Sophie Marple

Sophie Marple is a prominent figure in the UK philanthropic sector, particularly known for her work in climate philanthropy and education.

Background and Philanthropy

Sophie Marple, along with her husband Nick Marple, co-founded the Gower Street foundation in 2007, initially under a different name. The foundation was established to structure their philanthropic efforts more effectively, especially after they began planning their wills.14

Focus Areas

• Early Years: The foundation initially focused on education across Sub-Saharan Africa and in their local borough of Islington in the UK. Over time, they narrowed their focus in Africa to Ghana, prioritizing education for girls.14
• Climate Change: In 2018, influenced by significant climate-related events such as the IPCC report and the rise of Extinction Rebellion, Sophie and Nick shifted their focus to include climate mitigation and adaptation. They now support various organizations working on climate issues, including media, social movements, land use, and trade.145

Approach to Philanthropy

• Trust-Based Funding: Gower Street adopts a trust-based approach, preferring multi-year core funding to support smaller, on-the-ground organizations. This approach aims to minimize bureaucracy and allow grantees to focus on their work rather than constant fundraising.14
• Impact Investing: The foundation's funds are invested for both positive social and environmental impact and financial return, using impact funds and bespoke portfolios.4

Other Roles and Initiatives

• Impatience Earth: Sophie co-founded Impatience Earth in 2020, which offers pro-bono guidance to donors interested in climate philanthropy.3
• Mothers CAN: She is also a co-founder of Mothers CAN, an initiative focused on addressing eco-anxiety and promoting climate action.5

Personal Motivations

Sophie's motivations for her philanthropic work are deeply personal, driven by concerns for the future of her children and the impact of climate change on future generations. Her involvement in climate activism, including participating in Extinction Rebellion events, has been a significant part of her journey.5

The LinkedIn profile you mentioned corresponds to Sophie Marple, who is identified as a funder, impact investor, and campaigner, and is the co-founder of Gower Street.23