The Volgenau Climate Initiative (VCI) is a ten-year initiative funded by The Volgenau Foundation, designed to empower leadership networks to pursue and scale bold climate solutions, with a primary focus on nature-based strategies and solutions. 

 

 

Vision

VCI seeks to positively impact our climate and related ecological systems and our relationship with the land through improved practices, policies, and investments.

 

mission

To forge trust-based leadership networks that innovate and scale bold climate strategies, with a primary focus on nature-based solutions.

Vci approach

VCI leads with the conviction that diverse and proven leaders, when provided with the time, space, and resources to slow down and work collaboratively, can develop trusting relationships and fresh perspectives that result in innovative and collaborative strategies for impact. VCI provides seed funding and post-retreat coordination support for those strategies.

2025 Retreats 

  • Public Lands Protection Strategies 

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  • Nature and Climate as Economic Pillars for a New Appalachian Economy

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  • Forests in the Pacific Northwest

    Details to come

  • Climate Finance

    Details coming soon

  • State Policies for Regenerative Agriculture

    Details to come

  • Two people planting and oak tree

    Supply Chains for Agroforestry and Reforestation

    Details to come

What we have heard from VCI retreat participants:

“This retreat was important for all the right reasons. It brought together an incredibly passionate group of leaders in their communities and work spaces. Our time here provided an opportunity to amplify actionable ideas that will help the climate.”