Grantmaker Investors in Education

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hilton Global Foundation is Hilton’s corporate foundation, launched in 2019 to support the company’s broader Travel with Purpose strategy. It is separate from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the independent private foundation created from Conrad Hilton’s estate. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in communities where Hilton operates. Its current priorities include: - Workforce development and career opportunity - Destination stewardship - Environmental sustainability - Community resilience Hilton’s 2025 reporting says the company and Foundation awarded grants across these areas and surpassed a goal of more than 300 Action Grants. The Foundation also works alongside Hilton hotels, owners, team members, guests, and partners. However, these activities should be treated separately. Foundation grants are distinct from donated hotel stays, volunteer hours, hotel sustainability initiatives, and other forms of in-kind support. Hilton does not currently publish a standard grant size, open request for proposals, or general application process. Its public reporting focuses primarily on selected nonprofit partners and aggregate impact.

LEGO Foundation is an independent Danish corporate foundation dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Established in 1986, the foundation supports initiatives that strengthen childhood through education, play, creativity, wellbeing, and child development. The LEGO Foundation works globally with educators, researchers, nonprofits, governments, and communities to improve learning opportunities for children, particularly those facing barriers related to poverty, disability, conflict, displacement, or unequal access to education. In addition to grantmaking, the foundation deploys impact investments that help scale innovative solutions supporting children and families.

Lowe’s Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lowe's Companies, Inc. focused on strengthening America’s skilled trades workforce. Founded in 1957, the foundation supports workforce development, career training, technical education, and community-based programs that prepare individuals for high-demand careers in construction, electrical work, HVAC, plumbing, appliance repair, and related trades. Through its flagship Gable Grants Program, the foundation is investing $250 million to help train 250,000 skilled trades professionals by 2035, addressing one of the largest workforce shortages facing the U.S. economy.

Lumina Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation focused on expanding access to education and workforce training beyond high school. The foundation works to increase attainment of college degrees, industry certifications, and workforce credentials that create pathways to economic mobility, informed citizenship, and long-term prosperity. Lumina partners with education leaders, employers, policymakers, nonprofits, and community organizations to redesign learning systems, reduce barriers to postsecondary education, and improve equitable outcomes for students across the United States.

The Mars Impact Fund is Mars, Incorporated’s enterprise philanthropic vehicle, launched in February 2026 and based with the company in McLean, Virginia. It sits alongside brand foundations (PEDIGREE Foundation, Banfield Foundation, BluePearl Cares, VCA Charities, Royal Canin Foundation, Mars Snacking Foundation) rather than replacing them. The Fund’s job is long-term, invitation-only grants with NGOs, academic partners and development organizations in places Mars already sources, sells or employs people. Three pillars organize the portfolio: sourcing-community resilience (farm livelihoods, women’s economic power, child nutrition and WASH), scientist pipelines in food, agriculture, nutrition and pet care, and companion-animal wellbeing (preventive care, spay/neuter, last-mile veterinary access). A fourth operational role is disaster response when communities around Mars operations are hit—illustrated by a $1M World Central Kitchen grant after the 2026 Venezuela earthquakes. Capital is corporate philanthropy, not a return-seeking impact vehicle: $85 million allocated for 2025–2027, then at least $50 million a year from 2028. The Fund does not accept unsolicited applications; Michelle Grogg is executive director.

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.

Microsoft Philanthropies is Microsoft's internal corporate philanthropy organization, announced in December 2015, rather than a separately incorporated Microsoft foundation. Its work combines cash grants, donated or discounted cloud and productivity products, technical assistance, skilling and partnerships. Legal and financial claims therefore belong to Microsoft Corporation or to named nonprofit intermediaries unless a source identifies another grantmaking entity. The current public-access channel is Microsoft for Nonprofits. Eligible organizations can register and be validated for nonprofit offers that may include grants or credits for selected technology, discounts and training. This is a real public eligibility route, but it is not a general cash-grant application. Product value, foregone commercial revenue, cash contributions, employee matching and volunteer activity are different forms of support and should not be added together as though all were cash deployed. Program themes include nonprofit digital transformation, cybersecurity, responsible AI access, digital inclusion, skilling and support for communities facing economic or humanitarian barriers. Microsoft publishes large organization-reported donation and reach totals in impact materials, but those totals may include software and services valued under company methodology. They are not AUM, an endowed pool, a broadly available cheque range or proof of independently verified beneficiary outcomes.

