Foundation Investors in Impact Finance

Access Ventures is an impact investing organization that uses catalytic capital and blended finance to expand economic opportunity and build stronger, more equitable communities. Its work is grounded in the belief that lasting transformation begins with people, not capital alone. Through a one-pocket mindset, Access Ventures seeks to align investments, grants, partnerships, and other resources with its mission. The organization accepts risks that conventional investors may avoid, supports emerging ideas and leaders, and develops financial structures designed to improve access and economic agency. Over the past decade, Access Ventures has invested in companies, funds, community initiatives, and leadership programs addressing challenges such as financial inclusion, accessibility, healthcare, small-business financing, and sustainable development. By combining capital with collaboration and long-term support, Access Ventures aims to demonstrate that financial discipline and measurable social impact can work together to create a more resilient and inclusive economy.

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.

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.

BESTSELLER Foundation is a Danish commercial foundation established in 2015. It is funded by BESTSELLER, the family-owned fashion company, but operates as a separate legal entity from both BESTSELLER A/S and HEARTLAND A/S. The foundation's current strategy focuses on expanding economic opportunity for women, particularly their ability to create, work, and own. Its work is organized around three areas: Creative industries, including fashion, craft, music, and the arts Future of work, including reskilling, childcare, and workforce participation Ownership, including assets, businesses, income, and financial decision-making BESTSELLER Foundation uses both donations and impact investments and describes itself as a long-term, evergreen investor. Over its first 10 years, it reports making more than 25 impact investments and 100 donations across 25 countries. Its geographic focus includes South Asia, especially Bangladesh, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. Current and recent partnerships have supported women artisans, small businesses, workforce participation, water resilience, and recovery efforts following major disruptions. The foundation's legal purpose is broader than its current public strategy. Its statutory mandate includes humanitarian work, poverty reduction, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and nature conservation. Earlier investment strategies also placed significant emphasis on circular economy and climate technology. Financial Snapshot At the end of 2024, the foundation reported: - DKK 109.7 million in total assets - DKK 85.9 million in equity - DKK 88.4 million in long-term investments - Approximately DKK 20 million distributed during the year - Approximately DKK 18 million invested during the year BESTSELLER's board also approved a preliminary DKK 250 million commitment for the foundation's 2024 to 2029 strategy. This represents committed future support, not capital already deployed. The foundation does not publish a standard grant size, investment check range, or formal scored application process. Potential partners can contact the team through its website.

The BlackRock Foundation is the philanthropic arm of BlackRock, focused on expanding financial security and economic opportunity for individuals and communities. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and large-scale initiatives that improve access to savings, workforce development, and long-term financial well-being. Through flagship programs like the $100 million Future Builders initiative and the Emergency Savings Initiative, BlackRock Foundation partners with nonprofits, employers, and public sector organizations to build resilient communities and create pathways to stable, well-paying careers.

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.

Capricorn Investment Group is a sustainable investment platform that has been serving families, foundations, and institutional investors for over 25 years. The firm provides comprehensive Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) services and impact investment solutions aimed at solving environmental and social issues while building sustainable wealth for clients. With $14-19 billion in assets under management and 46 employees across offices in New York City and Palo Alto, Capricorn has established itself as a leader in sustainable investing. The company was founded in 2000 with the belief that sustainable investment practices can enhance risk-adjusted returns while demonstrating the investment potential in breakthrough commercial solutions to the world's most pressing problems.

Coefficient Giving is a philanthropic funder and advisor that partners with leading donors to multiply their impact. Formerly Open Philanthropy, the organization has directed over $5 billion in grants since 2014, including more than $1 billion in 2025 alone, and works with donors such as Good Ventures and other major philanthropists to identify and fund high-impact giving opportunities. Coefficient operates dedicated funds spanning global health and wellbeing, biosecurity and pandemic preparedness, farm animal welfare, global growth, AI safety, science and global health R&D, air quality, and other strategic cause areas.

CoPeace is an impact investing firm that focuses on funding lower middle-market companies in two primary sectors: Healthcare and Sport. They target companies with annual EBITDA of $2M-$5M that demonstrate a commitment to measurable impact on both planet and people, preferring control investments with active board governance rather than passive investments. Their mission centers on driving measurable and sustainable impact by funding and fostering ventures that address important social or environmental problems. As a Certified B Corporation, CoPeace operates under the highest standards of social and environmental impact, embodying the principle of "business as a force for good" and balancing people and profit in all their activities. CoPeace stands out in the impact investing ecosystem by applying institutional-grade investment discipline while maintaining focus on equity, inclusion, and justice. They demonstrate that intentional impact investing can achieve sustainable profitability and competitive risk-adjusted returns, contributing to the global movement of using business as a force for positive change and helping investors align their capital with causes they believe in.

