EY Foundation

Acumen is a venture philanthropy organization that invests in visionary entrepreneurs building transformational companies from seed to scale. They focus on funding bold entrepreneurs who are creating inclusive solutions across sectors like sustainable agriculture, quality education, renewable energy, healthy communities, dignified jobs, and gender equality. Their mission is to break the cycle of poverty through patient capital investments in high-innovation, high-impact enterprises. They operate by deploying philanthropic capital to shape markets and support entrepreneurs who are addressing the world's toughest poverty-related challenges, investing where traditional funders won't. Acumen Ventures has established itself as a significant force in the impact investing ecosystem since 2001, with an A to Z directory of portfolio companies spanning over two decades. They matter because they've reinvented the rules of return, prioritizing impact alongside financial sustainability and helping to demonstrate that venture philanthropy can drive meaningful systemic change in underserved communities globally.

Ashoka is one of the world’s leading organizations supporting social entrepreneurs. Founded in 1980, Ashoka pioneered the concept of social entrepreneurship and has built a global network of changemakers working to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Through its flagship Ashoka Fellows program, the organization identifies and supports high-impact entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and a powerful global network. Ashoka’s broader mission is to create a world where everyone is a changemaker, embedding social innovation across education, business, and civil society.

The Atlassian Foundation brings together funding, people, and products from Atlassian to unleash the potential of social impact teams, with a particular focus on organizations changing lives through education. They contribute 1% of Atlassian's equity, profit, tools, and employee time to support nonprofits and social enterprises, offering 50-100% discounts on Atlassian apps and free support to qualifying organizations. Their mission is to unleash the potential of social impact teams, especially those focused on educational transformation, by taking a partner-centric approach that combines resources to drive impact. The Foundation operates on principles of building long-term partnerships, planning for scale, making fewer but bolder moves, and openly sharing their learnings with the broader impact community. The Foundation has made significant impact in the nonprofit ecosystem, having donated over $85 million and empowered more than 12,500 nonprofits worldwide with free or discounted tools. They co-founded the Pledge 1% movement, which encourages other businesses to commit resources to social good, amplifying their influence beyond their direct contributions and helping to establish a new approach to corporate philanthropy.

Backstage Capital is a venture capital firm that invests exclusively in startup founders who identify as women, people of color, and/or LGBTQ. The firm addresses the stark reality that less than 10% of all venture capital deals go to these underrepresented groups, viewing this disparity as a significant investment opportunity rather than a pipeline problem. The organization operates through direct investments and has expanded to include the Backstage Accelerator program, which provides $100,000 in capital for 5% equity along with a three-month program featuring mentorship, community building, and co-working space. Their mission centers on the belief that underrepresented founders are underestimated and have the greatest potential for unlocking innovation and creating valuable businesses. Backstage Capital has made a measurable impact in the venture ecosystem by democratizing access to capital for historically excluded founders. Led by Managing Partner Arlan Hamilton, who personally identifies as a woman, person of color, and LGBTQ, the firm has created pathways for diverse entrepreneurs while building a global community of local accelerator programs. Their work challenges traditional venture capital practices and demonstrates that diversity drives stronger business outcomes and more innovative ideas.

The Barr Foundation is a Boston-based philanthropic organization focused on advancing climate solutions, arts and creativity, and educational opportunity. Founded by Amos Hostetter Jr. and Barbara Hostetter, the foundation supports nonprofits and initiatives that drive systemic change and strengthen communities, particularly in the Boston region. Through long-term partnerships and flexible funding, Barr Foundation backs organizations working on climate resilience, clean energy transition, public education, and cultural vibrancy. Its approach emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and scaling solutions that can deliver lasting impact.

Better Society Capital is the UK’s leading social impact investor, focused on growing the flow of capital into solutions that address social challenges and inequalities. Established in 2012, the organization acts as a market builder, connecting investors, government, and social enterprises to scale impact investing across the UK. Rather than only deploying capital, Better Society Capital plays a catalytic role in developing the broader ecosystem, helping expand the UK impact investment market to over £11 billion while committing more than £1 billion directly into funds and enterprises.

Bloomberg Philanthropies is the philanthropic organization of Michael Bloomberg, focused on improving lives at scale across the globe. The foundation works across more than 150 countries, supporting initiatives in public health, climate, education, government innovation, and the arts. Its approach combines data-driven decision-making with deep partnerships across governments, nonprofits, and institutions. Bloomberg Philanthropies is known for backing large-scale, measurable programs that aim to deliver systemic change and improve outcomes for millions of people worldwide.

The Deloitte Foundation is a US education nonprofit that has been preparing the next generation for the future of work since 1928. As the philanthropic arm of Deloitte, the foundation focuses on educational initiatives and workforce development programs. The foundation leverages Deloitte's extensive expertise across various industries and services to support educational outcomes and help prepare students and professionals for evolving workplace demands.