Moonshot Platform is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit leadership accelerator and global community supporting young changemakers closest to the world’s most urgent challenges. Through its two-year Moonshot Journey, the organization provides grants, mentorship, scholarships, capacity building, peer community, and access to global networks that help emerging leaders scale social and environmental impact. Founded by Yemi A.D., Moonshot Platform supports young innovators building projects, nonprofits, startups, and community initiatives across climate, education, health, economic opportunity, technology, and social justice. Its programs include the Moonshot Awards, Moonshot Camp, Moonshot Summit, Impact Labs, and mentor pathways.

NextLadder Ventures is a time-bound initiative investing in transformative navigation technology (NavTech) so more Americans can reclaim their path to progress. Backed by Ballmer Group, Gates Foundation, John Overdeck, Stand Together, and Valhalla Foundation, NextLadder blends philanthropic and market capital to expand access to people-centered, tech-enabled solutions that help families overcome barriers to economic mobility. Over the next 15 years, the venture aims to empower millions of Americans to reach their potential by 2040.

Salesforce Foundation is the grantmaking foundation associated with Salesforce and dates to the company's 1999 founding and 1-1-1 philanthropy model. It supports education-focused nonprofits and public-school partners, with current emphasis on academic success, strong educators, career readiness and access to future-oriented skills. The legal foundation and its grants must be distinguished from Salesforce, Inc.'s broader corporate philanthropy and employee programs. Salesforce.org is also not a synonym for Salesforce Foundation. Salesforce.org historically organized Salesforce's nonprofit and education technology business, but its domain now redirects to Salesforce's commercial Nonprofit Cloud page. Product donations and discounts through the Power of Us program, employee volunteer time, employee-directed matching and Salesforce Foundation grants are related parts of the company's social-impact model but are different resources. The current Foundation page highlights named grantees and Salesforce-announced education grant totals, including a September 2026 announcement of $27 million in new education grants. That announced cohort amount is not a perpetual pool, AUM, independently verified outcome or generally available award range. No broad open Foundation grant application was verified, so this profile does not publish an application URL or check size.

The Smart Family Fund is a family-led philanthropic fund focused on supporting early-stage nonprofits and social entrepreneurs tackling meaningful social challenges. The fund provides first-time grants, mentorship, and strategic guidance to organizations that show strong potential for scalable impact but may not yet have the traction or data required to secure larger institutional funding. By acting as an early believer in emerging nonprofit leaders, the Smart Family Fund helps organizations validate programs, strengthen operations, and prepare for long-term growth and larger philanthropic partnerships.

Sorenson Impact Institute is a multidisciplinary impact institute housed at the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business and, according to both its own site and Sorenson Impact Group, one of the Group's four branches. Its official history traces the organization to a student-run venture fund founded in 2001 and says impact investor Jim Sorenson endowed the work in 2013. The Institute was previously known as Sorenson Impact Center. The 2001 date therefore describes its institutional lineage, not the incorporation date of a freestanding Sorenson Impact Institute legal entity. The Institute is primarily an institute, applied-research and program operator, education provider, convener, and professional-services provider. Its current practice areas help foundations, investment portfolios, companies, governments, health systems, nonprofits, impact funds, and other clients with impact-investing strategy, impact-finance structures, and impact measurement and management. Published examples include portfolio impact strategy and diligence, community equity funds, opportunity-zone work, outcomes-based finance, research, reporting frameworks, and student experiential learning. A client engagement, research project, or student-managed investment exercise is not necessarily an investment made by the Institute. In 2026 the Institute also operated the Collaboration Fund, a pooled grant fund supporting strategic consolidation among nonprofit field-building organizations in impact investing, inclusive capitalism, and immediately related fields. The RFP anticipated that most grants would be US$100,000-$400,000 and allowed merger feasibility, due diligence, legal and consulting, integration, staff-transition, change-management, and strategic-communications costs. Those award expectations applied only to that time-limited RFP: letters of intent were due June 11, full proposals were due August 22, and the public page promised lump-sum distribution after selection. As of this profile's September 18 review, both deadlines had passed. The Institute must not be conflated with other Sorenson entities. Sorenson Impact Foundation is a distinct U.S. private foundation (EIN 45-3203840) whose filings report its own assets and charitable disbursements; an Institute project page describes the Foundation as a client for a program-related-investment measurement framework. Sorenson Impact Funds develops investment products, while Sorenson Impact Advisory identifies itself as an SEC-registered investment adviser. Their portfolios, assets, investments, grants, and returns do not belong to the Institute. Likewise, the University of Utah houses the Institute but is not its interchangeable funder identity, and named initiatives such as University Venture Fund remain program-specific.

