Shift announces a new grant, with the support of Redbrick, to fuel sustainability in tech and help purpose-driven ideas thrive.

Supporting sustainable ventures is an investment in a future where tech has a positive impact on climate. Prioritizing sustainability is central to our mission of balancing profit with purpose as a Certified B Corp. For this reason, we are so excited to support Shift in the launch of this grant.

Today, Shift announced a $25,000 USD grant that will be a game-changer for sustainability initiatives in tech. Applications are now open April 15th - May 13th, 2025, for Canadian and US startups, nonprofits, or entrepreneurs working to solve environmental challenges in tech.

This grant represents a huge step forward in how our portfolio companies can access Redbrick’s impact funding. Launching an initiative of this magnitude shows the progress we’ve made since becoming B Corp Certified.

When we became a B Corp, we made a commitment to use our business as a force for good. The Shift Impact Grant is one way we’re turning that commitment into action.

Thanks to the incredible companies in our portfolio, the Shift Impact Grant winner will get more than just funding. Financial assistance is a starting point, but sharing resources alongside it can make any grant far more impactful.

This isn’t just a grant, it’s a launchpad. And we can’t wait to see what someone can bring to life with it.

Unrestricted funding leads to real-world impact

If you’ve ever started something from scratch, you know how hard the early days can be. A grant like this, at the right time, can be a total game-changer. If you are a founder, take a moment to reflect, “What would a $25,000 grant have meant for you back then?” Or if you’re currently laying the groundwork for your startup, what would it mean now?

We know from experience that ideas can grow faster and solutions can be built sooner, if momentum arrives when it’s needed most. When an organization is given the support and resources it needs, along with the freedom to allocate those resources however it sees fit, great ideas accelerate.

There’s data to support that approach. Studies on unrestricted funding, like those done on MacKenzie Scott’s philanthropic model, show that giving organizations flexibility on how to use grant funding leads to long-term, real-world impact. It’s simple: when you trust and enable people doing good work, they do even better work.

Why sustainability in tech?

The rapid growth of the tech industry comes with a significant environmental impact. From energy consumption within data centers to increasing electronic waste, tech accounts for up to 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions—more than the entire global aviation industry.

• If nothing changes, tech emissions could make up 15% of all global emissions by 2040
• Data storage and transmission emit 97 million tons of carbon dioxide annually
• Every year, internet usage consumes 2.6 trillion litres of water

However, we believe that the same industry that contributes to the problem can be part of the solution if we empower the right people to lead the way.

"We’ve been dreaming about how we could support the kinds of organizations that aren’t just reacting to environmental challenges, but rewriting what’s possible. The builders. The doers. The ones who are putting climate impact at the center of innovation."

Marco Pimentel, CMO of Redbrick

Creating a more sustainable future in tech takes both advocacy and action, and The Shift Impact grant fuels both. Advocacy drives awareness, educates stakeholders, and influences organizations, policymakers, and communities to prioritize sustainability. Action is where advocacy shifts into measurable impact. The tools from Redbrick’s portfolio will support an organization or individual in gaining momentum behind their advocacy, while the funding provides the resources to put plans into action.

This grant is here to support the people doing the work, whether it supports critical sustainability actions with immediate impact or long-term strategies. We're showing up early because we believe in what you're building and want to help you make it real.

If you’re a founder, builder, or changemaker in the US or Canada, and your work is driving sustainability through tech, this is your chance to increase your impact. Apply now between April 15 and May 13, 2025, or share the link with someone who should.

We know there are incredible ideas out there waiting for the right support. This could be it.

Image credit: Luke Liable, Victoria Rising