Looking back on 2025 – a pivotal year for the Howden Foundation

As the end of the year fast approaches, at the Howden Foundation we have been reflecting on one of the most pivotal years since our inception. Powered by the generosity and incredible success of Howden and Howden colleagues, the foundation has reached new levels of impact thanks to the incredible work of our partners. 

2025 has seen the foundation support more people, in more places, than ever before.
This year, we’ve also reached a major milestone: the foundation has invested £10 million in charitable causes since inception.   While this reflects the scale of our commitment, what matters most are the outcomes we’ve achieved for people. Through our live portfolio of 16 partnerships spanning more than 20 countries, we’ve supported over 400,000 people to strengthen their resilience to the impacts of climate change. 

We are especially proud to be rounding off 2025 with the announcement of three new partnerships. These partnerships support innovative initiatives in seven countries across Africa and provided also ensure climate adaptation remains firmly on the global agenda.

• Groundswell International supports rural communities to overcome poverty. Support from the foundation will help establish Water Hubs in communities in five countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to help tackle water scarcity. Water Hubs also serve as demonstration and learning sites, training local communities on water literacy, the water cycle and the communities’ role in sustaining it. 
• Tanzania Alliance for Biodiversity (TABIO) supports agricultural biodiversity and sustainable farming. The foundation’s support will enable the launch of SCOPE Tanzania, which will transform schools into climate-resilient, agroecological learning spaces. On-site food forests will improve water retention and soil health, spread harvested rainwater in a region increasingly impacted by extreme heat and drought. 
• Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) uses open mapping technology to address climate and health challenges. Support from the foundation will enable the first geospatial and thermal map of the entire city of Freetown, Sierra Leone, including its informal settlements. The data will be used to direct climate resilient investments across the city, working with the Freetown City Council to reduce urban heat through a combination of engineered and nature-based solutions.

Claire Harbron, Howden Foundation CEO, commented:

Over the last year Howden Foundation has made huge strides forward to enact its mission towards a world where everyone is resilient to the impacts of climate change. Since joining the team six months ago, I have witnessed first-hand the passion and ambition that drive all our partnerships - whether through the generosity of Howden and its employees, the dedication of our foundation team, or the vital work of our grant partners delivering change where it matters most. 

2026 will mark another year of growth for the foundation. We are proud to play our part in tackling the world’s greatest risk and supporting the people most affected.