Foundation Investors in Community Development

Access Ventures is an innovative impact multiplier that leverages catalytic capital to drive economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability in communities. They operate as dreamers, doers, and risk-takers who use blended finance approaches to create lasting transformative change, guided by the belief that people are at the heart of any true community transformation. Their mission is to revolutionize the global investment landscape through a blended finance approach and a "one-pocket mindset," proving that financial return and social impact can coexist while improving access and agency for all. They meet complex challenges with creativity, high tolerance for risk, and willingness to be catalytic with capital, emphasizing the development of the next generation of change-makers. Access Ventures serves as a catalyst for change in the impact investing ecosystem, bridging gaps between traditional finance and social impact through their deep understanding of catalytic and blended finance strategies. With 10 years of experience empowering change, they have established themselves as community-focused impact multipliers who teach, advise, and invest in ways that yield both high financial returns and significant community impact, fostering a resilient and dynamic economy where every person can thrive.

Accion is a global nonprofit dedicated to building a fair and inclusive economy by expanding access to responsible financial services. Founded in 1961, Accion works at the intersection of fintech, investment, and advisory to scale solutions that improve financial health for underserved populations. Through its investment strategies, advisory services, and research initiatives, Accion supports companies and financial institutions reaching millions of people across emerging markets. Its work spans digital banking, credit, payments, and climate-focused financial tools, helping individuals and small businesses gain access to the financial systems they need to grow and thrive.

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.

The ASEAN Institute is a trade facilitation organization that focuses on fostering international and intergovernmental collaborations across Southeast Asia's ASEAN trade bloc, which includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Their primary focus areas are technology, energy, and infrastructure sectors, where they work to create productive channels for cross-border trade and development. The organization operates by facilitating communication, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer between public and private sector stakeholders across the ASEAN region. Their mission centers on strengthening economic cooperation by connecting global partners with local opportunities, creating meaningful bridges between international investors and Southeast Asian markets through strategic initiatives and structured collaboration programs. The ASEAN Institute plays a significant role in the Southeast Asian economic ecosystem by driving economic growth and innovation through their facilitation services. They matter because they provide essential infrastructure for cross-border collaboration in critical sectors like technology and energy, helping to strengthen the overall ASEAN trade bloc's competitiveness and integration in the global economy.

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 Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides grant funding for nonprofits specifically focused on advancing economic mobility. They also operate an extensive program of arts and sports sponsorships designed to support the economic, social and cultural life of the communities where they operate. The foundation operates through multiple giving mechanisms including direct grants, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation Matching Gifts program, and Volunteer Grants program. Their mission centers on supporting economic opportunity while fostering community development through strategic partnerships with nonprofits and cultural organizations. As part of one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation plays a significant role in the philanthropic ecosystem by leveraging corporate resources to address economic inequality. Their comprehensive approach combining direct funding, employee engagement through matching gifts, and community sponsorships creates multiple pathways for impact in the communities they serve.

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.

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.

Blue Haven Initiative is an innovative family office that operates as a multi-asset-class impact investor, managing a diversified portfolio spanning public equities, fixed-income holdings, private equity, and direct investments. They are dedicated to putting wealth to work for competitive market returns while generating positive social and environmental change across various sectors. As one of the first family offices created with impact investing as its primary mission and focus, Blue Haven seeks both market rates of financial return and maximum social and environmental impact. They take a total portfolio approach to managing investments, applying rigorous portfolio-management principles while leveraging their flexibility and multigenerational time horizon to deploy diverse forms of capital including traditional investments, grants, and catalytic investments. Blue Haven has established itself as a significant player in the impact investing ecosystem, being recognized as the Impact Asset Owner of the Year in 2018 by the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment. They believe that solving the world's biggest social and environmental issues requires creative long-term investors who prioritize partnership, patience, and continuous learning, positioning themselves as leaders in demonstrating how family offices can drive systemic change.

Blue Meridian Partners is a pioneering philanthropic model that brings together values-aligned philanthropists to find, fund, and scale solutions that increase economic and social mobility for young people and families in America. With an investor mindset, they provide transformative capital to social sector leaders expanding strategies that create opportunity and help break cycles of poverty. The organization employs a rigorous, performance-based approach, treating grants as investments and measuring success through outcomes for people. They make long-term investments in strategies that help individuals reach key success markers from cradle to career, while also investing in organizations that influence public policies and build sustainable infrastructure for mobility over time.

Ford Foundation is one of the world’s largest philanthropic foundations, focused on advancing social justice, reducing inequality, strengthening democratic values, and expanding human dignity globally. Founded in 1936, the foundation supports nonprofits, movements, institutions, artists, researchers, and community leaders working to address systemic social, political, and economic challenges. The Ford Foundation operates across multiple regions worldwide and funds initiatives spanning democracy, racial justice, economic inclusion, technology and society, gender equity, arts and culture, journalism, and human rights.

