Hey friends,
Welcome to our first full edition of 2026! We are hitting the ground running with a focus on the intersection of Advocacy and Innovation.
This week, we sit down with Lyft’s Chief Policy Officer to discuss the social impact of the gig economy, dive into the business model of Dr. Bronner’s, and track over $600 million in new investments across the impact eco-system.
Whether you are a student researcher looking for a $100K equity-free grant or a founder building the next great food-tech platform, this week’s resources are designed to help you scale your vision.
We are also opening nominations for our 2026 Social Entrepreneurs to Watch list.
Let’s build a better 2026 together.
— Grant
🎧 Featured Podcast
From Advocacy to Innovation: Jerry Golden, Chief Policy Officer at Lyft
In this episode, we speak with Jerry Golden, who leads global policy, social impact, and sustainability for Lyft. Jerry shares insights into how a major tech platform navigates the complex policy battles of modern mobility while driving social change.
We discuss the impact of autonomous vehicles on the workforce and the success of Lyft’s "Round Up and Donate" program, which has seamlessly raised over $42 million for nonprofits through everyday rides.
Listen to the Podcast on Causeartist
📝 Case Study
Business Case Study: Dr. Bronner’s
How does a 150-year-old soap company become a modern icon of radical activism?
This case study breaks down Dr. Bronner’s unique "All-One!" philosophy, exploring how they maintain a 5-to-1 cap on executive pay, provide 100% health coverage for employees, and advocate for fair trade and organic standards across their entire global supply chain.
It’s a masterclass in building a profitable business that refuses to compromise on its soul.
Read the Full Case Study on Causeartist
Nominations Open
Nominate Now: Social Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2026
Do you know a founder building a real solution in climate, health, education, fintech, food, or ethical supply chains? We are officially taking nominations for our annual Social Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2026 list.
Our list is editorially selected and reviewed for real traction and measurable impact. Nominations are free, we want to hear about the people moving the needle in their communities and industries.
Every year this is our most viewed and shared post of the year!
Patient Capital refers to long-term investment capital that prioritizes sustainable growth and impact over rapid exits or short-term returns.
It is often used to support complex, capital-intensive, or system-changing solutions in areas like climate infrastructure, food systems, health, and education. Patient capital gives founders the time and flexibility needed to build durable businesses that create lasting social or environmental value.
🗞️ News and Headlines
- Hawaiian Airlines Unveils $600M "Kahuʻewai" Investment Plan: As part of its new chapter with Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines has launched a five-year plan to modernize its fleet and infrastructure while deepening its commitment to regenerative tourism, native culture, and local sustainability. Read More on Alaska Air News
- TPG Rise Funds Acquires Majority Stake in Trustwell: TPG’s $29B impact platform has acquired Trustwell, a SaaS leader helping food companies manage traceability and safety. The move highlights the growing importance of transparency in global supply chains to reduce foodborne illnesses. Read More on ESG Today
- Impact AUM Milestone: New reports confirm that global impact investing assets have sustained their position above the $1 Trillion mark as we enter 2026, with performance continuing to track alongside traditional benchmarks. GIIN’s 2025 State of the Market
🌎 Fellowships, Grants, Accelerator, and Opportunities
- O’Shaughnessy Fellowships 2026: Offering $100,000 equity-free for global innovators, researchers, and builders working on civilization-advancing projects. Apply by April 30, 2026
- Yale Planetary Solutions Impact Accelerator: Now accepting applications for scalable climate and ecosystem technologies. Providing $100k–$250k in non-dilutive grants. Apply via Yale Ventures
- Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation: Offering up to $300,000 in unrestricted funding over three years for early-stage social enterprises tackling global health, education, and climate resilience. Learn More
- Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Program: Village Capital is offering a grant pool including $10,000 to $50,000 for early-stage founders in Europe and the US. Learn More on Village Capital
- Amazon "Go Build" 2026: A call for $CO_2$ utilization technologies, specifically targeting mineralization to decarbonize construction. Deadline: January 9, 2026. Apply Now
- Conservation Finance Boot Camp: Regular decision applications are open for the 2026 program focusing on nature restoration capital. Deadline: January 21, 2026. Apply Here
💰 Funding and Capital Watch
- Biographica (AgTech) raises $9.5 million in Seed funding to accelerate AI-driven discovery of climate-resilient crops. The round was led by Faber VC and includes a major partnership with BASF | Nunhems. Learn more about Biographica
- Carbon Equity launches a new $50M climate co-investment fund targeting growth-stage startups in electrification, robotics, and energy efficiency across the EU and US. Learn more about Carbon Equity
- Global Environment Facility approves a $67 million portfolio aimed at unlocking frontline nature action and biodiversity protection, providing catalytic capital for community-led conservation. Read more
- Vital Lyfe (formerly SpaceX engineers) confirms additional traction for its portable clean water technology as it scales operations in the wake of its recent $24M seed round. Learn more about Vital Lyfe
Grant Trahant
Founder | Causeartist
Host | Disruptors for Good + Investing in Impact
Venture Partner | Pay it Forward Ventures
Connect: LinkedIn | X
