who we are
The Trafigura Foundation is an independent philanthropic organisation.
We invest in impactful and long-term solutions, with a focus on climate adaptation.
We are a funding partner to carefully selected non-profit
organisations, that are addressing critical development challenges
in order to benefit vulnerable communities and nature.
Climate change is a systemic risk that can no longer be ignored. Over the next 10 years, 130 million people may be pushed into poverty due to its effects.
While philanthropic and international funding for climate initiatives has increased, most funding is directed towards mitigation efforts, yet many climate impacts are already irreversible. Adaptation strategies are crucial to build resilient communities, supply chains, and ecosystems.
According to the United Nations, adaptation needs in the developing world are set to skyrocket to as much as USD 340 billion a year by 2030. Yet, adaptation support today stands at less than 10 percent of that amount. Without a step change in support, adaptation actions will be outstripped by accelerating climate risks, which would further widen the adaptation implementation gap and increase the risk of climate-related humanitarian crises.
A world where individuals thrive and communities prosper in harmony with the planet.
To invest in catalytic solutions for resilient communities and ecosystems.
Grant-making process
The Trafigura Foundation does not accept unsolicited funding applications. lts Management Team proactively sources new non-profit partners based on the Foundation’s strategic priorities and the impact potential and quality of the partners’ programmes.
The Management Team reaches out to prospective partners, and jointly develops a project proposal for submission. The Foundation Board makes the final funding decision, based on the relevance of the proposed programme with respect to the Foundation’s mission, and its efficiency and impact.
Independence
The Trafigura Foundation was created in 2OO7 by the company Trafigura as an independently managed, company funded philanthropic foundation. lt operates as a charity under Swiss law. While the philanthropic achievements of the Foundation are part of the Group’s efforts toward greater sustainability and responsibility, the Foundation’s governance structure ensures funding decisions are independent of any business influence and guided by genuine philanthropic motivations. Our funding decisions are autonomous, solely motivated by an interest in achieving the common good.
Our People
The Management Team takes care of the day-to-day management of the Foundation. We scope prospective partners and monitor their progress.
Dario leads the Trafigura Foundation’s Management Team and is responsible for the implementation of its global strategy and relations with key partners.
By building strong coalitions and supporting innovations with large-scale impacts, Dario maximises the impact of the Foundation’s work to help people and nature prosper in the face of climate change.
Dario has more than 25 years of experience leading international organisations focused on social and economic inclusion, climate action and public-private partnerships, including Fairtrade International, the Global Water Partnership and the Trust for the Americas. He has also worked as a corporate lawyer. Dario has a law degree from Universidad Javeriana (Colombia), a Master of Laws from Tulane University, New Orleans, and a Master in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Dario leads the Trafigura Foundation’s Management Team and is responsible for the implementation of its global strategy and relations with key partners.
By building strong coalitions and supporting innovations with large-scale impacts, Dario maximises the impact of the Foundation’s work to help people and nature prosper in the face of climate change.
Dario has more than 25 years of experience leading international organisations focused on social and economic inclusion, climate action and public-private partnerships, including Fairtrade International, the Global Water Partnership and the Trust for the Americas. He has also worked as a corporate lawyer. Dario has a law degree from Universidad Javeriana (Colombia), a Master of Laws from Tulane University, New Orleans, and a Master in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Nina is a senior member of the team developing and supporting the Trafigura Foundation’s partnerships to build sustainable livelihoods, protect and restore ecosystems and make communities resilient to climate change.
With expertise in environmental science, Nina ensures that solutions co-designed with Foundation partners take full account of current and future climate impacts, maximising the sustainable benefits that can be attained.
Nina has over 20 years of experience in climate adaptation, nature-based solutions and development cooperation. Before joining the Foundation, she worked for a consultancy focused on communicating global climate and environmental issues. She has also managed projects for the United Nations and other international organisations in African and Latin America. Nina holds a Master in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Helsinki, and a Certificate of Sustainable Environmental Management from the University of California.
Nina is a senior member of the team developing and supporting the Trafigura Foundation’s partnerships to build sustainable livelihoods, protect and restore ecosystems and make communities resilient to climate change.
With expertise in environmental science, Nina ensures that solutions co-designed with Foundation partners take full account of current and future climate impacts, maximising the sustainable benefits that can be attained.
Nina has over 20 years of experience in climate adaptation, nature-based solutions and development cooperation. Before joining the Foundation, she worked for a consultancy focused on communicating global climate and environmental issues. She has also managed projects for the United Nations and other international organisations in African and Latin America. Nina holds a Master in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Helsinki, and a Certificate of Sustainable Environmental Management from the University of California.
