By Shannon Maganiezin, VoLo Foundation
Ten years ago, a bold vision took root: to harness science, education and strategic philanthropy to accelerate solutions for a sustainable future. This year, VoLo Foundation celebrates a decade of transformative giving, announcing a remarkable milestone — $65 million in pledges and distributions impacting 177 programs across Florida, the United States and beyond.
What started in 2014 with just two employees and two grants totaling $26,600 has grown into a global force for change.
“From the start, we believed in the power of science to solve complex problems,” reflects Thais Lopez Vogel, co-founder and trustee. “Ten years later, our commitment remains the same: to fund solutions that protect our planet, strengthen communities and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.”
Impact in numbers
- $65 million invested in solutions over 10 years.
- Support for 177 programs addressing climate change, education and health.
- 70% of funding is dedicated to climate solutions, tackling a crisis that affects every facet of life.
- $17 million directed to building stronger, healthier communities.
- In 2024 alone, VoLo Foundation supported 97 programs, helping to reduce millions of tons of global emissions and impact hundreds of thousands of lives.
“We knew we could make a real difference in several parts of the world drastically impacted by climate change. However, we decided to focus on the problems affecting our home and community, right here in Florida,” says Thais Lopez Vogel.
Local roots, global reach
While VoLo Foundation’s vision extends globally, its impact is rooted deeply in Florida and beyond.
The Nature Conservancy: VoLo’s funding has advanced climate action and engaged youth in conservation by expanding curriculum to reach youth through gamified education content focused on climate change, inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.
Ocean Conservancy: On the front lines of ocean protection, Ocean Conservancy invests in research, leadership and advocacy that advance effective science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife communities that depend on it.
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF): VoLo Foundation supports EDF’s efforts in advancing climate action and engaging youth in conservation, aiming to build partisan support for climate action and accelerate the transition to clean energy through engagement with key lawmakers in Florida and other states.
CLEO Institute: Advancing grassroots climate education and advocacy across Florida, CLEO Institute empowers communities to demand climate action and build resilience.
Global projects include:
Lelt Foundation: VoLo Foundation partners with Lelt Foundation to support vulnerable children and families in Ethiopia through nutrition, education and economic empowerment programs. The VoLo Computer Lab was created to champion education and opportunity for young girls who learn to code and program, which opens professional doors for them and uplifts entire families.
Project Alianza: This collaboration educates underserved rural communities in Central America, empowering students to thrive through improved educational opportunities.
The Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) model, through the Heritage Colombia (HECO) initiative, ensures the long-term protection of 6.6 million hectares of Colombia’s critical ecosystems by securing sustainable funding and integrating conservation with community-driven, climate-resilient development. VoLo was a seed funder of this project, which gives lenders and other philanthropists the cushion and credibility to invest hundreds of millions more.
See all of VoLo’s partner programs here.
A legacy of climate action
In the early days of their work, David and Thais repeatedly heard scientists and economists sounding the alarm about climate change. Drawing on his expertise as a brilliant, award-winning data scientist, David analyzed public energy inventories and developed a mathematical equation quantifying the rise in atmospheric greenhouse gases, linking the increase in carbon — one of the primary drivers of climate change — directly to human activity.
Recognizing its impact as a “threat multiplier,” the foundation has strategically invested in initiatives that address emissions, policy and resilience at scale. From funding renewable energy solutions to leveraging partnerships that have reduced millions of tons of global emissions, VoLo Foundation has demonstrated that impactful action is not just possible — it’s essential.
“Florida is our home, and we’ve seen firsthand how science-based solutions can transform communities,” adds David S. Vogel, co-founder. “Whether it’s restoring ecosystems, improving health or educating the next generation, real progress begins with data-informed action.”
“Climate change is not an abstract issue,” Thais explains. “It’s something that affects our health, economy and everyday lives. By funding solutions grounded in science, we’re creating pathways for meaningful change.”
Looking ahead: the next decade of impact
As VoLo Foundation celebrates this milestone, its commitment to driving global impact has only deepened. Looking to the future, Thais and David Vogel remain steadfast in their mission: to accelerate change, empower communities and ensure a sustainable planet for generations to come.
“This work is for our children, for everyone’s children,” shares Thais. “The challenges are real, but so are the solutions. We’re ready for the next chapter.”
Shannon Maganiezin is director of external relations for VoLo Foundation, which is a private family organization that exists to accelerate change and global impact by supporting science-based climate solutions, enhancing education and improving health. VoLo Foundation is a financial supporter of The Invading Sea. Banner photo: David S. Vogel speaks alongside Thais Lopez Vogel at VoLo Foundations’s 10-Year Celebration at Admiral’s Cove in Jupiter on Dec. 13. (Photo courtesy of VoLo Foundation). This piece was originally published at https://volofoundation.org/news/volo-foundation-celebrates-10-years-of-climate-action/.
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