programme areas
Streets for People: Global Mobility Movement
The policy and technical innovations needed to end emissions form the internal combustion engine (ICE) are already available, but not the corporate and political will. UMI Fund invests in building power for an international movement around transport. We are working to link efforts to eliminate the ICE with those reclaiming civic space for non-motorized, electric and public transport, micro mobility and community use.
Our work focuses on aligning international efforts with national and local efforts focused on mobility, air quality and equity, and to boost policy, technical and advocacy outcomes to accelerate the end of the age of oil.
We believe by investing in these projects and organisations we will be able to significantly shift away from private car-dominated fossil-fuel powered systems, to systems that prioritise walking, cycling, (improved and public transport and smart/shared (renewable energy based) electric mobility.
Movement for a Just Transition
UMIFund aims to invest in supporting the people most affected to shape the climate solutions we all need. We seek to link those fighting for their communities, land, livelihoods, services and rights to take their rightful place at the heart of the climate movement. In doing so we believe the climate movement as a whole will become stronger, more resilient and deliver not just action, but more equitable and just action – the right action – on climate change.
We are keen to collaborate with projects, organisations, communities and movements that put just transition at the heart of the climate debate and who can diversify the climate movement through bottom-up collaborations that break down walls and link people pushing for change. We prioritise projects that link communities and people-centred solutions (e.g. regenerative economy, agro-ecology, community energy, recognising the informal sector) with the wider climate movement. We will support affected people and communities to secure climate justice and in doing so strengthen the whole climate movement, cut carbon emissions and help forge new pathways that avoid future emissions.
International Youth Movements
Youth activists are the future leaders of the global climate movement and the policy makers of tomorrow. The coming few years are crucial for our global climate response. In this time the youth movement will be one of the most powerful forces for change. UMI Fund backs the youth leaders and organisations delivering change. We do this by investing in youth-led projects, youth movement resilience, the security of young activists and leadership development. UMI Fund offers low-friction grantmaking, flexibility and responsiveness, resourcing youth activists to lead, while keeping administration out of their way.
UMI Fund seeks to fund projects and initiatives that connect youth activists to other organisations and movements as equals, build mentor relationships, and promote openness to learning from the world’s visionary young people. We support a stronger, more international youth movement fighting for full decarbonisation and intersectional climate justice. We prioritise support for the most affected people and areas, especially in the global south. We seek stronger intergenerational solidarity, connection and alignment to strengthen youth within the wider climate movement, and thereby amplify the impact of the whole.