What Tara Climate Foundation does

Tara Climate Foundation is a Singapore-headquartered philanthropic foundation established in 2021 to accelerate Asia's just energy transition. The organization was spun out of the European Climate Foundation, where it had operated as a regional grant-making initiative since 2014. It works alongside civil society, governments, corporates, and donors across 12 Asian geographies to advance a transition that prioritizes equity, protects vulnerable communities, and drives long-term growth. Its six interconnected program areas are Just Energy Transition, Clean Energy Solutions, Sustainable Finance, Corporate Engagement, Climate Goals, and Clean Industrialisation.

The foundation's operational model is grant-making combined with regional stakeholder convening and knowledge sharing. It does not develop technology products, platforms, or commercial offerings — its technology function supports internal cybersecurity and digital infrastructure rather than customer-facing systems. Notable programmatic outputs include supporting the development of Korea's first steel sector net-zero roadmap aligned with a 1.5°C pathway (via NEXT group and Plan 1.5), a 50-factory renewable energy commitment in Bangladesh's apparel sector (via Oxfam), and contributions to the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance (via Sustainable Finance Institute Asia).

The foundation generates no commercial revenue; its funding flows from institutional donors and partner foundations, with board representation from organizations such as Sequoia Climate Foundation and Children's Investment Foundation. The leadership team is led by CEO Jamie Choi (twenty years in Asia climate philanthropy) and COO Gilbert Ching (finance and scaling background), supported by a country-level Program Director structure across Korea, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, plus functional heads spanning technology, grants management, communications, finance, and people & culture. The organization does not accept unsolicited grant applications and selects partners strategically to maximize regional impact.

Name

Tara Climate Foundation

Legal name

Tara Climate Foundation

Website

https://taraclimate.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Tara Climate Foundation is a Singapore-headquartered philanthropic foundation that provides grants, convenes stakeholders, and shares local knowledge to accelerate Asia's just energy transition across 12 geographies, serving civil society, governments, corporates, and financial institutions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Climate Philanthropy and Grantmaking

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation (BPAGAGAF), Climate Policy, Governance & NDC Support (BPADALAA), Climate Finance Strategy (CapEx planning, green finance, incentives & grants) (EUABAKAG), Regulatory & Disclosure Strategy (CSRD/ESRS, ISSB/IFRS S2, SEC, TCFD) (EUABAKAH)

Keywords

• Climate philanthropy
• Grantmaking services
• Clean energy transition
• Sustainable finance advisory
• Corporate engagement programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Singapore

HQ country

Singapore

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Philanthropic Grants: Tara Climate Foundation operates as a philanthropic organization that provides grants to partner organizations working on climate change and energy transition across Asia. They do not generate commercial revenue but rather deploy capital from foundations and donors to support climate initiatives.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Tara Climate Foundation is a philanthropic organization that provides grants to partner organizations, convenes regional stakeholders, and shares local on-the-ground knowledge to accelerate Asia's just energy transition. Its work spans six interconnected program areas: Just Energy Transition, Clean Energy Solutions, Sustainable Finance, Corporate Engagement, Climate Goals, and Clean Industrialisation, serving civil society, governments, corporates, donors, and financial institutions across twelve Asian geographies.

Product overview

Tara Climate Foundation is a philanthropic organization focused on accelerating Asia's just energy transition. It does not offer technology products, platforms, or modules. Its work encompasses grant-making to partner organizations, convening regional stakeholders, and sharing local knowledge across six interconnected program areas: Just Energy Transition, Clean Energy Solutions, Sustainable Finance, Corporate Engagement, Climate Goals, and Clean Industrialisation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Just Energy Transition Program
• Clean Energy Solutions Program
• Sustainable Finance Program
• Corporate Engagement Program
• Climate Goals Program
• Clean Industrialisation Program

Quantifiable outcome

• Supported the development of Korea's first steel sector net-zero roadmap aligned with 1.5°C pathway
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

