Power dynamics in environmental funding: Reflections from the Environmental Funders Network funder/fundraiser conference

I was honoured to be asked to chair a roundtable discussion at the annual Environmental Funders Network funder and fundraiser conference this year. It was a privilege to be part of this important event, and to hear diverse voices from environmental funders and fundraisers working towards a shared vision: a world where humans and "more than humans" co-exist in a sustainable, nurturing relationship.

For the roundtable I chose to explore a topic I felt we needed to talk about more openly: funder power dynamics in the climate and nature space.

The balance of power between funders and fundraisers has long been a tension in our sector – and it becomes even more visible when decisions are made without the insight of people who are directly affected by the issues the funding is meant to address. At the same time, we’re seeing a growing recognition that environmental work is rooted in people, culture, access, justice and place.

So as environmental organisations strive to work more equitably with the people most impacted by the climate and nature emergency, a key question emerges: should funders themselves be more representative of the communities they aim to serve, and step back to give power to these communities?

In preparing for the session, I came across some inspiring examples of environmental grantmakers experimenting with participatory approaches, putting nature and communities at the heart of their decision making. But these models are still the exception rather than the norm. So what can funders and fundraisers do to move towards more equitable funding models in the environmental sector, while retaining efficiency and rigour?

During the conference, several themes surfaced again and again:

🌿 The vital importance of an ecosystems approach, where private, nonprofit and grassroots partners work in transparent, equal dialogue.

🌿 The need to dismantle existing power structures, with funding "gatekeepers" stepping back and giving decision-making power to those on the front line of the climate and biodiversity crisis.

🌿 Recognition of deep intersectionality within our work - climate, nature, health, food security and culture are all deeply intertwined.

🌿 Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the heart of every solution. Our beautiful, bountiful planet is for everyone - so everyone must be involved in caring for it.

None of this is new, and the conference showcased brilliant examples of fund-holders, experts, policymakers and front-line communities working together to develop, fund and implement sustainable solutions to global climate challenges. But it’s also not easy. It demands bold risk-taking, deep humility, patience, radical open-mindedness and a careful balance of conflicting priorities and viewpoints.

Conferences like this naturally attract allies, and risk preaching to the choir if we don’t step out and proactively bring in those who aren’t yet part of the conversation. The real test comes now: taking what we’ve learned, stepping out, and shifting from good intentions to grounded, practical action.

I left feeling hopeful - not because the challenges are any smaller, but because the willingness to meet them together feels stronger than ever. If we can hold onto that spirit of collaboration and courage, there’s real potential for meaningful change.

Laura Perratt, Consultant, Prospect & Pitch