100 Climate-Neutral European Cities: philanthropy’s role in ensuring a just and fair transition

One hundred cities from the twenty-seven EU Member States have committed to the ambitious goal of making Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Through the co-creation of “Climate City Contracts” (CCCs), an innovative framework that brings together public authorities, businesses, universities and civil society, these cities have formalised their dedication to this mission.

So far, 53 cities have submitted their Climate City Contracts and received the EU Mission Label, a recognition that opens doors to funding opportunities and strategic partnerships. An analysis of 52 publicly available Climate City Contracts shows that 58 philanthropic foundations are referenced in 22 cities across 11 EU Member States.

Given that Europe is home to more than 175,000 philanthropic foundations, with combined assets of 519 billion euros and annual spending of 76 billion, there is clearly a significant but underutilised potential.

The “100 Climate-Neutral European Cities: Philanthropy’s Role in Ensuring a Just and Fair Transition through the EU Cities Mission” report explores the current contributions of foundations to the climate transition, identifies new avenues for engagement and makes recommendations to the European Commission on how to unlock the full potential of philanthropic actors.

Th report is the product of a close collaboration between Philea and Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, developed through the joint efforts of senior leaders and professionals from both organisations. From Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, contributors included the Secretary General Alberto Anfossi; Sara Leporati, Head of the Protecting the Environment Mission; Marco Bigica and Arianna Porrone – officers for the Promote Well-being and Enhance Research Missions, respectively, within the Planet Goal. For Philea, Ilaria d’Auria, Head of Programmes – Thematic Collaborations, contributed to the work.

The study underscores that philanthropy is not limited to providing funding, it plays an active role in driving community-led transformations that integrate social justice with the environmental transition. Foundations bring expertise, strategic direction, and critical resources to the table, helping turn climate goals into tangible actions. Philanthropy also has the capacity to address the challenges of social polarisation and conflict, contributing to a fair and inclusive transition.

Sara Leporati, presented the report’s key findings at the final event of the European Let’sGOv project, held on 14 May at the Filla Auditorium in Parco della Montagnola, Bologna. The Let’sGOv project brought together 9 Italian cities participating in the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral Cities by 2030, led by Bologna, alongside three technical-scientific partners. The project aimed to pilot innovative actions that improve internal and external governance within city administrations and accelerate the energy transition.

The “100 Climate-Neutral European Cities: Philanthropy’s Role in Ensuring a Just and Fair Transition through the EU Cities Mission” report is the result of a collaboration between Philea and Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo within the framework of the EU Cities Mission, which recognises the vital role foundations play in supporting urban climate neutrality, thanks to their long-term commitment and capacity to mobilise resources and investments.

For further detail, go to the website philea.eu.