PRIME Coalition

PRIME Coalition is a public charity, not a venture capital fund. It uses grants, recoverable grants, and program-related investments (PRIs) rather than equity. Donors receive tax deductions, and the organization evaluates investments based on greenhouse-gas reduction potential using its proprietary Impact Lens methodology.

PRIME Coalition does not publicly disclose a minimum threshold. Donors typically include foundations and philanthropic individuals; contributions can be as small as $25,000, though most come from larger institutional donors.

No. PRIME Coalition is structured as a public charity and does not charge management fees or carried interest. Donors receive a charitable deduction for their contributions. The organization covers operating costs through separate philanthropic grants and program fees.

PRIME Coalition uses a proprietary evaluation tool called the Impact Lens to assess each venture's potential for greenhouse-gas reduction, technological readiness, and scalability. The process includes a technical due-diligence phase, a philanthropic impact scoring, and a final investment committee decision.

Yes. PRIME Coalition structures many of its investments as recoverable grants or PRIs, which allow for return of capital to the donor if the venture succeeds. Returns are capped, and all proceeds are recycled into new climate-tech ventures.

PRIME Coalition focuses exclusively on hard-tech solutions for climate change mitigation. It explicitly avoids software-only plays, consumer products, and companies that primarily address adaptation rather than emissions reduction.

Sarah Kearney serves as Executive Director and leads the investment team. The board, chaired by Michele Kimball, provides oversight. Investment decisions follow a committee process involving internal staff and external technical advisors.