The group that staged the most destructive protests in recent weeks is said to have received a $1.1m (£970,000) grant from a fund set up by the granddaughter of an oil tycoon.
Eileen Getty, whose grandfather was Jean Paul Getty, set up the Climate Emergency Fund (CEF) and is said to have donated nearly £1 million to Just Stop Oil.
In recent weeks, members of Just Stop Oil have been plastered across London's high streets, covering Van Gogh's Sunflowers in tomato soup at the National Gallery to raise awareness of the impact of climate change and increased investment in fossil fuels. .
Jean Paul Getty founded the Getty Oil Company in 1942 and was named the richest man in the world with a fortune of £4 billion.
“Regardless of whether my family was involved in the oil industry or not, I would be a climate change activist now,” Ms Getty told the Sunday Times.
Mr. Getty gives money to CEF, which donates it to climate change activists. “I would argue that disruptive climate change work is the most underfunded area of philanthropy and a huge opportunity,” she said.
Funds received by CEF may reportedly be supporting climate change protests such as those seen recently.
A spokesperson for Just Stop Oil told ELN: “Some Just Stop Oil supporters who organize, give talks and training may earn a small amount of money. There is no financial support to do so.”
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