Evergreen Climate Innovations

About Evergreen Climate Innovations

Evergreen Climate Innovations pairs early-stage climate tech investing with hands-on venture development, using patient, catalytic capital to help startups move from concept to commercialization. Through its 501vc® Investment Fund, the foundation backs climate solutions tied to job creation and regional economic development across the Greater Midwest. That model shows up in its program-related investments and in its public award programs for entrepreneurs working on clean energy and climate innovation. Recent grants reflect a smaller-deal, support-oriented layer of giving alongside the investment work. In 2025, Evergreen Climate Innovations gave $30,000 to Kit Switch and another $30,000 to Calectra Inc, both as DEI program grants. Other awards went to Natural Science LLC, Good Fibes, Sensatek Propulsion Technology Inc, and Earnest Agriculture Inc. The recipient mix includes climate-tech startups and organizations tied to equity-oriented programming, suggesting the foundation uses grants to reinforce the entrepreneurial ecosystem around its investment activity. With total assets of $19,236,717 and annual grants of $115,000, it operates as a public charity that combines capital, competition, and ecosystem support.

What Evergreen Climate Innovations Funds

Evergreen Climate Innovations supports climate technology across several sectors, including energy storage, grid, transportation, materials and manufacturing, water, the built environment, sustainable packaging, food and agriculture, carbon dioxide removal, and chemicals and plastics. The 501vc® Investment Fund is central to that work, providing $200,000–$300,000 in early-stage capital to climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest. It also runs award and accelerator programs for entrepreneurs. The Nicor Gas Illinois Innovator Award provides $25,000 to entrepreneurs making a positive environmental impact throughout Illinois. In the Midwest, the Evergreen Climate Innovations Challenge offers early-stage investment awards plus commercialization assistance, mentorship, and exposure to investors and corporate partners. For student-led ventures, the foundation serves as a regional partner in the Cleantech University Prize, connecting Midwest teams to regional and national competition pathways. Its grant activity also includes DEI program grants, showing support beyond core climate technology deal flow.

How Evergreen Climate Innovations Gives