Mobilizing private capital for climate solutions in the Global South
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About C4S
Capital for Sustainability (C4S) is a lean global team of climate finance experts working to close the climate finance gap in low- and middle-income countries
Through grants and philanthropic investments, we build the conditions and investment pathways needed to move more private capital into the Global South, supporting climate solutions while advancing a more inclusive and resilient economy.
Purpose
From isolated opportunities to scalable markets
C4S exists to align financial capital with sustainability goals by building the conditions and investment pathways needed to move more private capital into low- and middle-income countries. We demonstrate how the for-profit financial ecosystem can support climate action while driving systemic change so that the rules of the economy favor all people and the planet.
Problem
Climate finance is growing but not reaching the places that need it most
The gap is most acute in low- and middle-income countries, which face the fastest emissions growth yet receive only a small fraction of global climate finance.
$6 trillion needed annually to support a low-emission, climate-resilient transition and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
Only 15–20% of total climate finance goes to low- and middle-income countries (excluding China), even though these countries are responsible for roughly half of all GHG emissions.
$2.4 trillion needed per year in LMICs (excluding China), but only $380 billion (16%) is currently mobilized.
South Asia, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America together receive less than 15% of global climate finance, despite rapid emissions growth.
Solution
Building the pathways for private capital to flow where it matters most
C4S mobilizes private capital for climate solutions by deploying grants and philanthropic investments that build markets, demonstrate returns, and influence mainstream investors.
What
A philanthropic initiative focusing on climate solutions: mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency, intervening across three pools of private capital for market demonstration and systemic change.
Where
Low- and middle-income countries across Africa, the Americas, and Asia: the Global South, where most emissions growth and economic expansion are happening and where climate finance is most scarce.
Why
Most of the world's growth and greenhouse gas emissions are taking place in the Global South. LMI economies grow at 4%+ annually, compared to under 2% for OECD economies. This makes them critical for climate action and attractive for long-term investment.
Who
A lean global team of climate finance experts, backed by charitable fiscal sponsors. We bring deep experience across policy, investment, and market development to every project we support.
How
We source high-potential opportunities, convene key players across finance and policy, allocate capital strategically, influence market conditions, and evolve our approach over time. All of this is guided by an inclusive lens that prioritizes historically excluded groups and just transition principles.
A revolving philanthropic fund focusing on climate solutions: mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency, intervening across three pools of private capital for market demonstration and systemic change.
Current focus countries
More economies actively being vetted.
Latest publications
Insights on mobilizing private capital for climate solutions in the Global South
Featured resources
Resources for investors, policymakers, and practitioners working on climate solutions
Get in touch
Have a question, partnership idea, or want to learn more about our work? Reach out and we'll get back to you.