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation (DRK) is a global venture philanthropy firm that finds, funds, and supports early-stage social impact organizations solving the world's biggest social and environmental problems. Founded by William H. Draper III and Robin Richards Donohoe, who began investing together in the venture industry in 1994, the foundation was formally established in 2002 with a $14 million fund. DRK's core competency is identifying exceptional social entrepreneurs and supporting them intensely through a rigorous 3-year period with unrestricted capital and comprehensive support. This model enables their portfolio organizations to absorb catalytic and transformative capital downstream, helping them scale their impact effectively. The foundation has invested in more than 280 early-stage ventures and brings a venture capital legacy to the social sector.

Finnfund is Finland's development finance institution that invests in responsible and profitable companies in developing countries. The organization provides equity, mezzanine financing, and long-term loans to support sustainable business development. Finnfund focuses on solving major global challenges including poverty, inequality, climate change, and biodiversity loss through strategic investments in emerging markets. The fund operates across multiple sectors including forestry, agriculture, digital infrastructure, energy, and financial institutions, with a strong emphasis on impact measurement and sustainability assessment throughout their investment process.

The Fool Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck move from financial stress to financial freedom. Born out of The Motley Fool community and based in Alexandria, Virginia, the foundation builds and scales solutions that help people save, grow financial knowledge, and strengthen resilience through life's challenges, advancing a mission of financial freedom for all.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) is among the top ten foundations in the United States, supporting efforts to enhance quality of life and prevent suffering of children, families, and older adults. Founded by the late Margaret A. Cargill, the organization preserves and promotes the environment and arts while encouraging humane treatment of animals. MACP operates through seven programmatic domains: Arts & Cultures, Disaster Relief & Recovery, Environment, Animal Welfare, Quality of Life, Teachers & Students, and Legacy & Opportunity. The foundation follows an invitation-based grantmaking process, partnering with capable organizations to make lasting differences for individuals and communities with particular attention to overlooked causes.

Minderoo Foundation is a proudly Australian philanthropy dedicated to forging a fair future by courageously challenging inequalities and campaigning for meaningful change. The foundation focuses on four key areas: uplifting communities to help all children in Australia reach their full potential, advancing gender equality so all people realize their inherent freedom and equality, protecting natural ecosystems for future generations, and responding agilely to existential threats and urgent challenges. Minderoo maximizes impact by backing those closest to the problems they seek to solve, using a comprehensive approach that includes partnering with organizations through grants and impact investing, advocating for system change and policy reform, developing and testing solutions collaboratively, and generating evidence to drive meaningful change across their focus areas.

One Acre Fund is a nonprofit agricultural service provider that supplies smallholder farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa with quality seed, fertilizer, financing, training, and last-mile delivery. Rather than one-time charity, the organization invests in farmers to help them grow more food and earn more income on the same plot of land — creating pathways out of hunger and poverty while strengthening rural economies.

Rippleworks is a nonprofit foundation founded in 2015 by Chris Larsen and Doug Galen to provide practical support to social impact organizations scaling their operations. The organization was formed as one of the first-ever cryptocurrency-endowed foundations and operates from Redwood City, California. Rippleworks offers a comprehensive suite of programs including short-term advisory projects pairing organizations with industry experts, one-on-one expert office hours, interactive leadership development workshops through their Leaders Studio program, and flexible catalytic capital investments. Their mission focuses on helping social ventures address critical challenges in education, healthcare, environmental resilience, and community development by providing the operational expertise and resources needed to scale faster and improve more lives in the U.S. and around the world.

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 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.

Wellspring Philanthropic Fund operated for 25 years as a foundation dedicated to supporting human rights and social and economic justice for all people. From its launch in 2001 until its planned wind-down by 2028, Wellspring maintained a grantmaking approach rooted in respect for human dignity and worth. The foundation supported thousands of organizations working to strengthen communities both in the U.S. and globally, with a particular focus on addressing systemic drivers of inequity, building power among marginalized communities, and countering structural discrimination. Wellspring believed that social justice movements should employ means consistent with their ideals while giving agency to the people whose interests they seek to advance.