40 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Asia Clean Energy Coalition (ACEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACEC is a regional platform launched in 2022 by The Climate Group, Global Wind Energy Council and World Resources Institute (WRI) with founding members including Amazon, Apple, Cisco, Google, Meta, Nike, Samsung Electronics, and others. It aims to unblock policy and provide a more rapid path to corporate clean energy procurement in Asia.
• Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIGCC is a leading network of institutional investors in Asia dedicated to mitigating climate risks and capitalising on opportunities presented by the climate transition. Through programs like Climate Action 100+ and Asian Utilities Engagement Program (AUEP), AIGCC engages with major corporations to encourage ambitious climate targets.
• Asia Research and Engagement (ARE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization focused on research and engagement in the climate and sustainability space in Asia.
• Carbon TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational climate consultancy providing expertise on carbon reduction and clean energy transition.
• Center for Policy DialoguecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolicy dialogue organization working on climate and development issues, particularly in South Asia.
• Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThink tank providing research and analysis on strategic and international issues including climate policy.
• Clean Air AsiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization focused on improving air quality and promoting clean energy solutions across Asia.
• Climate Bonds InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization working to mobilize bond markets for climate change solutions.
• The Climate GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational nonprofit working on climate change solutions, co-founder of ACEC.
• CPI IndonesiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCPI (Climate Policy Initiative) Indonesia is a global non-profit collaborating with governments, businesses, and financial institutions to advance low-carbon, climate-resilient development. In Indonesia, CPI is spearheading initiatives that prioritise the social dimensions of the energy transition, particularly through the development of a Just Transition Framework.
• Climate Smart VenturescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization focused on climate-smart solutions and ventures in Asia.
• ClimeCapitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSingapore-based organization that established the Southeast Asia Clean Energy Facility (SEACEF) to accelerate the low carbon transition in Southeast Asia.
• Climate Energy Partnership (CEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership organization focused on climate and energy issues.
• EmbercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnergy think tank providing data and insights on the global energy transition.
• Forum for the FuturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational sustainability nonprofit working on systems change for a sustainable future.
• Indonesian Business Council for Sustainable Development (IBCSD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness council focused on sustainable development in Indonesia.
• Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitute focused on climate and sustainable cities solutions, particularly in the Philippines.
• Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIESR is a mission-driven, data-focused think tank advocating for policy reform to accelerate Indonesia's energy transition towards decarbonization. They collaborate with various ministries including Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, contribute to Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) Technical Working Group, and support subnational low-carbon initiatives.
• ISEAS – Yusof Ishak InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProminent research institute focused on supporting decision-makers in Southeast Asia through dissemination of high-quality research on socio-political, security, and economic trends. Since 2020, ISEAS has provided in-depth analysis on enhancing regional climate ambitions and identifying gaps in climate governance, tracking NDC progress across ASEAN member states.
• Initiative for Renewable Energy (IRID)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization focused on renewable energy initiatives.
• LUMS Energy InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBased out of Lahore University of Management Sciences in Pakistan, LEI serves as a think tank, centre of technical excellence, knowledge network and capacity-building platform dedicated to institutionalising a renewable-rich future for Pakistan. In 2023, LEI was consulted by the government on integrated system planning.
• Institute for Energy Studies (IES)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitute focused on energy studies and research.
• Singapore Green Finance Centre (SGFIN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization focused on green finance initiatives in Singapore and the region.
• NEXT groupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent energy and climate policy think tank in South Korea dedicated to developing ground-breaking quantitative research and analysis to accelerate Asia's net-zero energy transition. Through 2023-24, NEXT group published Korea's first steel sector net-zero roadmap aligned with a 1.5°C-compliant pathway.
• New Energy NexuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization supporting clean energy entrepreneurs and innovation.
• OxfamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOxfam is working closely with industry stakeholders in Bangladesh's apparel sector (representing over 15% of the country's total energy use) to drive a just transition towards renewable energy. In 2023, Oxfam partnered with BGMEA and 50 factories committed to transitioning to renewable energy, targeting 5-8% renewable energy integration.
