The Ellen MacArthur Foundation works to accelerate the transition to a circular economycircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature., a resilient economic system that thrives within planetary boundaries. Driven by design, the circular economy eliminates waste and pollution, keeps products and materials in use at their highest value, and regenerates nature.
As a charity, our work is only possible thanks to our generous donors and corporate supporters. Philanthropic support is essential to our mission. It enables us to direct resources where they can unlock the greatest impact, respond quickly to emerging opportunities, and tackle the big obstacles and systemic barriers that businesses or governments cannot solve alone.
In a world of rapid change in trade, technology, policy, society, and in the natural systems we depend on, the circular economy offers a smarter alternative. It creates jobs and strengthens supply chains. It supports a just transition and advances the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. It decouples growth from resource use and helps restore nature. Above all, it’s about building an economy that works for people, business, and the planet.
Global reach, proven credibility
Building a comprehensive circular economy requires a global approach. For more than a decade, we have built momentum towards a circular economy and mobilised real-world solutions around the world. With offices in Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia, we work internationally at the intersection of business and policy leadership to spearhead change, tailoring interventions to local contexts that will have outsize effects. Our established credibility and deep connections with business, policymakers, and global institutions provide an unparalleled platform to accelerate system change.
How your support drives change
We focus on transforming markets, not just individual businesses. Collaborative business action combined with ambitious policy measures can drive rapid progress. With philanthropic support, we can build on existing momentum for circular solutions, identify shared barriers, bring leaders together to develop solutions collaboratively, and ensure that proven solutions scale rapidly worldwide.
Our work centres on three missions where we can have the greatest impact the fastest: plastics and packaging, critical materials, and retail.
Philanthropic support gives us the agility to act swiftly as new opportunities arise, the independence to convene leading stakeholders across sectors, and the influence to bring together critical changemakers. This unique combination allows us to move faster, take risks where others cannot, and unlock change at a system level.
Ways to support
Your support helps us to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
There are many ways to get involved:
Partner with us - we work closely with trusts and foundations, family offices, and other partners to align their support with areas of work where it can have the greatest impact
Give through a donor advised fund (DAF) - a simple, tax-efficient way to support the Foundation’s work
Leave a legacy gift - by including the Foundation in your Will, you can help shape a resilient, thriving future for all
To find out more about providing philanthropic support or the ways in which we work with grant-making organisations, please contact us.
One-off or monthly tax-deductible contributions can also be made directly here.
We are grateful to our current philanthropic partners for their generous support.
Breaking new ground
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation's annual impact report 2024
We are a leading global organisation committed to transforming the economy so that it works for people and the environment.
