funder networks, accelerators, and grassroots innovators.
Why Join?
Reimagine how climate capital can reach those closest to the challenge.
Build real relationships between funders and founders, beyond formal pitch structures.
Learn what inclusive climate finance looks like from the perspective of Global South innovators.
Contribute to a growing ecosystem of funders committed to equity, transparency, and trust.
Who Should Attend?
Funders, philanthropists, and investors seeking equitable, high-impact climate partnerships.
Early-stage climate founders and youth-led ventures looking to connect with mission-aligned funders.
Indigenous and community leaders advancing local conservation and stewardship.
Intermediaries and ecosystem builders designing bridges between innovation and finance.