Financial transparency
Citizens’ Climate comprises two sister organizations, Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) and Citizens’ Climate Education (CCE) that work together toward their shared mission: empowering everyday people to bridge divides and build political will for effective climate solutions in Congress.
CCL is a registered 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that supports lobbying efforts on specific climate legislation. CCL serves as our public-facing presence.
CCE is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides training, tools, resources, and coordination to help volunteers become effective advocates for climate solutions. Most of our program activities are related to climate change education and are supported by the Citizens’ Climate Education budget.
Each organization has its own governing board, operating budget, and audited financials.
Citizens’ Climate Lobby (501(c)(4))
Accountability
Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit committed to transparency in how we use donor support to build political will. We hold a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency and we publish our IRS Form 990s for full public accessibility. Because CCL is a 501(c)(4), we are not eligible for a Charity Navigator rating, but our sister organization, Citizens’ Climate Education (CCE), has earned a Four-Star Charity Navigator rating and a GreatNonprofits 2023 Top-Rated Award.
Funding
CCL is primarily funded by individual donors, with additional support from select foundations and event revenue. From 2023–2024, the average funding mix was 90% from individual donors, 6% from foundations, and 4% from conference revenue. It is our policy to decline all donations from fossil fuel companies.
Budget
In 2026, CCL’s budget is $776,599, focused on conferences and events, operations in Washington, D.C., targeted communications campaigns, and the staff time required to conduct lobbying. In 2024, 75% of all spending directly supported programs, with 17% going to management and 8% to fundraising. CCL equips citizen volunteers to bring their voices directly to Congress, ensuring lawmakers hear consistent, respectful, and solutions-oriented advocacy for strong climate policy. Citizens’ Climate Education’s (CCE) budget is substantially higher in comparison. CCE provides training, tools, and other educational resources to help empower volunteers to become effective climate advocates. Financial information for CCE can be found here.
Financial documents
Independent audits
Form W9
501(c)(4) tax exempt letter
Contact us
For more information, please contact our development team (609-468-2174).
Citizens’ Climate Education (501(c)(3))
Accountability
Citizens’ Climate Education (CCE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to the highest standards of financial transparency so you can feel confident in your investment. We earn top marks for accountability, including the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating, and the 2023 Top-Rated Nonprofit Award from GreatNonprofits. All of our IRS Form 990s and audited financials are available below for public review.
Funding
CCE’s programs are made possible by generous support from individual donors and philanthropic foundations. Over the past two years, our funding has averaged 77% from individual donors, 19% from foundations, and 4% from conference revenue.
Major past and present foundation supporters include the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, Rick Steves’ Europe, Energy Foundation and others.
CCE maintains a strict policy of declining all donations from fossil fuel companies.
Budget
CCE’s 2026 budget is $3,080,508, with the majority devoted to empowering volunteers through training, education, and communications tools. In 2024, 79% of every dollar went directly to programs, with just 13% spent on management and 8% on fundraising. By investing in CCE, you are helping thousands of everyday people develop the skills and resources to advocate effectively for durable, evidence-based climate policy. Although CCE is legally permitted to engage in direct lobbying, all lobbying and related spending is handled by CCE’s 501(c)(4) sister organization Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
Financial documents
2025 documents
2015 documents
Contact us
Questions? Please contact our development team (609-468-2174).