GreenLight Fund is a national nonprofit network that matches local communities' unmet needs with evidence-based social innovations. They actively engage with local communities to identify gaps not being addressed and invite best-in-class nonprofits uniquely suited to tackle these challenges. Their mission centers on investing in community-driven change by partnering with local communities to tackle barriers that prevent individuals and families from achieving inclusive prosperity. They operate through a network of sites across multiple cities, working directly with communities to understand their specific needs before bringing in proven solutions. As a national network spanning over a decade of operations, GreenLight Fund has established itself as a significant player in the social innovation ecosystem. Their approach of centering racial equity and focusing on inclusive prosperity positions them as an important bridge between evidence-based interventions and community-identified needs, helping to scale effective solutions across diverse urban markets.

GSG Impact is a global network organization that connects leaders, investors, governments, regulators, and social innovators to improve their impact on society and the environment. They focus on building impact economies, mobilizing private capital for public good, and promoting impact transparency and integrity across different sectors and geographies. Their mission centers on creating an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economic system where impact becomes a core factor in every investment, business, and government spending decision. GSG operates through a network of national partners, taskforces, strategic partners and affiliations to drive collective action and advance impact investing globally. GSG Impact plays a crucial convening role in the impact ecosystem, bringing together diverse stakeholders to accelerate the transition toward impact-driven decision making. They matter because they serve as a catalyst for systemic change, working to ensure that all investment, business, consumption and government decisions consider their broader social and environmental implications.

Kapor Foundation is a social impact foundation working at the intersection of racial justice and technology. The organization focuses on building a more equitable technology ecosystem by expanding access to computer science education, diversifying entrepreneurship and venture capital, advancing equitable technology policy, and supporting inclusive innovation. Through research, grantmaking, fellowships, policy advocacy, and ecosystem development, the Kapor Foundation supports initiatives designed to increase economic opportunity and representation for Black, Latine, and Native communities across the technology sector.

King Philanthropies is an impact-focused foundation that seeks to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the world's poorest people by multiplying the impact of high-performing leaders and organizations. They focus on combating barriers to economic development through both grants and impact investments, specifically targeting those in extreme poverty defined as living on $2.15 or less per day. The organization operates through a data-driven, evidence-based approach to accomplish the most good, conducting proactive and rigorous due diligence aligned with their core mission. Their investment areas include agriculture, food & water, and girls' education & livelihoods, aligning with what those in extreme poverty need most for their livelihoods. They make grants and impact investments while providing expertise and building networks that enable high-impact solutions to reach more people. King Philanthropies has established itself as a significant player in the impact investing ecosystem, aiming to reach 100 million people with their interventions. They have already made substantial progress toward this goal, having reached 32.9 million lives to date through their strategic partnerships. Their approach of backing non-profits and social ventures that embody essential elements of excellence positions them as a catalyst for scalable solutions addressing global poverty.

The Kresge Foundation is a strategic philanthropy located in metro Detroit that has been promoting human progress since 1924. The foundation works to expand opportunity in America's cities through grantmaking and social investing, with a central focus on advancing equity and dismantling barriers while building pathways to justice. Operating with six core values, Kresge centers diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of their work and funding approach. The foundation deploys over $160 million annually through grants, loans, and innovative financial tools to strengthen communities across the United States, with particular attention to effective and inclusive community development in urban areas.

The MacArthur Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation focused on advancing a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world through grantmaking, impact investments, fellowships, and institutional support. The foundation funds creative individuals, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and mission-driven initiatives working across climate solutions, democracy, journalism, criminal justice reform, technology and society, global security, and community development. Known globally for the MacArthur Fellows Program, often referred to as the “Genius Grants,” the foundation combines long-term systems thinking with bold investments designed to address complex social and environmental challenges.

The Mott Foundation is a century-old philanthropic organization that promotes a just, equitable and sustainable society through strategic grantmaking worldwide. Founded by automotive pioneer Charles Stewart Mott, the foundation operates from four offices across the U.S., England and South Africa to support nonprofits on a global scale. The foundation focuses on empowering communities through four core program areas: Civil Society, Youth Engagement, Environment, and Flint Area initiatives. Their approach emphasizes strengthening what founder Charles Stewart Mott called 'the capacity for accomplishment' by supporting individuals and institutions working together to create positive change in their communities.

Pharo Foundation is a mission-driven, impact-oriented organization that designs, funds, and operates economic development programmes toward a vibrant, productive, and self-reliant Africa. The foundation focuses on three core missions: education, water, and productivity, operating primarily in the Horn of Africa including Ethiopia, Somaliland, Rwanda, and Kenya. Distinguished as a privately funded organization, Pharo Foundation combines sustainable ventures with non-profit projects, prioritizing problem-solving, research, and economic empowerment. In 2019, the foundation expanded its approach by adding a commercial arm called Pharo Ventures, which operates for-profit social enterprises to complement its non-profit activities and create sustainable impact across the continent.

