In the heart of the Caribbean, where the turquoise waters kiss sun-soaked shores, a quiet yet powerful revolution is taking shape. It is not one of steel and smoke, but of seeds and soil, of mentorship and movement of philanthropy, weaving resilience into the very fabric of Caribbean life. As climate change intensifies, carving scars of hurricanes and droughts across the region, a new force has emerged: climate-focused philanthropy, an engine of hope that is not only filling funding gaps but reimagining sustainability from the ground up.
At the helm of this movement is the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance (CPA), a dynamic network bridging global donors, local regional changemakers, and grassroots organizations. Under its umbrella, transformative projects like CLASP (Climate Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships), WoMIND mentorship, and the BeYond Entrepreneurship Training for Women are reshaping the region’s future. This is the story of how Caribbean philanthropy is mobilizing funds, planting resilience, and empowering the people who live on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
Philanthropy as a Lifeline
In early July, Hurricane Beryl tore through the Caribbean, leaving thousands displaced and entire communities in disarray. For Marcia Williams, a 47-year-old resident of St. Vincent, the storm was more than just a natural disaster, it was a breaking point.
“I didn’t have the money to leave,” she tells me, eyes weary from the ordeal. “The shelters were too far, and the roads were gone before I could even try. We were trapped, praying the roof wouldn’t go.”
Marcia’s story is not unique. Across the Caribbean, extreme weather events have magnified existing inequalities, and too often, those with the least resources bear the brunt of the devastation. This is where CLASP steps in. Launched by the CPA, CLASP unites diverse funders to invest in urgent climate resilience efforts, from disaster relief to long-term recovery programs. Professor Rosalea Hamilton, Chair of the CPA and CEO, Lasco Chin Foundation explains:
“Philanthropy can drive lasting change by supporting education, technological development and economic empowerment to build the capacity of Caribbean communities for long-term sustainable development and climate resilience.”
The Caribbean Tree Planting Project & Trees That Feed
If there is one thing more powerful than a hurricane, it is a tree. With each root that anchors into the earth, trees prevent soil erosion, capture carbon, and provide sustenance. The Caribbean Tree Planting Project (CTPP) is part of the region’s bold response to climate change, aiming to plant one million trees across at least ten Caribbean nations.
“This isn’t just about trees, it’s about climate justice,” says Anthea McLaughlin, CEO of CPA. “Every tree planted is an act of resistance, a step towards a future where Caribbean communities have control over their environmental and food security.”
One of CPA’s key partners in this endeavor is Trees That Feed Foundation (TTFF), which has already donated over 350,000 fruit trees, providing more than one million meals to schoolchildren and small farmers. TTFF co-founder Mary McLaughlin highlights the long-term vision:
“Trees That Feed Foundation began with my desire to help the environment. My husband, Mike, and I chose to plant food bearing trees to triple our impact. As we work toward a healthier planet, we also increase food production and economic activity.”TTFF addresses four key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Climate Action, Zero Hunger, Poverty Reduction, and Quality Education. It’s a holistic approach, one that intertwines environmental restoration with economic empowerment.
Women at the forefront, investing in climate leadership
Women are the backbone of Caribbean resilience. From managing household resources to leading environmental movements, their roles in climate action are undeniable. Yet, they remain significantly underfunded. The WOMIND Mentorship Program and BeYond Entrepreneurship Training for Women, spearheaded by CPA’s Talya Mohammed, are changing that.
“There are many ways to empower Caribbean women to become leaders in climate resilience and adaptation” Talya emphasizes, but it starts with the most challenging- changes in behaviours to simply acknowledge women have unique points of views, show tenacity and add value on innovative solutions to building resilience.”
