Make My Money Matter, a green investing campaign group co-founded by renowned film director Richard Curtis, is shutting down next month after five years of operation. The organization, known for pressuring financial institutions to divest from fossil fuels, cited a decline in philanthropic donations as the reason for its closure.
Launched in 2020 by the director of beloved films like “Love Actually,” Make My Money Matter quickly gained traction, garnering support from prominent figures such as Stephen Fry, Chris Packham, and Caroline Lucas. The campaign focused on urging banks and pension funds to redirect investments away from fossil fuel projects and towards more sustainable alternatives.
The organization informed its supporters of the impending closure via email, stating that declining donations made continued operation impossible. This announcement comes amidst a broader industry shift away from Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing, a trend exacerbated by factors like reduced profitability in the renewables sector and increased returns from oil and gas giants.
Make My Money Matter advocated for complete divestment from companies involved in financing new fossil fuel ventures. The campaign targeted major British banks like Barclays, NatWest, and HSBC, encouraging individuals to switch to institutions with stronger ethical investment policies, such as Nationwide, Metro Bank, and the Co-operative Bank.
Beyond direct action targeting financial institutions, Make My Money Matter collaborated with major pension providers like Phoenix Group and Scottish Widows, publishing reports highlighting the impact of investment choices on climate change and social responsibility. These partnerships aimed to raise awareness among pension holders about the power of their investments to drive positive change.
Curtis, known for impactful campaigns like Comic Relief and Make Poverty History, reflected on the challenges of securing funding for such initiatives. He emphasized the core principle behind Make My Money Matter: the understanding that financial decisions have profound consequences, capable of both constructing and destroying our world.
The campaign was launched in collaboration with Jo Corlett, a former advisor to David Cameron, and led by Tony Burdon, a seasoned civil servant and former Oxfam aid worker. Upon its inception, Make My Money Matter declared its ambition to leverage the vast sums invested in pensions to contribute to a better future.
A spokesperson for the group acknowledged the influence of the current global economic climate on non-profit funding but declined to comment on specific donors. The closure of Make My Money Matter underscores the difficulties faced by organizations advocating for sustainable finance in a fluctuating economic and political landscape. While the campaign may be ending, its message about the crucial role of responsible investing resonates strongly in a world grappling with climate change and social inequalities.