Anne is a member of the team managing the Trafigura Foundation’s portfolio and developing new opportunities to foster resilient and sustainable communities and ecosystems.
With expertise in economics, Anne works with partners to craft solutions that enable livelihoods to thrive in the face of climate change. She also assists with the Foundation’s impact measurement system, helping ensure that data and evidence inform decision-making across the portfolio.
Anne has more than 10 years of experience in the development sector, including four years in the field in Nicaragua and South Sudan. She has occupied monitoring and evaluation, project management and fundraising positions in private-sector microfinance initiatives, local and international non-governmental organisations, and multilateral institutions.
Anne holds a Master in Development Economics and Economic History from Sciences Po Paris and the London School of Economics.
Anne is a member of the team managing the Trafigura Foundation’s portfolio and developing new opportunities to foster resilient and sustainable communities and ecosystems.
With expertise in economics, Anne works with partners to craft solutions that enable livelihoods to thrive in the face of climate change. She also assists with the Foundation’s impact measurement system, helping ensure that data and evidence inform decision-making across the portfolio.
Anne has more than 10 years of experience in the development sector, including four years in the field in Nicaragua and South Sudan. She has occupied monitoring and evaluation, project management and fundraising positions in private-sector microfinance initiatives, local and international non-governmental organisations, and multilateral institutions.
Anne holds a Master in Development Economics and Economic History from Sciences Po Paris and the London School of Economics.
Laura is a member of the team overseeing the development and advancement of the Trafigura Foundation’s programmes to help communities and ecosystems to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change.
Skilled in bringing together humanitarian, development and peace actors, Laura helps partnerships in areas from climate-resilient agriculture to disaster risk reduction to deliver long-term results also in fragile settings. Laura has 10 years of experience in international development and cooperation. Prior to joining the Foundation, she filled various roles for an international peacebuilding organisation at its headquarters and in West Africa. She has also worked for non-profit organisations in public health as well as youth employment, and for the Austrian foreign service.
Laura is a member of the team overseeing the development and advancement of the Trafigura Foundation’s programmes to help communities and ecosystems to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change.
Skilled in bringing together humanitarian, development and peace actors, Laura helps partnerships in areas from climate-resilient agriculture to disaster risk reduction to deliver long-term results also in fragile settings. Laura has 10 years of experience in international development and cooperation. Prior to joining the Foundation, she filled various roles for an international peacebuilding organisation at its headquarters and in West Africa. She has also worked for non-profit organisations in public health as well as youth employment, and for the Austrian foreign service.
Celine is responsible for planning and implementing all the Trafigura Foundation’s external and internal communications and for its support to Trafigura Group’s corporate volunteers worldwide.
By raising awareness of the reach and achievements of the Foundation’s partnerships, Celine helps multiply its contribution to sustainable development and the empowerment of vulnerable communities impacted by climate change.
Celine has more than 15 years of experience in developing communication strategies, advocacy campaigns and multimedia content for both private sector companies and public bodies including the World Health Organization, the Global Fund and the International Committee of the Red Cross. She has also worked in French national television and radio. Celine holds a Master in Journalism and a Master in Information and Communication from Sorbonne University, Paris, as well as a Bachelor of Philosophy from Lyon II University.
Celine is responsible for planning and implementing all the Trafigura Foundation’s external and internal communications and for its support to Trafigura Group’s corporate volunteers worldwide.
By raising awareness of the reach and achievements of the Foundation’s partnerships, Celine helps multiply its contribution to sustainable development and the empowerment of vulnerable communities impacted by climate change.
Celine has more than 15 years of experience in developing communication strategies, advocacy campaigns and multimedia content for both private sector companies and public bodies including the World Health Organization, the Global Fund and the International Committee of the Red Cross. She has also worked in French national television and radio. Celine holds a Master in Journalism and a Master in Information and Communication from Sorbonne University, Paris, as well as a Bachelor of Philosophy from Lyon II University.
Ksenia administers the Trafigura Foundation’s investments as well as maintaining key operations in areas including data management, finance and accountability.
By ensuring the smooth delivery of grants, Ksenia enable partners to implement programmes for people and the planet decisively and with confidence. Her work is also central to the Foundation’s institutional learning and in providing transparency on its performance.
Ksenia has more than 10 years of experience in financial administration and human resources. She has previously worked for Trafigura, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Procter & Gamble. Ksenia holds a Master of Human Resource Management from King’s College London and a Bachelor of Finance.