REDF invests in businesses that reveal and reinforce the talent of people breaking through barriers to employment. They focus specifically on employment social enterprises - businesses that create jobs and opportunities for individuals who face significant challenges in accessing traditional employment pathways. The organization operates through a comprehensive approach that combines capital, capacity building, and community support to help their portfolio enterprises grow further and faster. Their mission centers on building a thriving and inclusive society where all people have the jobs and support they need to realize their full potential, guided by the vision of creating an economy that works for everyone. REDF plays a critical role in the social enterprise ecosystem by not only providing direct investment and support to employment-focused businesses, but also by evaluating what works and sharing their learnings to drive broader policy and systems change. Their multi-faceted approach spans from early-stage accelerator programs to growth-stage investments and advocacy partnerships with government entities, positioning them as both an investor and a thought leader in advancing employment opportunities for underserved populations.

The Rockefeller Foundation is one of the world’s largest and most influential philanthropic organizations, focused on advancing human well-being through large-scale investments in energy access, food systems, health, economic opportunity, climate resilience, and emerging technologies. Founded in 1913, the foundation partners with governments, nonprofits, corporations, and local communities to tackle systemic global challenges through innovative finance, data, and technology-driven solutions. The foundation is known for making ambitious “big bets” aimed at improving the lives of hundreds of millions of people worldwide, particularly in underserved and economically vulnerable communities.

The Sobrato Family Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Sobrato Organization, a multi-generational, family-owned firm based in Silicon Valley that has been operating for over 65 years. The foundation advances the Sobrato family's collective philanthropic interests by promoting access to high-quality education, career pathways, and essential human services to make Silicon Valley a place of opportunity for all its residents. The foundation partners with communities to ensure long-term economic, social, and environmental resilience. They operate programs like the Impact Lab, which provides nonprofit organizations with peer-to-peer and expert-led learning opportunities over 18-month periods. The Sobrato Family is committed to building a strong and vibrant Silicon Valley community through both business and philanthropic leadership, leveraging their extensive real estate and investment expertise to support their charitable goals.

The Surdna Foundation, established in 1917 by John Emory Andrus, supports social justice reform, healthy environments, inclusive economies, and thriving cultures across the United States. The foundation works to dismantle barriers that limit opportunity to create more prosperous, culturally enriching, and sustainable communities. In 2017, Surdna launched a $100 million commitment to impact investing that works alongside their grantmaking efforts. Their investment approach combines mission-related investments (MRIs) and program-related investments (PRIs) to advance their mission while generating risk-adjusted returns and building the field of impact investing.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) is devoted to developing a brighter future for millions of children and young people at risk of poor educational, economic, social and health outcomes. The foundation works to strengthen families, build stronger communities and create opportunities for vulnerable youth across America. The foundation serves kids and families by advancing research, empowering communities and influencing decision makers to invest in evidence-based solutions. Through comprehensive strategies spanning child welfare, juvenile justice, economic opportunity, and community change, AECF addresses systemic challenges facing at-risk children and youth while promoting racial equity and inclusion in all their work.

The Kresge Foundation is a national philanthropic organization based in metro Detroit that has been promoting human progress since 1924. The foundation works to expand opportunity in America's cities through strategic grantmaking and social investing, with a focus on advancing equity and dismantling barriers to justice. Kresge deploys over $160 million annually through grants, loans, and innovative financial tools to strengthen communities. The foundation operates across multiple program areas including American Cities, Arts & Culture, Detroit, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. Central to their approach is diversity, equity and inclusion, which they center in all their operations and funding decisions to create more equitable opportunities in urban communities.

The Nathan Cummings Foundation (NCF) is a multigenerational family foundation rooted in the Jewish tradition of social justice, working to create a more just, vibrant, sustainable, and democratic society. The foundation seeks to advance Racial, Environmental & Economic Justice (REEJ) in the U.S. and Israel-Palestine by partnering with social change organizations that have creative and catalytic solutions to climate change and inequality. NCF operates through multiple focus areas including racial justice, economic justice, environmental justice, and combating antisemitism, with place-based initiatives in the U.S. South and Israel-Palestine regions.

The Visa Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Visa, focused on advancing inclusive economies and helping underserved communities thrive through financial inclusion, small business support, humanitarian assistance, and community development initiatives. Founded in 2017, the foundation partners with nonprofits, social enterprises, and mission-driven organizations around the world to expand access to digital financial systems, entrepreneurial resources, and economic opportunities, with a strong emphasis on women-owned and underserved small businesses.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) is a mission-driven foundation that supports children, families and communities to strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success. Founded by W.K. Kellogg in 1931 with earnings from his cereal company, the foundation envisions a nation where all children have an equitable and promising future and where all children thrive. WKKF operates through multiple investment approaches including traditional grants, mission-driven investments, and private equity funds. Their comprehensive approach focuses on ensuring children have access to healthy food, good health, early care and education, and families with good jobs and career prospects. The foundation works both nationally and internationally, partnering to share information and resources to help communities create lasting change.