In 2023 we continued to strive towards a world where every child has the right to grow up healthy, safe and empowered, in an environment that is clean, fair and equal. We did more to catalyse systemic transformation, focusing on the root causes of problems - not just the symptoms. Read more about the highlights from our work in 2023, achieved in collaboration with all our partners, from national and local governments, to civil society and the private sector and alongside fellow philanthropic organisations.
Although we still have a long way to go to reach our global goals, 2023 reasserted that impactful change is possible.
Grave challenges continue to face too many children including the devastating climate crises, poverty, illness and child abuse – all of which are preventable but which are undermined by extreme indifference, inertia and apathy.
CIFF approved $516 million in new charitable investments in 2023. This exceeds 2022 approvals by $116 million and means we expect disbursements to increase further in coming years.
CIFF disbursed grants of $578 million in 2023, an increase of $48 million compared to 2022.
This is an increase of $800 million compared with 2022. Our investment returns and income from our endowment assets were positive in 2023 and after charitable expenditure the closing endowment value for 2023 increased to $5.9 billion. This means we have the financial strength and stability to make substantial long-term commitments to the work of our grantees.
As one of the world’s largest independent funders, we invest in and empower ideas that address urgent, cross-cutting crises and systemic failures. To address society’s most pressing challenges, we believe in tackling root causes and implementing intersecting solutions. The wide range of work we do aims to support the foundations which are needed in this world to allow each and every child to grow up safe, healthy and equal.
As a global independent philanthropy, central to our approach is investing in locally-led solutions, which centre the priorities of the communities we work with. We collaborate across our four regions, with five offices, to bring a wide range of perspectives to the work that we do.
CIFF has continued to prioritise climate action, as we recognise that it is one of the single greatest threats to children today and in the future. Our focus stems not only from the direct impact of climate change on children’s lives but also from the understanding that a safe climate is fundamental to create a world where children can thrive.
A message from the ED
“Throughout 2023, we elevated our ambition and action in response to the increasing urgency of addressing climate change. We also recognised that in today’s changing political landscape, a more holistic, ecosystem-based approach is needed to secure a safe and healthy climate and transform the lives of children.
This is reflected in the expansion of my role to Chief Ecosystem Development Officer for the whole organisation, in addition to my position as Executive Director for Climate. Across all of CIFF’s programmes we collaborate with partners to confront complex global challenges through strategies that are bold, resilient, and sustainable. Moving forward, CIFF will continue to work collaboratively, harnessing the collective power of ecosystems to create lasting, positive change.”
Climate by the numbers
by CIFF in 2023, working towards climate action.
For installed renewable energy generation capacity committed to by Heads of State during COP28.
To accelerate the phase-down of methane amongst other super climate pollutants.
Spotlight on global progress
In 2023, global momentum towards a greener renewable energy future was well underway and solidified at COP28, where Heads of State committed to collectively triple the world’s installed renewable energy generation capacity to at least 11,000 GW by 2030.
Focus was on renewable energy alongside the urgent need to phase out super-pollutants, seen through the joint three-year $450 million commitment by climate philanthropies to accelerate the phase-down of methane amongst other super climate pollutants. Furthermore, China is now on track to meet its 2030 target of 1200 GW five years ahead of schedule and the EU adopted the REPowerEU strategy, raising the 2030 renewable energy target from 40% to 45%.
Health and nutrition are fundamental for families, communities and countries to truly thrive. To truly advance global health goals, at CIFF we recognise the importance of not limiting our investments to specific healthcare interventions, but rather focusing on the broader interconnected building blocks of health.
A message from the ED
“My role at CIFF has impact at its heart – and the evidence shows that by taking an integrated and systemic approach to global health outcomes, building the infrastructure and shifting to early prevention in addition to treatment, we can create real impact for children, their families and communities. There are numerous examples of this: from strengthening delivery through community health care workers, scaling health infrastructure and empowering user choice through tech-solutions, to addressing the climate crisis, a systemic driver of poor health outcomes.
Nutrition specifically has been a focus for us at CIFF - given the profound multiplying impact of ensuring a child has the right nutrition and the number of cost-effective proven solutions already available. Despite this nearly half of all deaths in children under 5 are linked to undernutrition and an estimated 45 million children suffer from wasting at any given time around the world. Progress is happening, thanks to innovative mechanisms like the Child Nutrition Fund, but we need more partners to help end child wasting for good.”
Health and Nutrition by the numbers
By CIFF in 2023, to improve health and nutrition.
MMS tablets of locally produced multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) in pharmacies across Bangladesh since its launch in July 2021.
the number of countries that have invested over $15 million in domestic resources to tackle child wasting, through the Child Nutrition Fund, unlocking $30 million in matched funding.
With a new partnership with GAVI aiming to integrate immunisation, nutrition and social protection programmes in Ethiopia.