Ksenia administers the Trafigura Foundation’s investments as well as maintaining key operations in areas including data management, finance and accountability.
By ensuring the smooth delivery of grants, Ksenia enable partners to implement programmes for people and the planet decisively and with confidence. Her work is also central to the Foundation’s institutional learning and in providing transparency on its performance.
Ksenia has more than 10 years of experience in financial administration and human resources. She has previously worked for Trafigura, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Procter & Gamble. Ksenia holds a Master of Human Resource Management from King’s College London and a Bachelor of Finance.
Our People
The Board oversees the strategic direction of the Foundation, and makes final decisions on partnership proposals.
Andrew Vickerman has held a board position with Trafigura since October 2010. He has been heavily involved with community work in developing countries throughout his career and held overall responsibility for various foundations and community trusts while with Rio Tinto, one of the world’s leading mining companies. An economist by background with a PhD in economics from Cambridge University, he has also worked as a development economist, academic and economic advisor to government for the World Bank and other international agencies.
Andrew Vickerman has held a board position with Trafigura since October 2010. He has been heavily involved with community work in developing countries throughout his career and held overall responsibility for various foundations and community trusts while with Rio Tinto, one of the world’s leading mining companies. An economist by background with a PhD in economics from Cambridge University, he has also worked as a development economist, academic and economic advisor to government for the World Bank and other international agencies.
A British national, Craig joined Trafigura in 2007 as HR Manager for Europe, and moved in 2012 to the Geneva Office as Global Head of Resourcing. Before joining Trafigura, Craig worked as HR Manager for several charities, such as the British Lung Foundation and Scope. He is an accomplished sportsman and regularly runs marathons, always in support of good causes. His unfailing commitment to engage into such initiatives makes Craig a true asset to the Foundation in the development of staff engagement activities at global level.
A British national, Craig joined Trafigura in 2007 as HR Manager for Europe, and moved in 2012 to the Geneva Office as Global Head of Resourcing. Before joining Trafigura, Craig worked as HR Manager for several charities, such as the British Lung Foundation and Scope. He is an accomplished sportsman and regularly runs marathons, always in support of good causes. His unfailing commitment to engage into such initiatives makes Craig a true asset to the Foundation in the development of staff engagement activities at global level.
Pierre is a non-executive Director of Trafigura Group Pte Ltd, Puma Energy Holdings Pte Ltd, and Olam Agri. He has been involved in the commodity spaces for over two decades.
Pierre is also involved in the philanthropic sector as Chairman of the Lorinet Foundation and the Support for the Arts Fund (stART Fund) as well as a non-executive director of Tri-sector Associates, the Pioneer Facility and Trafigura Foundation.
Pierre’s personal philanthropic journey is centred on expanding the work of his family foundation. Lorinet Foundation is dedicated to enabling positive and sustainable impact on the lives of children, youth, and families living in vulnerable communities in Mongolia. Pierre graduated from Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris in France and holds an MSc in Finance with distinction from Lancaster University in the UK. He lives in Singapore with his wife and 3 children.
Pierre is a non-executive Director of Trafigura Group Pte Ltd, Puma Energy Holdings Pte Ltd, and Olam Agri. He has been involved in the commodity spaces for over two decades.
Pierre is also involved in the philanthropic sector as Chairman of the Lorinet Foundation and the Support for the Arts Fund (stART Fund) as well as a non-executive director of Tri-sector Associates, the Pioneer Facility and Trafigura Foundation.
Pierre’s personal philanthropic journey is centred on expanding the work of his family foundation. Lorinet Foundation is dedicated to enabling positive and sustainable impact on the lives of children, youth, and families living in vulnerable communities in Mongolia. Pierre graduated from Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris in France and holds an MSc in Finance with distinction from Lancaster University in the UK. He lives in Singapore with his wife and 3 children.
Shirley Zhu Lingna is General Manager of Trafigura Investment (China) Co. Ltd since 2015. Shirley joined the company in May 2001 as a junior trader, helping develop the copper, lead and zinc trading desks. In 2012 she was appointed as the trading manager overlooking all commodities to focus on the domestic business.
In 2015 Shirley was appointed General Manager of the China region, managing about 200 members of staff and responsible for developing Trafigura’s business throughout China.
Shirley is a Chinese national. She graduated from DongHua University with a degree in international trade. Shirley has a personal interest in environmental issues and leads the Shanghai Charity Committee, the local corporate volunteering group that organises charitable activities for the most vulnerable in the Chinese society.
