DEPLOY/US

The problem

The climate debate is politically polarized in many countries around the world, but none more so than in the United States.^[1] Political divisions often prevent the U.S. federal government from adopting durable, effective policies to decarbonize the economy and being a global leader on climate action.

The consequences of this polarization are acutely felt in this political moment. The 2024 re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. president and Republicans winning both chambers of Congress - resulting in a Republican trifecta - means that climate action is no longer a priority of the U.S. government and decarbonization is expected to slow considerably.^[2]

However, traditional climate advocacy has often failed to reach or influence conservative and moderate audiences, making it harder to build the necessary bipartisan support for impactful climate initiatives. Historically, almost all of US climate philanthropy has flown to support left-of-center climate initiatives; only a tiny fraction (~$30m) goes to the groups that can directly and credibly engage and mobilize right-of-center constituencies on the issue.^[3] Only a tiny fraction (<1%) support groups that can credibly win over and mobilize more conservative voters on the issue. This imbalance in funding not only misses the opportunity to build broader coalitions, but also reinforces the false impression that climate protection is exclusively a liberal issue.

In addition, the US political system places a high value on bipartisan cooperation to achieve majorities. Even under a Republican trifecta, such cooperation between the two major parties, the Republicans and the Democrats, will likely often be necessary to significantly advance climate policy. And clear governing majorities - like the Republicans’ in US elections - are rare and usually short-lived;^[4] Since World War II, political parties in the United States have, on average, taken 14 years to regain simultaneous control of the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives after losing it.^[5]

In short, both the Republican governing majority from 2025 and the fact that bipartisanship is always paramount to lasting policy solutions in the US make climate policy that resonates with conservative and moderate groups a critical factor for progress in US climate policy, which is essential for global progress. Yet the field of NGOs, which can make this happen, is currently severely neglected.

The solution

To credibly engage Republican policy makers on climate action, there is an urgent need for more civil society capacity to mobilize on climate from within conservative constituencies. This is the key lever that DEPLOY/US’ work addresses. They fund, coordinate, and provide shared infrastructure to the field of NGOs capable of credibly engaging conservatives on climate change, catalyzing center-right environmental leadership, and enabling lasting bipartisan breakthroughs.

• Shaping conservative narratives on climate change: DEPLOY/US is working to raise public awareness of the challenges of climate change among moderate and conservative groups by using narratives that resonate with these target audiences. This includes promoting media coverage that highlights the economic, security, and health benefits of a proactive climate policy.
• Produce research products, fill data gaps, and exercise thought leadership: DEPLOY/US supports partner-grantees to develop tools, resources, and data to inform and motivate policymaking in a way that aligns with conservative values, such as free-market policy solutions and policies that support economic growth through clean energy innovation.
• Involvement of important voter groups and opinion leaders to the right of center: DEPLOY/US’s partners are in a unique position to inform and educate conservative policymakers, to demonstrate the broad and diverse public support for taking a leading role in climate action, and to shift the conversation from polarized debates to a practical, solution-oriented dialogue.

The renowned evaluator Founders Pledge summarizes DEPLOY/US’ work as early-stage social movement (field) building. Literature reviews indicate that donations can play an important role in accelerating the growth and influence in this area.^[6]

The impact

Funding for DEPLOY/US in 2024 enabled about two dozen NGOs to exert greater influence on the climate policy measures of the new U.S. administration and Congress; to mobilize conservative, climate-conscious constituencies in key states; strengthen networks of key stakeholders (e.g., businesses, media) in key states; and produce climate policy analyses, communications, and position papers that facilitate bipartisan climate policy decisions at both the state and national levels and specifically prevent setbacks.

DEPLOY/US has been recognized for its unique approach, particularly its effectiveness in mobilizing traditionally underrepresented groups in the climate movement, fostering consensus-building, and achieving policy progress that has positively influenced the U.S. climate landscape. They are trusted by a broad network of partners to engage on climate-related policies and solutions, putting them in a prime position to support collaborations and resolve conflicts across the Ecoright field.

A “promising bet to improve US climate policy, increasing the likelihood of further bipartisan policy wins and making the US climate response more robust.”
Founders Pledge

The organization

Founded in 2015, DEPLOY/US is headquartered in Massachusetts with team members in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Florida, Colorado and Louisiana, and has built a bipartisan team with a long track record and credibility within the field. The organization’s lean structure and efficient resource utilization also contribute to its high-impact profile, as DEPLOY/US channels most of its funding directly into nonprofits that are credibly engaging conservative constituencies on climate and clean energy.

Their network brings together expertise and priorities across a broad range of policy instruments, levels of government, and tactical capabilities, equipping them to flexibly respond to different needs and contexts. Similarly, the organization is internally equipped to have an impact through multiple pathways, e.g. media and communications, and strategic policy-focused educational campaigns in key states.

Our partner and evaluator Founders Pledge recommends DEPLOY/US as a top climate charity to address the significant risk that continued polarization along partisan lines jeopardizes U.S. climate leadership, and thus global progress.