The CLEO Institute

What The CLEO Institute does

The CLEO Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2010 and headquartered in Miami, Florida, that delivers climate education, community organizing, and policy advocacy. Its primary constituents are Florida residents, youth, women, schools, and local stakeholders, with national visibility through campaigns such as 'Our Present, Icarus' Future' launched at Climate Week NYC in September 2025.

CLEO's core product surface includes public awareness campaigns, the annual Climate Correction conference (next iteration March 2026), the annual Race for Our Future 5K (500+ runners in its 2026 edition), the Climate Resilient Schools program, the Empowering Resilient Women Fellowship, and the Climate Speakers program. Underlying deliverables are educational content, policy research, multimedia resources, and convenings — there is no proprietary technology platform described in the available data.

The business model is a nonprofit funding stack: foundation grants (anchored by a $6M VoLo Foundation grant in March 2025), corporate partnerships (entry point $2,500), individual donations, and event-based revenue. CLEO holds a Charity Navigator 4-star rating and the Candid Platinum Transparency Seal as of 2026, supporting fundraising credibility with institutional funders. The organization operates with 11–50 employees and maintains a coalition of partner organizations including Verizon, United Way Miami, Miami Waterkeeper, Earthjustice, Florida Rising, and Sierra Club.

Name

The CLEO Institute

Legal name

The CLEO Institute

Website

https://cleoinstitute.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The CLEO Institute is a Miami-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2010 that delivers climate education, community organizing, and policy advocacy for Florida residents, youth, women, schools, and local stakeholders through campaigns, fellowships, and an annual conference.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Climate Education and Advocacy Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental Education & Outreach (BPAGAGAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation (BPAGAGAF), Climate Adaptation & Resilience Programs (BPADALAD), Environmental Education, Capacity Building & Community Engagement (BPADALAO)

Keywords

• Climate education programs
• Climate advocacy campaigns
• Community resilience training
• Youth climate leadership
• Environmental nonprofit services

Headquarters

HQ city

Miami

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individual supporters, including one-time and recurring monthly giving through the RISE program.
2. Corporate Sponsorship: Corporate partnership opportunities beginning at $2,500, with tailored packages including brand visibility, program support, employee engagement, event sponsorship, and customized climate trainings.
3. Event Revenue: Revenue from signature events such as Race for Our Future 5K and Climate Correction conference, with proceeds supporting educational programs.
4. Foundation Grants: Funding from foundations including VoLo Foundation for specific initiatives and campaigns.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The CLEO Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers climate education, advocacy, and community resilience programs to Florida residents, with emphasis on frontline and youth audiences. Its core offerings include youth leadership development (genCLEO), climate speaker training, school-based and women's resilience programs, signature events (Race for Our Future 5K, Climate Correction Conference), policy research (Utility Influence report), and the 'Our Present, Icarus' Future' multimedia artivism campaign. Revenue is generated through individual donations, recurring monthly giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and event proceeds.

Product overview

The CLEO Institute offers a portfolio of climate education and advocacy programs, campaigns, events, and membership/publishing services focused on building climate literacy and action in Florida communities. The core offerings include the genCLEO Youth Movement and Climate Speakers Program for leadership development, the Climate Resilient Schools Initiative and Empowering Resilient Women Fellowship for targeted community empowerment, and the multimedia artivism campaign 'Our Present, Icarus' Future' for public engagement. Signature events include the annual Climate Correction Conference and Race for Our Future 5K. The organization also publishes the Utility Influence Report tracking utility lobbying and produces a monthly newsletter. The portfolio is supported by the RISE membership program and Corporate Sponsorship Program for funding.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• genCLEO Youth Movement: Youth movement program by The CLEO Institute engaging young people in climate action and leadership
• Race for Our Future
• Our Present, Icarus' Future
• Climate Speaker's Network Training

Products and services

• genCLEO Youth Movement A youth climate leadership and engagement program that empowers young people across Florida to become climate advocates and changemakers through education, leadership training, and activism. Designed for students and young activists.
• Climate Speakers Program A training program that develops climate speakers with communication skills and community-based solution ideas, building a network of certified climate communicators for community outreach. Designed for aspiring climate communicators and community advocates.
• Climate Resilient Schools Initiative A school-based program that equips students and educators with climate knowledge and resilience tools. Designed for K-12 schools and educational institutions in Florida.
• Empowering Resilient Women Fellowship A fellowship program that empowers women with knowledge and tools to build climate resilience in their communities. Designed for women community leaders and advocates.
• Our Present, Icarus' Future Campaign A multimedia artivism campaign featuring an emotionally captivating Icarus-themed installation, art contest, and global petition designed to pressure world leaders ahead of COP30. Open to the general public and international climate advocates.
• Race for Our Future 5K An annual Earth Day 5K race held in Brickell, Miami, that unites community members around climate solutions, sustainability, and environmental protection. Open to runners and community supporters.
• Climate Correction Conference An annual two-day science-driven climate conference featuring nature-based solutions, cross-sector collaboration, and the VISTA Award for climate innovation. Designed for climate professionals, researchers, advocates, and community leaders.
• RISE Membership Program A recurring monthly giving program that supports The CLEO Institute's climate education and advocacy work in Florida. Designed for individual donors who want sustained engagement with the organization's mission.
• Corporate Sponsorship Program A corporate partnership program allowing companies to invest in climate education, youth leadership, and community resilience, with partnership opportunities starting at $2,500 and annual billing. Designed for corporations seeking CSR alignment, ESG reporting support, and employee engagement opportunities.
• Utility Influence Report A research publication tracking Florida utility company spending on lobbying and political contributions, and connecting utility influence to rising electricity costs. Designed for policymakers, journalists, and energy advocacy stakeholders.
• Monthly Newsletter A monthly newsletter providing updates on CLEO Institute activities and major climate news to individual subscribers and supporters.
• Climate Facts Resource An educational resource providing trusted climate science information and facts to the general public as a counter to climate misinformation.
• Action Alerts Platform A digital platform enabling individuals to take action on climate policy issues through organized alerts, petitions, and advocacy campaigns.

