Foundation Investors in Education

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 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.

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.

Hopelab is a researcher, investor, and convener that focuses on equity-centered solutions for the mental health and well-being of Black, Brown, and Queer young people. They operate through multiple modalities including research, investment in innovators, and funding youth-centered solutions to advance mental health outcomes for underserved communities. Their mission is to advance the mental health and well-being of young people through uncovering knowledge and evidence, investing in innovators, and funding youth-centered solutions. Hopelab operates as an intergenerational collaborator, believing that equitable outcomes require partnership and shifting power dynamics to center young people's perspectives and lived expertise. Hopelab serves as a critical player in the mental health ecosystem by centering equity in all facets of their work and recognizing that systems of oppression like racism, homophobia, transphobia, and wealth inequities are interconnected. They amplify young leaders' voices and create opportunities to challenge existing narratives, spark dialogue, and inspire collective growth, making them essential advocates for dismantling barriers that prevent young people from living joyful and purposeful lives.

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the largest philanthropic organization in the United States dedicated to supporting the arts, humanities, and higher education. Founded in 1969, the foundation funds institutions, artists, scholars, cultural organizations, and public initiatives that strengthen civic life, preserve cultural memory, and expand access to humanistic knowledge and creative expression. The foundation supports projects that advance social justice, public storytelling, historical understanding, cultural preservation, higher education innovation, and community-centered arts and humanities initiatives.

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 Skoll Foundation catalyzes transformational social change by investing in, connecting, and championing social entrepreneurs and other social innovators who together advance bold and equitable solutions to the world's most pressing problems. They focus on supporting social entrepreneurs who offer compelling visions, creative solutions, and proven approaches to addressing global challenges. Created in 1999 by Jeff Skoll, the Foundation operates with a clear mission to build a sustainable world of peace and prosperity for all. Their approach centers on three core activities: investing in social entrepreneurs and innovators, connecting their community to drive transformational change, and championing those who advance bold and equitable solutions. The Skoll Foundation plays a significant role in the social innovation ecosystem by hosting the annual Skoll World Forum and maintaining a community of social entrepreneurs working on large-scale change. They have established themselves as a leading voice in supporting social enterprises that aim to achieve impact at scale, even during times of crisis and mass disruption.

Society for Science is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting science through comprehensive education programs, prestigious science competitions, and publications including Science News magazine and Science News Explores. The organization operates world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, which nurture and celebrate young innovators tackling the world's most challenging problems. Their mission centers on expanding scientific literacy, effective STEM education, and scientific research through informing, educating, and inspiring communities. The organization operates as a membership-based nonprofit focused on promoting understanding and appreciation of science and its vital role in human advancement. They provide various programs including STEM outreach, teacher conferences, research grants, and educational resources to support scientific learning at multiple levels. Society for Science has been a champion for science education and research for more than 100 years, creating significant impact in the scientific ecosystem by identifying and supporting future scientific leaders. Their competitions and programs create lifelong connections that empower the next generation of scientists and researchers. The organization's sustained commitment to scientific advancement has helped shape the careers of countless young scientists who go on to make breakthrough discoveries and innovations.

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 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.