Spotlight on our nutrition impact
The Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) is a CIFF-funded initiative aimed at supporting the financing and delivery of large-scale solutions for prevention and treatment of child wasting. Good progress has been made over recent years thanks to its rapid growth. Over 10 countries have invested $15 million of domestic funding to unlock the 1:1 match and, in turn, they have received $30 million worth of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) through the CNF commodities match. This will help ensure approximately 600,000 children can be reached with this lifesaving treatment.
The Fund was officially inaugurated in November 2023, during the UK’s Global Food Security and Nutrition Summit. This was a significant milestone in galvanising action towards ending child malnutrition. Alongside the UK’s commitment of £61 million to the Child Wasting Innovation Programme including the £16 million to CNF, the UK also committed a further £38 million to support child nutrition in Somalia over the next 3 years.
Universal access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is fundamental for individuals to achieve their full potential and essential if countries are to reach their intended development goals. In 2023, we continued to see threats that impact SRHR progress, yet, in the face of these challenges we also saw important advances.
A message from the ED
“Over 2023, we increased our ambition and partnered more effectively across the SRHR ecosystem. Challenges to universal sexual & reproductive health are not new - and the consequences of underinvestment and growing opposition hit the poorest and most marginalised hardest. But 2023 was a pivotal year, with action on funding for family planning commodities, scaling innovations, and increased commitments to countries that face the greatest need.
CIFF’s annual report highlights key efforts. Whilst there is no escaping the fact that progress remains totally insufficient given the scale of need, there are achievements that show how rapid change is possible - from the milestones on contraceptive self-care, to scaling last mile delivery in the Sahel, to the promise of new tools for HIV prevention. I would like to highlight the redoubling of effort to close the funding gap for family planning supplies, where local leadership is now shaping long-term solutions to this challenge”
SRHR by the numbers
by CIFF in 2023, to improve health and nutrition.
Through the Step-Up platform, led by our partner MSI, providing more contraceptive choices.
This is as a result of self-testing services through our programme with the Global Fund.
This will be reached by 2030, if there is not a step-change in global financing.
This will go towards efforts to end the gap in commodity financing.
Spotlight on our SRHR impact
Self-managed contraception is one of the most important innovations in SRHR. By enabling more women and girls to access a discreet, long-acting contraceptive, self-injectables are proving to be a powerful opportunity to break down barriers, especially in low-resource settings.
The scale-up of self-injectable contraception reached critical milestones in 2023 with one million women self-injecting over 2023, representing 15% of global use (compared with 1% in 2019), and trailblazer countries like Uganda, Nigeria and Malawi reporting self-injection above 30%, transforming the way contraception is delivered.
Furthermore, in 2023 alone, the Step-Up platform (a programme developed in partnership with the FCDO and implemented by MSI Choices) reached 1.7 million young women across Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal with contraceptive choices, half of which opted for the most effective long-acting methods.
CIFF’s vision in Africa is to ensure future generations have the health, economic opportunity and agency to contribute to a thriving and self-determining Africa. In 2023, our work continued to center on three core pillars: Girl Capital, Resilient Communities and For Africa, By Africa.
A message from the ED
“In Africa we are committed to building systemic change and strengthening local capacity – all whilst harnessing African expertise and growth. In 2023, we continued to champion integrated approaches to programming, as we understand that Africa’s challenges are intersectional and therefore cannot be tackled in isolation of each other. As we strengthened our relationships with governments, philanthropy, the private sector, and implementing partners, 2023 helped show the power of the African ecosystem.”
Africa by the numbers
Compared to with 50,000 last year. (Which supports adolescents in Ethopia to make their own family planning choices).
This is since its inception in 1993.
This helps these girls graduate into secure livelihoods and leadership positions.
This is thanks to the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem.
This is in partnership with Food4Education capable of serving 60,000 school meals a day.
Spotlight on our Africa impact
"Without proper food, children lack the strength, attention span and interest in learning. In 2023, CIFF supported the work of Food4Education - an organisation which helps to ensure school children have access to a nutritious meal when at school. Within 8 months of our partnership, Food4Education had constructed Africa’s largest Giga kitchen dedicated to school feeding. At 32,000 ft², when fully operational the kitchen will be able to provide 60,000 meals a day. By the end of 2023, the kitchen was already functioning at 50% capacity, serving hot lunches to 28,800 children and was expected to operate at full capacity by the first quarter of 2024.
In total, the Food4Education programme aims to provides meals a quarter of children enrolled in Nairobi’s state schoolsschools and is on track to reach 1 million children across the country by 2030. The kitchen, as well as satellite cooking stations, have created employment for almost 2,000 people in poor neighborhoods of Nairobi. Read more about the success of the Gigi Kitchen and those behind it here. "
CIFF’s work in India is fundamentally aligned with the Indian Government’s vision and priorities. Through working with national and state governments, in addition to a range of local partners, we support work that harnesses locally led solutions and drives sustainable impact.