Quantifiable outcome

• 292 participants and 46 speakers engaged at Climate Correction 2026
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major and core.

• NV2A Group, LLCminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 April 2026Local sponsor for the Race for Our Future 5K Earth Day event.
• Climate First BankminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 April 2026Local sponsor for the Race for Our Future 5K Earth Day event.
• Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 April 2026Government partner supporting the Race for Our Future 5K and climate resilience initiatives in Miami-Dade County.
• VoLo FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2026VoLo Foundation is a key strategic partner, hosting Climate Correction 2026 conference and supporting the 'Our Present, Icarus' Future' campaign. The partnership focuses on nature-based climate solutions and science-driven climate action.
• VerizonmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Verizon supports the United We Prepare initiative, funding the distribution of 1,200+ emergency preparedness kits and 10 heat and hurricane preparedness workshops to hurricane-vulnerable Miami-Dade communities.
• United Way MiamicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026United Way Miami leads the United We Prepare initiative, serving as Miami-Dade County's Emergency Support Function partner and coordinating volunteer efforts. The CLEO Institute hosts workshops as part of this partnership.
• Miami WaterkeepercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Collaborates with The CLEO Institute on climate advocacy and resilience initiatives, particularly related to water and environmental protection in South Florida.
• Sierra ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partner in advocacy campaigns including JEA accountability initiatives and broader climate action efforts in Florida.
• Florida RisingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Climate justice organization partnering on advocacy initiatives including energy affordability and utility accountability campaigns.
• EarthjusticecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Legal advocacy partner working on utility rate cases and environmental justice issues, representing communities in Florida Supreme Court appeals.
• genCLEO Youth MovementcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Internal youth leadership program engaging young people in climate advocacy, organizing, and activism across Florida.
• Climate GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 September 2025Climate Group is a campaign partner for the 'Our Present, Icarus' Future' multimedia artivism campaign launched at Climate Week NYC, working together to pressure world leaders ahead of COP30.
• Climate GenerationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 September 2025Climate Generation is a campaign partner for the 'Our Present, Icarus' Future' campaign, collaborating on climate advocacy initiatives.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Climate Generation: A national nonprofit focused on climate education, leadership, and advocacy, directly comparable to CLEO as a partner on the 'Our Present, Icarus' Future' campaign and serving overlapping mission and audience segments.
• Climate Group: An international climate NGO convening networks of state and regional governments and corporates; CLEO partnered with Climate Group at Climate Week NYC, indicating shared climate advocacy and campaign-focused mission.
• Union of Concerned Scientists: A national science-based advocacy organization working on climate solutions and policy; comparable to CLEO in combining science-driven climate communication, education, and advocacy, though at larger scale.
• 350.org: A global climate advocacy organization mobilizing grassroots action on climate solutions; directly comparable to CLEO in mobilizing communities, training climate advocates, and running advocacy campaigns.

Broad incumbents

• Sierra Club: One of the largest U.S. environmental nonprofits with broad climate advocacy and grassroots programs; CLEO partners with Sierra Club on JEA accountability and broader Florida climate campaigns, indicating comparable mission at a much larger scale.
• Earthjustice: A leading public interest environmental law organization; CLEO is a partner on utility rate cases and Florida Supreme Court appeals, operating in adjacent legal/advocacy space for climate and environmental justice.
• NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council): A major U.S. environmental advocacy organization with broad climate, energy, and policy work; overlaps with CLEO's climate advocacy and clean energy mission at a much larger institutional scale.
• Environmental Defense Fund: A large U.S. environmental nonprofit combining science, economics, and policy advocacy on climate and energy; overlaps with CLEO's climate advocacy and utility accountability work in Florida and beyond.

Regional players

• Miami Waterkeeper: A South Florida-based nonprofit focused on water quality and Biscayne Bay protection; CLEO is a stated partner on climate advocacy and resilience initiatives, making it a directly comparable regional peer in shared geography.
• Florida Rising: Florida-centered climate justice organization; CLEO partners with Florida Rising on energy affordability and utility accountability, indicating shared mission in the same Florida geography and constituency.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CLEOInstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-cleo-institute
• Instagraminstagram.com/cleoinstitute
• Facebookfacebook.com/CLEOInstitute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The CLEO Institute