The fight for environmental justice has always been led by grassroots communities - especially BIPOC groups most impacted by environmental harm and climate injustice. Through the BEA Fund, we’ve moved nearly $25 million directly to frontline groups driving critical work across the country. In recent years, however, we’ve seen sharp shifts across the philanthropic landscape, with funding for environmental justice and climate work being significantly scaled back and down. These changes have had a particular impact on BIPOC-led grassroots groups, who continue to lead on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

In response to this shifting and uncertain landscape, BEA has made the difficult decision to pause the BEA Fund for both 2025 and 2026.

This decision comes after thoughtful scenario planning, grounded in our commitment to being in right relationship with our grassroots members. While we explored every path to sustain meaningful levels of grantmaking, we’ve chosen to meet this moment with clarity by prioritizing BEA’s long-term financial resilience. Rather than stretching beyond what’s sustainable, we’re strengthening our foundation so we can continue convening, advocating, and shifting power toward frontline communities, an essential part of our shared work and continued commitment to grassroots leadership.

BEA will continue offering the programs, community spaces, and tools that support grassroots organizing, infrastructure, leadership, and sustainability. We’re also expanding opportunities for support by exploring partnerships with place-based funders to strengthen regional frontline governance. Alongside this, we’re deepening cross-sector alignment by convening grassroots EJ leaders, funders, and national greens in dialogue focused on building accountability frameworks and democratizing new technologies.

We know many of you - our members, allies, and supporters - are in this fight with us. If you're part of a foundation or institution, we invite you to lean even more deeply into partnership with grassroots communities at this critical moment. And if you’re looking for ways to move resources or collaborate in new ways, we’re here and ready to build with you.

In solidarity,
BEA