The Rockefeller Foundation has opened a new US programme and policy team, set to be spearheaded by a congressman.  

The US team will focus on a number of core issues such making US climate policy more equitable with greater access to communities across the country, supporting working families and reducing economic inequality, supporting global climate and development goals and helping small businesses in the US. 

Congressman Derek Kilmer has been named as the senior vice president for the newly created team. He begins his role in January 2025.  

The domestic programme is part of Rockefeller’s $1 billion commitment towards a just climate transition both in the US and across the world. 

‘Today, as much as any time in our nation’s history, America needs big bets that can reimagine and expand economic opportunity, improve the health of our environment and our people, strengthen our democracy, and much more,’ says Kilmer.  

In June 2024, the Rockefeller Foundation announced its first cohort of the ‘Big Bets Climate Fellows’ programme, a fellowship designed to help Latin American climate leaders to scale up their local-led climate solutions. 

Shafi Musaddique is the news editor at Alliance Magazine