ACF Leaders Forum 2024: A Catalyst for Climate Action in the Charitable Sector
The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) Leaders Forum 2024 proved to be an inspiring and thought-provoking event, bringing together leaders from across the charitable foundation sector to address one of the most pressing issues of our time: the climate and nature emergency.
As Head of Growth at Submit.com and a proud sponsor of the event, I was thrilled to be part of this gathering of passionate individuals working towards positive change. The forum provided an excellent platform for discussing innovative approaches to tackling climate challenges and exploring how funders can make a meaningful impact.
Key Takeaways
Reframing the Climate Conversation
One of the most striking insights from the forum was the importance of reframing climate issues to engage a broader audience. Speakers emphasised the need to connect climate action with everyday concerns and diverse faith teachings, making the topic more relatable and actionable for various communities.
Collaboration and Flexibility
A recurring theme throughout the event was the need for greater collaboration within the sector.
Attendees were encouraged to:
- Be less territorial and work together more effectively
- Embrace flexibility and move away from rigid funding structures
- Have a greater appetite for risk, accepting that some initiatives may not succeed
Linking Climate to All Missions
A crucial message that resonated throughout the forum was that climate change affects every aspect of our lives. As such, all charitable missions, regardless of their primary focus, can and should incorporate climate-positive actions.
Challenges and Solutions
The forum also addressed key challenges faced by organisations in integrating climate action into their work.
These included:
- Lack of expertise
- Complexity of climate issues
- Limited financial resources
- Misalignment with existing mandates
- Siloed funding structures
To overcome these obstacles, participants explored creative solutions centred around collaboration, community engagement, and identifying co-benefits of climate action.
Submit.com’s Role
At Submit.com, we were honoured to showcase how our grant management software can support foundations in streamlining their processes and amplifying their impact. Our platform is designed to help organisations adapt to evolving needs, making it easier to incorporate climate considerations into grant-making processes.
Looking Ahead
The ACF Leaders Forum 2024 has undoubtedly set the stage for increased climate action within the charitable sector. As we move forward, it’s clear that foundations have a crucial role to play in addressing the climate crisis, regardless of their primary mission.
At Submit.com, we’re committed to supporting this vital work by providing flexible, efficient tools that enable foundations to focus on what matters most – creating positive change for our planet and communities.
The conversations and connections made at the forum will undoubtedly fuel ongoing collaboration and innovation in the sector. Together, we can turn the inspiring words from the event into tangible actions that make a real difference in the fight against climate change.
As we reflect on the inspiring discussions and collaborative spirit of the ACF Leaders Forum 2024, I invite all charitable foundations to explore how Submit.com can enhance your grant management processes. Our platform is designed to help you streamline operations, embrace flexibility, and ultimately amplify your impact in addressing climate change and other critical issues.
If you’re interested in seeing firsthand how our solutions can support your mission, I encourage you to schedule an intro call or demo with us. Together, we can turn insights into action and create a lasting positive change for our communities and the planet. Let’s continue the conversation and work towards a more sustainable future!
