Don’t forget to fund climate non-profits

– Reminds big business to fund non-profits seeking climate change action, including paying for speaking gigs.

Here is a note from Clover Hogan of “Force of Nature,” a youth non-profit mobilising mindsets for climate action:

This is the second time this week I’ve been asked to speak at a Fortune 500 company – without compensation. “This will help our relationship moving forward.” “This is a great opportunity for you!” “We want this event to bring value to you as well.”

The irony is palpable. I’m 21-year-old non-profit leader, asked to contribute my time and expertise to companies that gross in the BILLIONS. In the past 12 months, I’ve spoken at over 100 events. I have never once personally profited. All compensation has gone directly into keeping the lights on at Force of Nature and funding our free, subsidised programmes to students around the world.

Our FoN team does pro bono speaking ALL THE TIME – for small charities, partners and educators in-need. They’re always transparent about whether they have a speaker’s budget. Yet companies often leave out this fact until 3 conversations in. I find the exploitation of young voices infuriating, and tiring. To quote Phoebe Hanson, “You can’t say you’re committed to climate action and intergenerational conversations, then not put funding to either.”

These companies would never ask an agency to do free work – so why the double standard for nonprofits that need the funding most? Business can do better.