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Basecamp Programme

The Lab process begins with what we call a Basecamp programme. Here we introduce principles about how the Lab works, share models and stories about alternative forms of funding, open space to explore how to support life-centred economic models, and sow the seeds for a more collaborative way of working within the Lab.

The Basecamp is the entry point to the Lab. It is a compact yet vibrant programme taking place across two months, and it’s open to all types and sizes of funding entities, from individual philanthropists to foundations. Once the training is completed, we invite people to choose workstreams to join or to initiate new ones. Funders are also welcome to participate in the Basecamp programme without committing to a workstream.

Download the Basecamp brochure to learn more.

About the programme Why now? Get in touch

Why Join?

The Lab is a virtual campus and working hub for funders and philanthropists—a place to come together, learn together, and form different working groups to support economies that serve life. We see it helping funders in a number of ways:

  • Collaborative funding strategies that are ready to use for making long-term, systemic impact;
  • Access to expertise and insight from world-leading practitioners, activists and thinkers;
  • Deep relationships with a powerful community of collaborators, peers and allies;
  • Experience of a structured, facilitated process that’s also creative, collaborative and uplifting<;/li>
  • A chance to be genuinely innovative, with the support of peers and collaborators.

About the programme

We ask that all new Lab members go through the Basecamp programme. This ensures that all participants understand how the Lab works and have a shared language and set of reference points about how to approach more systemic forms of change.

The Basecamp programme takes place across two months. It begins with a 2-day in-person gathering (in the UK – within two hours of London) and is followed by four online sessions of 2.5 hours every other week.

Opening Gathering (two days, in person) – Meeting, Mission, and Going Differently

Online session 1 – An Economy that Serves Life

Online session 2 – Transforming Philanthropy

Online session 3 – Working in Systems / Reimagining Impact

Online session 4 – Shifting our Work in Practice

The next Basecamp starts in September 2025. For more details about the content of the programme and upcoming dates, please download the Basecamp brochure.

Why now?

There is an urgent and growing need to do things differently—right now. The Basecamp programme is designed to help funders reimagine philanthropy to better meet the needs of this current moment.

The polycrisis is accelerating and we must shift financial flows to support a liveable future for all. The Earth Funding Lab is committed to a radical reimagining of how we fund projects, bringing funders together to create an outsized impact on the system.

Get in touch

For questions about the upcoming Basecamp programme, including programme content and joining workstreams, please get in touch with Hannah Temple (hannah@tealco.org) and Andres Roberts (andres@bio-leadership.org).

For practical questions about signing up for the Basecamp or becoming a member of the Lab, please contact Sophia Cooke (sophia@greenfunders.org).

Being part of the Lab has expanded my understanding around funding practices and foundational issues that are the roots of our systemic challenges. It has connected me to a wider network of funders that also value nature and its voice, while guiding us beautifully through the journey of learning, conceptualizing and acting collaboratively.

Renata Minerbo Strengerowski, Be The Earth Foundation