As of February 2025, we will transition our fiscal hosting from Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) to Global Fund for Children (GFC). This is the start of an exciting new chapter– the move marks a significant milestone in our journey, reinforcing our commitment to trust-based grantmaking that empowers youth-led environmental initiatives worldwide.
Since our launch in 2022, GGF has been instrumental in supporting The Iris Project’s development, particularly through The Iris Prize– our flagship award that enables young environmental changemakers to protect and restore nature in their communities.
“As The Iris Project transitions its fiscal sponsorship from Global Greengrants Fund UK to Global Fund for Children, we’re thrilled to have been part of their journey over the past three years,” said Dr. Nisha Owen, Executive Director of Global Greengrants Fund UK. “Our shared commitment to supporting young environmentalists’ creativity and activism has been the bedrock of our partnership. We’ve proudly watched The Iris Project grow from a fledgling initiative to a thriving grantmaking program. Through us, they’ve funded diverse projects, from addressing plastic waste in Bali’s rivers and oceans, to reducing deforestation and supporting communities in Malawi to adapt to climate change.”
As we grow, GFC’s expertise in participatory, flexible funding makes them the perfect partner to help us expand our impact. Their experience in youth-centered initiatives, including the Spark Fund, aligns with our mission to equip young leaders with the resources they need to drive local solutions to global environmental challenges.
“Global Fund for Children is proud to partner with The Iris Project to advance our shared goal of powering young people driving meaningful environmental change and exercising energetic leadership,” said GFC Co-CEO John Hecklinger. “Youth activists have the passion, knowledge, and creative ideas to spark climate action, yet they face significant barriers to investment in their work. GFC has been striving to break down these barriers by funding young people through our climate resilience initiatives. We look forward to expanding this commitment alongside The Iris Project while honouring the legacy of Iris Goldsmith.”
With over 30 years of experience supporting grassroots initiatives, GFC will help us strengthen and scale our impact. This transition is about more than just fiscal hosting—it’s a step toward reshaping philanthropy to put young people at the heart of environmental action.
As we look ahead, our mission remains unchanged: to trust, fund, and amplify the work of young environmental leaders. We are incredibly grateful to GGF for helping us reach this point, and we look forward to the next chapter with GFC.