Role of Enlight Foundation in the Funding Ecosystem
Enlight Foundation operates as a trust-based philanthropy organization that invests in young people as drivers of systemic change. Founded in 2004, the foundation has evolved to focus on three strategic pillars: youth mental wellbeing, youth-driven climate change solutions, and next-generation social change makers. The foundation provides flexible, multi-year grants as catalytic capital to support pilots, research, and scale proven solutions.
Grant Programs and Focus Areas
The foundation's grantmaking encompasses several key areas:
- Next-Gen Social Changemakers: Supporting organizations that foster youth leadership and social innovation, including partners like ChangemakerXchange, The Flight School, Watson Institute, and Teach For All.
- Youth-Driven Climate Solutions: Funding climate organizations led by young people, with the landmark $25 million Emerging Climate Champions Award offering $1 million grants to 25 youth-led climate organizations globally.
- Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing: Supporting initiatives that address youth anxiety and depression, including participation in ICONIQ Impact's Youth Mental Wellbeing Co-Lab targeting $200 million for youth mental health.
Collaborative Philanthropy Approach
Enlight Foundation actively collaborates with like-minded funders for greater collective impact. Notable partnerships include ICONIQ Ocean Co-Lab ($57 million collaborative fund for ocean conservation) and the Emerging Climate Champions Award run in partnership with The Patchwork Collective and Lever for Change.