A message from the ED
“2023 was the first year of fully implementing our refreshed India 2.0 approach. This new strategy is anchored in the vision that innovations in development from India can drive global progress. India has the potential to have a profound contribution to the wider global development ecosystem. Our 2023 partnerships exemplify this, as we supported the government in building global institutions and scaling impactful programs nationally.”
India by the numbers
when using the Participatory Learning Action (PLA) method, developed by our partner Ekjut. The programme was recognised as an example of best practice within India’s G20 thought leadership initiative, T20.
This is through a partnership with the Government of India to share lessons and best practices.
within two years as a result of the state governments steer and partnership to accelerate the adoption of zero emissions vehicles.
Spotlight on our India impact
CIFF has supported the world’s largest Skill Impact Bond led by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) – a-one-of-a-kind public-private partnership model in India under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. In year two of its implementation, it has enrolled close to 18,000 young people successfully in employment setting them up with important skills and financial opportunities for a more empowered future.
CIFF’s work in East and Southeast Asia tackles the greatest climate challenges and supports the region’s low carbon transition. Our primary focus is on China, with expanding portfolios in Japan, South Korea and countries in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
A message from the Director
“We continue to see progress towards a green transition in East and Southeast Asia and our commitment is stronger than ever. At a time when the region’s economies are growing quickly, we want to support low carbon resilient growth and long-term sustainability, which enables the world to meet its global climate targets. This means we focus not only on supporting decarbonisation but also on fostering global collaboration on green growth.”
East and Southeast Asia by the numbers
which it is on track to reach five years early.
For new electric vehicles in China in 2023.
This is the aim for 2023.
In Indonesia, which has worked to increase the capacity of the grid to manage renewable energy in Java and Bali.
Spotlight on our work in East and Southeast Asia
In 2023, China furthered its transition to a low-carbon future. Its wind and solar energy was on track to achieve the target of 1200 GW by 2030 five years early, and the penetration rate of new electric vehicles (EV) rose to 31.6%. It also reinforced green investment through the belt and road and continued its contribution on global climate momentum. CIFF and its partners kept supporting these critical steps by providing technical supports and intensifying global-south cooperation.
In the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), 2023 saw solar and wind capacity increase by 20%, putting the region on track to surpass its renewable energy target by 2025. CIFF and partners have been focusing on tackling the bottlenecks of grid infrastructure and implementing effective renewable policies to reach our ambition of a fair green energy transition for the region.
We have worked in Europe for over 15 years, supporting the ongoing systemic change needed to fundamentally tackle climate change. Our ambition is to encourage Europe to be the first continent to decarbonise and to work with leaders to put climate at the center of policy to create a healthy, safe and cleaner planet.
A message from the Director
“Our vision for Europe is for the region to be a trusted partner in accelerating the just and equitable transition to a low emissions future globally. The EU has demonstrated its ability to be a leading actor for the green transition through its regulation, finance and diplomacy, whilst non-EU countries like the UK, Turkey and Norway also have a crucial role to play in navigating sector-specific transitions like in agriculture, oil & gas, or manufacturing industries.
This past year, we have worked within a volatile socio-economic and political context, and this has, naturally, created new questions and challenges for us as we work to accelerate climate action. Despite this, our partners have helped to unlock encouraging progress across all nearly all countries and sectors, moving us ever-closer to a healthy society which is both sustainable and prosperous for all.”
Europe by the numbers
for EU renewable energy target by 2023.
A record year for renewables in Europe.
90% emissions relative to 1990. This recommendation reaffirmed the EU’s determination to tackle climate change.
over 10 years the market share of heat pumps has tripled (Carbon Brief)
this is an increase of almost 20% relative to 2022. (IEA)
Spotlight on our work in Europe
2023, the year before the EU elections, was busy. While there is still a lot of work to be done, most of the policies under the European Green Deal have now been adopted.
One major milestone was the 2030 energy package, which saw an increase of the 2030 target for renewables from 40% to 45%, almost double the existing share of renewable energy in the EU. We also saw the EU Buildings Law, which sets a new and more ambitious energy performance criteria, a Grids Action Plan which will ensure that electricity grids operate more efficiently, and a revised Renewable Energy Directive. This contributed to a record year for Europe’s energy transition, with wind and solar now making up 27% of the EU’s electricity mix, moving us closer towards our ambition for Europe to be the first continent to decarbonise.
Our grant disbursements were split across our priority areas: health and nutrition, sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR), girls’ education and skilling (Girl Capital), climate and cross-cutting (which includes evaluation and contingency funding). Read more about the highlights from this work below.
