As we stand at a critical juncture in the energy transition, our work as a non-profit committed to collaborative, future-oriented systems change has begun to feel more essential than ever.
In both Alberta and across Canada, the energy dialogue is once again fraught with political tensions and polarization. This has only been exacerbated by the complex and shifting geopolitical landscape of a post-pandemic world. Despite the challenges of the day, the Lab is steadfast in our mission to bring people with diverse voices together in a non-partisan way to work together to seek out and implement solutions that make real impact.
Even as our approach is needed more than ever, we’re facing significant hurdles to securing the funding needed to sustain our efforts. The current funding landscape is shifting beneath our feet, and while challenging, we’re drawing on our strengths and community to help us navigate this challenge with hopeful urgency.
A Shifting Funding Landscape
Some of our long-standing funders have been unable to renew their commitments for reasons beyond our control. For instance, we see energy companies pivoting operations away from Canada and refocusing efforts in other jurisdictions, and others restructuring their charitable arms – creating serious uncertainty for the organizations counting on their ongoing support. While we remain hopeful about the possibility of future collaborations, these changes have created an impending gap in our funding that we must urgently address.
Why Our Work Matters
The Energy Futures lab does something unique as a space where individuals, communities, and organizations come together across divides to co-create solutions. And while we increasingly see organizations speaking about issues in a similar way, it’s not just that we bring people together, but in what we do together and how we design our work to make real, lasting impact when people go back to their daily lives. While we’re known for our impactful convening, our ongoing Innovation Challenges and initiatives are intentionally structured to create durable solutions and drive system-level change and our team is tenaciously working on these day after day.
Alberta is at the heart of Canada’s energy economy and where our role as a convener and innovator is especially critical. We have seen firsthand how depolarizing dialogue and creating shared purpose can lead to transformative outcomes. From fostering Indigenous leadership to driving economic opportunities in emerging industries, we are laying the groundwork for a net-zero future that works for everyone.
The Path Ahead
While the challenges we face are real, so too is our resolve and we’re actively pursuing all avenues to close the looming funding gap from exploring new partnerships to deepening our relationships with existing supporters. However, we can’t do this alone.
This is where you come in. If our mission resonates with you, we invite you to be part of our journey. Whether it’s through direct funding, connecting us with potential partners, or amplifying our work within your networks, your support can make a tangible difference. Together, we can ensure that this critical work continues and grows, creating the conditions for a thriving, sustainable energy future.
A Call to Action
Creating our future energy system is more than just a technical or economic challenge, it impacts all aspects of society. In a time of polarization and uncertainty, we offer a hopeful path forward.
If you share our vision for a future that’s built collaboratively, inclusively, and equitably please reach out. Together, we can overcome these challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
Now, more than ever, the work we do matters. And with your support, we can ensure it continues.
Erin Romanchuk
Deputy Director
[email protected]
