Our action on climate change

Acting on climate change is one of our strategic priorities. We know that climate justice and social justice are linked, with the most vulnerable people in society also most affected by climate change. By embedding climate action across our work, we can make a difference through our own operations, as well as the community organisations we fund. 

By taking steps to reduce our own carbon footprint, and educating and supporting our partners to reduce theirs, we’re helping to make Leeds, and the world, more environmentally and socially just. 

In October 2023, we signed the Funder Commitment on Climate Change and pledged to act across six key areas. Here, we share our progress.  

  

Commitment 1: to educate and learn

“We will make opportunities for our trustees, staff, and stakeholders to learn more about the key causes and solutions of climate change.”

Actions Taken: 

• • • All staff and a trustee completed Climate Literacy training in July 2024; 17 accredited in Carbon Literacy.
      Follow-up session in July 2025 to revisit pledges. 

• • • Hosted a group of visitors from German Community Foundations in October 2024 via the European Community Foundation Initiative. 

• • • Publicly shared outcomes and learning, e.g. Thousands of Leeds residents take part in climate-friendly activities | Leeds Community Foundation 

  

Commitment 2: to commit resources 

“We will commit resources to accelerate work that addresses the causes and impacts of climate change.”

Actions Taken: 

• • • Since 2023 41 micro/small grants totalling £132,000 made via Climate Action Community Grants (part of Climate Action Leeds programme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund) to enable local grassroots action. 

• • • Commissioned an expert to support climate action planning and investment policy review. 

• • • Internal climate action working group formed. 

  

Commitment 3: to integrate 

“Within all our existing programmes, priorities and processes, we will seek opportunities to contribute to a fair and lasting transition to a post carbon society, and to support adaptation to climate change impacts.” 

Actions Taken: 

• • • Our 2024–2029 strategy includes climate action as a strategic priority. 

• • • Environmental Policy reviewed annually.  

  

Commitment 4: to steward our investments for a post-carbon future 

“We will proactively address the risks and opportunities of a transition to a post carbon economy in our investment strategy and its implementation.” 

Actions Taken: 

• • • Revised Investment Policy in early 2025, with targets for: 

• • • Net zero by 2045 (latest) 

• • • Interim goal: 45% emissions reduction by 2030 (2019 baseline) 

• • • 10% revenue screen on fossil fuels 

• • • Active voting and quarterly reporting by investment managers. 

  

Commitment 5: to decarbonise our operations 

“We will take ambitious action to minimise the carbon footprint of our own operations.”  

 Actions Taken: 

• • • Moved to energy-efficient and highly sustainable Arup-hosted office (Jan 2025). 

• • • Net zero target for operations/staff travel by 2040. 

• • • Interim goal on operations/travel: 40% reduction by 2030 (2024 baseline). 

  

Commitment 6: to report on progress 

“We will report annually on our progress against the five goals listed above.” 

Actions Taken: 

• • • Funder Commitment progress reports have been produced annually since 2024. 

• • • Sharing publicly our actions (and future learning).