CIV:LAB is a New York-based nonprofit that directs funding and practical support to community-led responses to climate challenges. Its work focuses on strengthening local resilience and civic capacity, with grantmaking shaped by place-based advisory committees and community priorities.142
Founded in 2017, the organisation was established to improve coordination among people and institutions working to make cities more sustainable; its own timeline identifies 2018 as the year it was formally founded.4 Founder and Executive Director Simon Sylvester-Chaudhuri leads a team whose listed roles include operations, research, climate innovation and regional advising.5
CIV:LAB works across New York City, Michigan and Los Angeles County. Its activities include community resilience grants, facilitated studios that bring local stakeholders together, and convenings intended to build capacity and connect organisations with resources.38 In its 2023–24 Climate Fund cycle, it distributed $755,000 to 14 initiatives in New York City and Michigan. Supported work included air-quality monitoring, environmental education, green-workforce training, urban agriculture and community resilience.26
The organisation’s projects have also included the Grid, launched with the New York City Economic Development Corporation in 2019, and the Climate Fund, launched in New York City and Michigan in 2022 before expanding to Los Angeles County.4 In Los Angeles, its first Climate Fund installment awarded seven grants to local climate organisations, supporting work in areas such as workforce development, education and climate technology.10