Causeartist Weekly #311: Ethical Chocolate, Clean Energy AI, and Sustainable Farm Grants

Hey friends,

Welcome to this week's edition. We’re exploring how "old-school" industries—from chocolate to aid distribution—are being radically modernized.

This week, we dive into Tony’s Chocolonely, a brand that turned a supply chain nightmare into a global movement. We also look at AidKit, which is using human-centered AI to ensure emergency cash reaches those in need with dignity, and we spotlight Lupus Ventures, a first-of-its-kind philanthropic fund bridging the "valley of death" for autoimmune research.

From $115M geothermal raises to $10M grants for Pennsylvania farmers, the scale of impact capital this week is truly staggering.

Let's get to it.

— Grant

Featured Podcast

How AidKit Is Modernizing Aid Distribution With Technical Infrastructure

In this episode, we speak with Brittany Christenson, CEO of AidKit. Originally a rapid-response solution during the pandemic, AidKit has evolved into permanent infrastructure for fair and scalable aid.

We discuss how they use "human-in-the-loop" AI to verify identities and deliver $385 million in assistance across 110,000+ recipients, ensuring that efficiency never comes at the cost of human dignity.

Listen to the full episode

Impact Business Case Study: Tony’s Chocolonely

Tony's Chocolonely transformed from a Dutch journalist's investigative project into a $200+ million chocolate company by making supply chain transparency its core competitive advantage.

The business operates on three strategic pillars:

direct relationships with 8,942 cocoa farmers across Ghana and Ivory Coast
aggressive transparency including publishing full supply chain data and acknowledging when slavery is discovered in their chain
and a consumer brand built on storytelling rather than traditional food marketing.

Tony's reached profitability in 2013 and has grown revenue at approximately 25-30% annually since 2016. The company holds 18% market share in Netherlands chocolate and expanded to the United States in 2015, where it now generates roughly 20% of total revenue.

Unlike most mission-driven food brands that exit to CPG conglomerates, Tony's remains independent with a governance structure designed to prevent acquisition by companies that do not meet their sourcing standards.

Read the full case study

💡 Featured Interview

Inside Lupus Ventures: Catalyzing Autoimmune Breakthroughs

We sit down with the team behind Lupus Ventures, the newly launched philanthropic venture fund of the Lupus Research Alliance.

With over 140 therapies currently in clinical trials, the fund is stepping in to provide the high-risk, early-stage capital that traditional VCs often avoid.

This interview explores their "bench-to-bedside" strategy and how they are leveraging deep scientific expertise to accelerate life-changing treatments for millions.

Read full interview

🗞️ News and Headlines

Lowe’s Opens "Community Bucket List" Nominations: Lowe’s has launched a nationwide call for large-scale community renovation projects through March 20, 2026. Part of a five-year, $100 million commitment, the program funds up to 100 grants for nonprofits, schools, and first responder facilities to revitalize their "hometown" spaces. Read More
Pennsylvania Launches $10M AgTech Grant Round: Pennsylvania is offering $10 million in Agricultural Innovation Grants. The funds target technologies that improve on-farm efficiency and support renewable energy projects that reduce nutrient waste. Read More on PennWatch

🌎 Events and Opportunities

Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures: Equity-free funding and mentorship for startups and nonprofits tackling climate change and social inequity. Deadline: March 31, 2026. Apply Now
ClimAccelerator 2026: A global call for Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (ESOs) to run AI and deep-tech climate programs. Learn More

💰 Funding and Capital Watch

Zanskar raises $115 million (Series C) to scale its AI-native geothermal discovery platform. The capital will fund exploration drilling to unlock firm, zero-carbon power across the Western U.S. Learn more
Dataro secures $14.28 million (Series A) to expand its AI-native fundraising platform. The software helps nonprofits like Save the Children and Greenpeace use predictive data to improve donor retention and campaign ROI. Learn more
Seasats raises $20 million (Series A) to scale production of its small, long-endurance autonomous surface vessels (sUSVs) for maritime security and scientific research.
BeConfident (EdTech) closes $16 million to expand its AI tutoring platform, focusing on education equity for underserved students in Latin America.
PadCare Labs (CleanTech) raises $3 million to scale its unique technology that recycles sanitary waste into sustainable industrial materials.