Melanie Allen

Melanie (she/her) is a leader in climate justice philanthropy with deep experience facilitating community-based solutions that put those most affected by policy at the center of decision-making and development processes. With 20 years in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, she has expertise in community development issues across many sectors, including energy, conservation, affordable housing, and workforce development. As CEO of the Hive Fund, Melanie leads a team that is reimagining and recreating a more reliable and resilient energy system by supporting groups working to accelerate a transition from dirty to clean energy in ways that center justice, redistribute power, and create healthier, safer, and more prosperous communities. Melanie is passionate about pairing common sense solutions and creative financing to ensure rural communities in the US South are innovators in this transition to clean energy. Prior to co-founding Hive Fund in 2019, Melanie launched the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation’s Energy Equity portfolio and managed the organization’s relationships and grantmaking in South Carolina. She is co-chair of Grantmakers for Southern Progress and currently serves on the board of the Environmental Grantmakers Association. Melanie is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina and now lives in Durham.

Participatory practice and small d democracy