Frequently Asked Questions
How is Project Frame governed?
Project Frame is convened by Prime Coalition, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides support for the staff members who oversee the program.
Frame is staffed by Prime Coalition team members, who report to a Board Committee, and receive guidance from a Steering Committee composed of representatives from organizations (including investors) dedicated to improving climate impact assessment.
A variety of other stakeholders, including staff members from Steering Committee organizations, impact assessment experts, and Frame members, participate in or lead working group(s) that are responsible for the development of Frame content and other programs. Working groups evolve alongside our programs; click below for the latest list of working groups and how to get involved.
What is Project Frame?
Project Frame (Frame) is a nonprofit program, convened by Prime Coalition, built to organize investors around forward-looking emissions impact methodology and reporting best practices. Our mission is to mitigate climate change by demystifying climate investing and improving IMM to drive capital towards the best possible climate solutions while galvanizing a network around transparency, accountability and collaboration.
As of January 2024, the Project Frame community is 884 members strong, including 340 investment firms, representing $471.8B in venture and private equity assets under management.
About Project Frame
What is Frame’s editorial process for methodology recommendations?
The Content Working Group deliberates on methodology recommendations on a regular basis throughout its 12-18 month work plan. When consensus around best practices cannot be reached, feedback is solicited from the Steering Committee as well as a broader focus group of Frame members to guide decision-making. We will continue to revisit guidance and update recommendations as the field evolves.
What does it mean when Project Frame’s logo appears on an investor’s publications or website?
Project Frame is not a certifying body, but some members choose to display our logo to indicate their commitment to Project Frame’s values, principles, and field-building.
The use of the Project Frame logo does not indicate our support, endorsement, or approval of any investor, company, or other third party or its investments, practices, or reporting.
What is the relationship between Frame and GFANZ/VCA?
The Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) is the world’s largest coalition of financial institutions committed to transitioning the global economy to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Venture Climate Alliance (VCA) recently launched in 2023 as the venture-specific net zero affiliate. We work in partnership to develop and equip investors with the necessary methodologies and tools they need to achieve their commitments with transparency and accountability.
How can I get involved with Project Frame?
Become a Project Frame member by subscribing to the Project Frame email list.
Once subscribed, you’ll be the first to learn about upcoming community events, held approximately once every other month.
Members may also have the opportunity to deepen their commitment by joining a Working Group or sharing their impact methodology through an Investor Profile. Working Group membership opens up at the end of each completed work plan, typically every 12 - 18 months. Investor Profiles are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Everyone is invited to become a member of Project Frame, no matter their area of work, as we believe we all have a role to play in finding meaningful solutions to the climate crisis. However, Working Group memberships may be limited to those who have specific subject matter expertise and are willing to make a significant time commitment to support the group.
Get Involved With Project Frame
What does being a member of Project Frame mean?
Members include those who support our work by subscribing to our email list, attending community events, and using our content to inform their forward-looking emission assessment practices. Active members contribute to Project Frame by producing content, contributing to community meetings through Investor Profiles or offering subject matter expertise, or serving on a Working Group.
It should be noted that Project Frame is not a certifying body and one’s membership does not indicate our support, endorsement, or approval of any investor, company, or other third party or its investments or practices.
Is there a membership fee?
There is no membership fee. Project Frame members volunteer their time to develop content and participate in meetings.
How can I support Project Frame?
Project Frame is a coalition dedicated to demystifying GHG impact in investing. It is convened by Prime Coalition, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), catalytic investor, and co-creator of the CRANE tool.
Project Frame does not accept direct funding from its members. Rather, it operates through grants provided to Prime. We thank those who wish to make a donation to support Prime Coalition’s work and join our shared mission to advance impact accountability in climate investing. Donations by Frame community members will be anonymized to program staff.
What is the difference between carbon footprint or greenhouse gas inventories and forward-looking emissions assessments?
A carbon footprint or greenhouse gas inventory typically accounts for greenhouse gasses emitted in the past, whereas forward-looking emissions assessments look towards how a proposed climate solution may impact future greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate
Does Project Frame produce work related to other environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles or guidelines?
No, Project Frame focuses on forward-looking emissions assessments and Impact Measurement and Management (IMM), while ESG methodologies consider broader sustainability metrics, including past emissions. However, as part of our research on investor practices, we regularly ask what investors are doing to assess impact beyond GHG emissions.
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