We’ve been following Mosaic since it launched two years ago. Now on its third annual and largest-ever slate of grants, the initiative’s 17 philanthropic backers in this round include newcomers like The Water Solutions Fund and the U.S. Energy Foundation. The $9.6 million round, announced Thursday, will back 79 separate projects proposed by some 350 co-applicants. That’s up from the $6.4 million Mosaic moved to 47 projects in 2022.
Mosaic’s latest portfolio — 100% chosen by its unique grantmaking panel, which spans so-called Big Greens, grassroots environmental justice groups and foundation leaders — demonstrates one way foundations are mobilizing resources to support the implementation of a once-in-a-generation set of environmental opportunities. It also reflects the multiplier effects of participatory funding, which, as in most corners of philanthropy, makes up a small part of environmental funding, but comes with benefits that Mosaic’s participants feel pay immense dividends.
