Climate Change Investment Initiative Program

The Climate Change Investment Initiative (2c2i), administered by the Exelon Foundation in collaboration with Exelon Corporation, is a targeted funding program designed to support early-stage start-ups focused on addressing the challenges of climate change. The initiative is part of Exelon Foundation’s broader mission to strengthen communities and improve environmental outcomes using shareholder-funded philanthropy. The Foundation prioritizes sustainability, education, workforce development, and employee engagement, aiming to build long-term resilience in underserved communities across Exelon's service territories. The 2c2i program offers both financial and strategic support to selected ventures that demonstrate innovative climate-related solutions with measurable impacts. Exelon Foundation has committed a minimum of $10 million in equity investments, while Exelon Corporation contributes up to $10 million in in-kind services. These in-kind services may include operational guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration on real-world impact projects. Start-ups selected for the program receive at least $100,000 in equity funding and access to extensive non-monetary support to advance their missions. To qualify, applicants must present solutions that align with the sustainability goals of Exelon’s utility markets, including cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington (DE), and Atlantic City. Eligible applicants must be for-profit companies with operations in, or plans to impact, one or more of these designated territories. Nonprofits are not eligible. The evaluation criteria prioritize environmental and social justice, innovation, scalability, community impact, and leadership diversity. Specific emphasis is placed on companies addressing greenhouse gas reduction or climate adaptation, especially those serving disadvantaged communities. Applicants must also demonstrate traction, such as customer engagement or funding history, and show how 2c2i resources would be meaningful at their current stage of development. Additional assessment factors include the size of the addressable market, the presence of a capable and diverse leadership team, and plans for local community involvement. Investments will be structured through various mechanisms, including direct equity, preference shares, convertible securities, and SAFE Notes, as deemed suitable by the Foundation. The application deadline for the 2025 cycle is September 29, 2025. Applications are currently open. The program is recurring, with the next expected cycle opening in September 2026. Interested applicants can reach out via exelonfoundation@exeloncorp.com or contact Sara Block at sara@FreshwaterAdvisors.com for further inquiries. The Foundation team includes Paula Conrad, President of the Exelon Foundation and Vice President of Corporate Relations, Sunny Elebua, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer, and Faith Davis, Lead of the 2c2i initiative. The 2c2i program reflects the Exelon Foundation’s ongoing commitment to climate resilience and community empowerment, seeking to back ventures capable of creating scalable impact while promoting equity and sustainability across the regions it serves.