Evergreen Climate Innovations, based in Chicago and founded in 2010 as Clean Energy Trust, is a nonprofit venture capital provider that supports early-stage climate technology startups across the Greater Midwest. Through its 501vc® Platform, the organization merges a mission-driven nonprofit approach with a venture funding model to fill the capital gap for promising clean tech ventures. Evergreen provides seed investments of $200,000 to $300,000 and offers workshops, technical assistance and industry partnerships, helping entrepreneurs transform research-stage ideas into market-ready solutions.
Evergreen’s approach extends beyond capital by offering mentorship, grant opportunities and connections to corporate partners, investors and donors. Its portfolio includes 49 companies, of which 57% are led by women or founders of color. Those startups have generated 947 jobs, secured $561 million in follow-on funding and achieved five successful exits, with an average of $54 in follow-on funding for every dollar invested. Evergreen seeks innovations in clean energy, water efficiency, agriculture technology and other climate solutions, supporting entrepreneurs through workshops, pilot programs and introductions to strategic partners in order to foster inclusive economic growth.
Clean technology forms the core of Evergreen’s investments, particularly in renewable power, sustainable agriculture and advanced water management. Energy storage and battery innovations hold a special place in the organization’s strategy, since they are vital for integrating solar and wind power, supporting electric vehicle charging infrastructure and enabling long-duration backup systems. While specific battery-focused startups are not always highlighted by name, Evergreen’s commitment to energy storage ventures underscores its role in advancing key technologies for grid stability and scalable climate impact.