• Power for All (POW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization focused on universal access to renewable energy.
• People's Survival Foundation (PSE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation focused on people's survival and sustainable development.
• Renewables FirstcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization focused on renewable energy development.
• RMIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRocky Mountain Institute - global nonprofit transforming global energy use through clean energy solutions.
• SDG MovecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization focused on Sustainable Development Goals.
• Society for Conservation of Nature Philippines (SFOC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhilippine organization focused on nature conservation.
• Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolicy institute focused on sustainable development in Pakistan and South Asia.
• Sustainable Finance Institute Asia (SFIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSFIA is an independent institute coordinating and delivering the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance as host of the ASEAN Taxonomy Board (ATB). They support the development of the ASEAN Transition Finance Guidance and work with stakeholders to drive sustainability disclosures in the region.
• Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent think tank and policy research institute focused on sustainable development. In 2023, IGES published '1.5°C Roadmap: An Action Plan for Japan' exploring feasible reductions in Japan's GHG emissions.
• Korea Sustainable Finance Initiative (Kosif)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative focused on sustainable finance in Korea.
• World Resources Institute (WRI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal research organization working on environment and development challenges, co-founder of ACEC.
• Responsible Energy Initiative Philippines (REI PH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative platform bringing together industry leaders, financiers, civil society, and policymakers to develop business and investment models supporting just, inclusive and ecologically safe production and deployment of utility-scale renewable energy in the Philippines. Launched in 2023 with 50 participating organizations.
• Plan 1.5coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit organization focusing on research, engagement and policy advocacy to deliver stronger and more effective climate policies for Korea. Founded in 2022, Plan 1.5 has focused on key climate policy agenda items including the 2035 NDCs and the Korean Emission Trading Scheme (K-ETS).
• Southeast Asia Clean Energy Facility (SEACEF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished by Singapore-based Clime Capital, SEACEF is a collaboration between leading international foundations to accelerate the low carbon transition in Southeast Asia. Working with clean energy pioneers, governments, global philanthropic organisations, development financial institutions, NGOs and local stakeholders, SEACEF directs early-stage development capital investment into innovative, high-impact clean energy projects.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• ClimateWorks Foundation: Major global climate grantmaking foundation that deploys philanthropic capital to support climate mitigation and clean energy globally, including Asia. Comparable in mission, structure, and approach to Tara, though larger and more globally distributed.
• Bezos Earth Fund: One of the largest dedicated climate philanthropic funds, with grants spanning Asia. Comparable as a major climate-focused grantmaking foundation, though with substantially larger capital and broader geographic mandate.
• Climate Investment Funds (CIF): Multilateral climate fund mobilizing concessional finance for clean energy across developing Asia. Comparable in mission to mobilize capital for Asia's energy transition, though operates at multilateral/blended-finance scale rather than pure philanthropy.
• European Climate Foundation: The parent organization until Tara's 2021 spin-off and one of the largest climate philanthropic funders globally. Directly comparable as a grantmaking foundation focused on climate mitigation, with overlap in funders, board members, and partner networks across Asia.
• Bloomberg Philanthropies: Large philanthropic vehicle funding climate and clean energy initiatives, including significant work in Asia (e.g., coal phase-out support via CCSI and Beyond Coal). Comparable as a major climate funder with global reach operating in Tara's geographies, though with a broader programmatic scope.
• Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF): Major climate and clean energy philanthropic foundation with active programs in Asia, including clean energy transitions and air quality. Comparable in scale and Asia footprint; CIFF representative also sits on Tara's Board of Directors.

Direct peers

• Good Energies Foundation: Climate and clean energy philanthropic foundation with grantmaking focused on energy transition and clean energy access. Comparable as a dedicated climate philanthropy vehicle with overlapping program areas.
• Clean Air Asia: Asia-focused nonprofit working on air quality and clean energy solutions, and a named Core partner of Tara. Highly comparable regional mission and operational footprint, though Clean Air Asia is more narrowly focused on air quality.
• Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI): Global clean energy nonprofit that Tara partners with directly. RMI is a named Core partner of Tara and works on analogous Asia clean energy, transition finance, and clean industrialization issues. Closely comparable mission and partner ecosystem.
• Sequoia Climate Foundation: Climate-focused philanthropic foundation with significant grantmaking in Asia, including energy transition and climate policy. Highly comparable as a regional climate grantmaker; notably, a Sequoia Climate Foundation representative sits on Tara's Board of Directors.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tara-climate-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Tara Climate Foundation