Laughing Gull Foundation Announces $2 Million in Funding for Climate and Environmental Justice Organizations in the U.S. South
Grants strengthen community-led power building, advocacy, and sustainable solutions amid growing climate and environmental justice challenges.
Durham, NC – The Laughing Gull Foundation (LGF) is proud to announce the approval of $1,956,500 in grants awarded to 26 Climate & Environment organizations in the U.S. South. As communities across the region experience the mounting toll of climate disasters, polluted air and water, and economic inequalities, these grants will help Southern leaders advance transformative solutions at the intersections of climate sustainability with justice, equity, and resilience.
“This year has underscored what we’ve known a long time in the South: climate change is not a distant threat. It’s here, now. Historic floods, intensifying hurricanes, and heat waves are colliding with long-standing issues like poverty, housing insecurity, and health disparities. At LGF, we believe climate justice is intrinsically linked to racial and economic justice. We will remain committed to resourcing the people on the frontlines who are shaping a livable, equitable future for all of us.”
– Dr. LaTonya Penny, LGF Chief Executive
Now in its fifth year of Climate and Environment grantmaking, LGF continues to advance its mission to share resources to transform systems, institutions, and relationships for the benefit of people and the planet. LGF’s climate and environment portfolio prioritizes BIPOC-led organizations and groups that center those most impacted by unjust policies, lack of protections, and environmental harm.
Across the South, organizers and advocates are leading powerful efforts to secure clean water, conserve land, shift to renewable energy, and demand accountability from polluting industries and policymakers. LGF grantee partners’ work is especially urgent in 2025, as federal climate investments that were promised to communities were clawed back and many states in the region navigate rollback efforts on environmental protections.
“Communities across the South are refusing to be defined by crisis. Our grantee partners are navigating new barriers but are no strangers to the fight. From protecting Black-owned land to fighting toxic air and industrial pollution, Southern movements remind us that environmental justice groups have been on the frontlines demanding dignity, safety, and self-determination for decades. Our role as a funder is to listen, trust, and sustain their important leadership for the long haul.”
– Cynthia Renfro, LGF Senior Portfolio and Partnerships Director
In addition to providing multi-year, general operating support, LGF partners with other funders and philanthropic networks to align and mobilize resources in ways that amplify Southern voices and advance lasting, equitable progress.
LGF’s Board of Directors awarded Climate & Environment grants to the following organizations in 2025:
*Alliance for Affordable Energy – New Orleans, LA
Appalachian Voices – Boone, NC
Black Family Land Trust – Raleigh, NC
Center for Heirs Property Preservation – Charleston, SC
City Dibbs – Baltimore, MD
Climate Advocacy Lab – Washington, DC
Community Climate Collaborative – Charlottesville, VA
Federation of Southern Cooperatives – East Point, GA
Georgia Conservation Voters Education Fund – Atlanta, GA
*Golden Girlz – Durham, NC
Land Loss Prevention Project – Durham, NC
Louisiana Bucket Brigade – Baton Rouge, LA
Neighborhood Funders Group Amplify Fund – Oakland, CA
North Carolina Climate Justice Collective – Durham NC
North Carolina Environmental Justice Network – Raleigh, NC
Partnership for Southern Equity – Atlanta, GA
Power Coalition for Equity & Justice – New Orleans, LA
The Roanoke Center (TRC) – Rich Square, NC
Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help – Warsaw, NC
Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE) – Washington, DC
*7 Directions of Service – Mebane, NC
Southeast Climate and Energy Network – Sunrise, FL
SOWEGA Rising Coalition – Albany, GA
Taproot Earth/Gulf South to Appalachia – New Orleans, LA
The Vessel Project – Lake Charles, LA
Virginia Organizing – Charlottesville, VA
* denotes new grantees
For more information on LGF’s Climate & Environment strategies, approaches, priorities, and impact, please click below.