Shirley Zhu Lingna is General Manager of Trafigura Investment (China) Co. Ltd since 2015. Shirley joined the company in May 2001 as a junior trader, helping develop the copper, lead and zinc trading desks. In 2012 she was appointed as the trading manager overlooking all commodities to focus on the domestic business.
In 2015 Shirley was appointed General Manager of the China region, managing about 200 members of staff and responsible for developing Trafigura’s business throughout China.
Shirley is a Chinese national. She graduated from DongHua University with a degree in international trade. Shirley has a personal interest in environmental issues and leads the Shanghai Charity Committee, the local corporate volunteering group that organises charitable activities for the most vulnerable in the Chinese society.
A finance graduate from Lehigh University, Isabelle has a wealth of experience in venture capital and asset management. She started her career at Lehman Brothers, in equity research, after which she joined Advent Venture Partners, a venture capital firm. Isabelle was also a portfolio manager at LK Advisers (the Mittal Family Office) investing in public and private equity. She then co-founded an emerging market hedge fund with over $250 million under management, investing in developing markets. In 2013, Isabelle founded Sumerian Partners, an impact first investor providing patient and concessionary capital coupled with skills support to social enterprises addressing UK social inequality.
A finance graduate from Lehigh University, Isabelle has a wealth of experience in venture capital and asset management. She started her career at Lehman Brothers, in equity research, after which she joined Advent Venture Partners, a venture capital firm. Isabelle was also a portfolio manager at LK Advisers (the Mittal Family Office) investing in public and private equity. She then co-founded an emerging market hedge fund with over $250 million under management, investing in developing markets. In 2013, Isabelle founded Sumerian Partners, an impact first investor providing patient and concessionary capital coupled with skills support to social enterprises addressing UK social inequality.
Margaux Moore is the Head of the Energy Transition Group at Trafigura. Margaux joined the company in September 2015, as a graduate before helping set up the Energy Transition Group. In her role, she assesses technologies and new business models, as well as builds the venture capital-like investment portfolio in hydrogen, energy storage, and other carbon abatement businesses. Margaux lends her technical expertise to the Foundation in an effort to better understand the opportunities and risks of climate change and the decarbonisation challenge.
Margaux Moore is the Head of the Energy Transition Group at Trafigura. Margaux joined the company in September 2015, as a graduate before helping set up the Energy Transition Group. In her role, she assesses technologies and new business models, as well as builds the venture capital-like investment portfolio in hydrogen, energy storage, and other carbon abatement businesses. Margaux lends her technical expertise to the Foundation in an effort to better understand the opportunities and risks of climate change and the decarbonisation challenge.
Faye Frangedis is a Director of Trafigura Maritime Ventures and head of Trafigura’s office in Athens. She has more than 30 years of experience in shipping, operations and trading.
Faye joined the Group in 2001, among the initial employees of the Greek office, during its preliminary representation form.
In 2009 she took over the establishment of the Athens office forming a Group subsidiary. During her tenure, the Athens office has grown to a key regional centre for the Company with more than 250 professionals, with multiple business units.
Over the last years, Faye has initiated and executed a wide range of charitable projects for the Company, either directly or in cooperation with prominent charitable foundations and companies.
The primary objective is to help children in need and raise the relevant awareness for social matters concerning underprivileged minors. Faye is a Greek EU national and she holds a BSc in Shipping Economics and Finance from the University of Piraeus.
Faye Frangedis is a Director of Trafigura Maritime Ventures and head of Trafigura’s office in Athens. She has more than 30 years of experience in shipping, operations and trading.
Faye joined the Group in 2001, among the initial employees of the Greek office, during its preliminary representation form.
In 2009 she took over the establishment of the Athens office forming a Group subsidiary. During her tenure, the Athens office has grown to a key regional centre for the Company with more than 250 professionals, with multiple business units.
Over the last years, Faye has initiated and executed a wide range of charitable projects for the Company, either directly or in cooperation with prominent charitable foundations and companies.
The primary objective is to help children in need and raise the relevant awareness for social matters concerning underprivileged minors. Faye is a Greek EU national and she holds a BSc in Shipping Economics and Finance from the University of Piraeus.
Our funding strategy aims to contribute to building the resilience of the communities and ecosystems of low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America that are most vulnerable to climate change.
We prioritise interventions that take a larger geographic scope by focusing primarily on regional and global initiatives. We consider country-specific initiatives when those are scalable, replicable, and have the potential for significant impact.
AREAS OF
WORK
Advancing climate
adaptation
