Funder Commitment on Climate Change

The Commitment: UK charitable foundations provide more than £4bn of funding every year to good causes, ranging from medical research to the relief of poverty.

As a signatory to the commitment, we at the Bishop Radford Trust recognise that the growing climate emergency is a serious risk to the pursuit of our charitable aims. All foundations, whatever our charitable mission and field of expertise, can play a part in addressing the causes of climate change and supporting adaptation to its effects.

The necessary changes to reduce emissions can involve significant costs. Funders can help to bring about these changes, to ensure that everyone has access to opportunities arising from the transition to a low carbon economy, and to ensure that the costs are not disproportionately borne by those who are least able to pay.

The charitable foundations that sign the Funder Commitment to Climate Change (FCCC) sign up to six actions: 

• Make time to educate and learn about the issues.
• Commit resources to address the impact of climate change. 
• Integrate climate action into our processes. 
• Recognise climate action in our investment stewardship. 
• Decarbonise our operations. 
• Report back on progress.