Through tailored training, WoMIND equips women with skills in financial literacy, sustainable business practices, and advocacy. It also connects them to funding opportunities, ensuring that female-led climate initiatives get the recognition and resources they deserve.The impact is already visible. Take Kimea Chastanet, a student at the University of the West Indies from Saint Lucia. “The WoMIND Programme was highly insightful,” Kimea shares, ” providing a fresh perspective on environmental issues, gender, and the crucial role of women
The case for climate philanthropy
Despite its urgent need, climate-related philanthropy receives a disproportionately small share of global funding, less than 2% of total charitable donations. CLASP is working to change that, rallying donors to fund high-impact, community-driven solutions.
The initiative focuses on six key areas:
- Mobilizing more climate philanthropy to increase the flow of funding into the region.
- Building partnerships between funders, governments, and local NGOs.
- Developing climate data and knowledge resources to inform decision-making.
- Scaling successful projects like Trees That Feed and the Caribbean Tree Planting Project.
- Capacity building to equip organizations with the skills to access global climate funds.
- Advocacy to ensure Caribbean voices are included in global climate finance discussions.
The CPA’s work has already caught international attention. Philanthropic institutions are starting to recognize the strategic importance of investing in the Caribbean, not just for disaster relief but for long-term climate adaptation.“This is the moment for action,” urges Professor Hamilton. “We can’t afford to wait until the next hurricane or drought. We need funding today to build resilience for tomorrow.”
An indigenous future: Respecting traditional knowledge
No conversation about Caribbean climate resilience would be complete without acknowledging the region’s Indigenous communities. Many Caribbean climate solutions, like agroforestry, herbal medicine, and natural disaster preparedness, are rooted in Indigenous knowledge.
“Caribbean philanthropy differs from the conventional model, as it thrives on selfless actions where even those with little come together to support each other. I believe mentorship is key, young Indigenous musicians, archaeologists, doctors, and entrepreneurs need guidance to navigate life’s challenges while preserving ancestral wisdom, making collaboration essential.” – Kalaan Nibonrix Kaiman (Robert Pairman), Kasike of the Yamaye Gunaí Taíno Peoples.
One of CPA’s upcoming initiatives will focus on amplifying Indigenous voices in climate philanthropy, ensuring that funding reaches grassroots initiatives that have preserved biodiversity and safeguarded Caribbean ecosystems for centuries.
The power of collective giving: philanthropy in action
Philanthropy in the Caribbean is more than financial aid, it’s about vision, collaboration, and transformative action. Caribbean Philanthropy in Action Week highlights the power of communities coming together to drive meaningful change across the region.
“Philanthropy isn’t just about money. It is a crucial part of progressing climate justice in the Caribbean, riddled with intersectionalities of economy, social change and climate vulnerabilities.” says Talya Mohammed. “It is needed to reduce our fragility in the Caribbean. Climate Philanthropy commitments can leapfrog us ahead, alleviate bureaucratic barriers and foster relationships to build a better Caribbean.”
From grassroots initiatives to international partnerships, this week showcases how collective efforts are shaping a more sustainable Caribbean. The Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance continues to connect resources, ideas, and action to create lasting impact where it’s needed most.
Building a Caribbean legacy
Philanthropy in the Caribbean is no longer just about aid, it’s about agency. It’s about creating a region where climate resilience is not a privilege, but a right. From the farmers nurturing fruit trees to the women leading sustainable enterprises, from donors mobilizing millions to local activists holding governments accountable, the Caribbean is proving that climate philanthropy is not just necessary, it’s transformative.
“TTFF’s flagship tree, breadfruit, is climate resilient. It will continue to fruit and provide benefits in the future, despite increasingly destructive weather conditions. “ says Mary McLaughlin. Relieving a family’s hunger for today is important, but trees like this can provide healthy food and an income for generations.”
With each tree planted, each woman mentored, and each dollar strategically invested, the Caribbean is charting a new course, one where resilience is rooted in the land, in the hands of its people, and in the collective power of philanthropic action.
The time to act is now. And the Caribbean is ready.
Join the Movement
Want to support Caribbean climate philanthropy? Learn more about the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance, CLASP, and partner initiatives at www.cariphilalliance.org
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This story was published with the support of the Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, which is a joint venture between Climate Tracker and Open Society Foundations.