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation focused on advancing social equity, environmental sustainability, reproductive health, scientific innovation, and resilient communities. Established in 1964 by David and Lucile Packard, the foundation supports nonprofits, institutions, researchers, movements, and mission-driven initiatives working to create enduring solutions for people and the planet. The foundation operates across interconnected program areas including climate, oceans, democracy, reproductive health, racial justice, children and families, scientific research, and mission investing.

The Home Depot Foundation is the U.S. corporate foundation associated with The Home Depot, established in 2002. Its current mission centers on improving the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, training people for skilled trades and helping communities recover from natural disasters. Foundation grants should be distinguished from The Home Depot's retail donations, Team Depot volunteer labor and in-kind building materials, even when several forms of support appear in one project. The Foundation reports that since 2011 it has invested more than $650 million in veteran causes and improved more than 70,000 veteran homes and facilities. It has pledged to invest $750 million in veteran causes by 2030 and $50 million in skilled-trades training through Path to Pro. These are organization-reported cumulative investment, improvement and forward-commitment figures, not AUM, cash on hand, independently verified housing outcomes or amounts available in a current application cycle. Its Veteran Housing Grants Program is a genuine public proposal route for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations developing or rehabilitating multifamily permanent supportive housing for veterans. The official page says proposals are accepted year-round, lists three 2026 decision cycles and states typical program awards of $100,000 to $500,000. Because that range applies only to this specialized program rather than all Foundation grants, the database's general check-size fields remain empty; the detail is preserved in eligibility and decision sections.

The UPS Foundation, Inc. is the U.S. private foundation associated with United Parcel Service, Inc., established in 1951 and reported. It is legally distinct from UPS's commercial shipping business while drawing on the company's logistics expertise, employee volunteer network, partnerships, and financial support. Corporate disaster deployments, donated transportation, employee giving, and foundation grants may work together but are not the same legal or accounting category. The foundation's current public framing emphasizes health and humanitarian relief, equity and economic empowerment, local engagement, and protection of the planet. Disaster work often combines grants with logistics expertise and transport donated by UPS. Community programs can include employee volunteerism and locally informed partnerships. Environmental work has included tree planting and resilience. These activities are broader than conventional cash grantmaking, and public contribution totals may combine forms of support.

Vodafone Foundation is an independent UK charity associated with Vodafone and principally funded by Vodafone Group Plc. The foundation reports more than 30 years of activity and is governed by a board of trustees. It connects Vodafone's charitable giving, technology, connectivity, employees, and market presence with specialist partners. Country-level Vodafone foundations and programs may be separate local entities, so this profile describes the group foundation rather than collapsing every national organization into one legal body. Its current strategy has three global challenges: digital learning and inclusion; tackling harm and abuse; and resilience and response in times of crisis. Programs include digital education for refugees and young people, digital confidence, technology supporting survivors of domestic abuse, maternal-health referral and transport systems, emergency communications, and crisis-response tools. Some support is cash, but much of the model is co-designed technology, connectivity, employee expertise, and long-term program delivery; these in-kind and operational contributions are not equivalent to grants. The foundation says it is not a traditional grant funder and does not respond to unsolicited funding requests. It instead builds long-term partnerships with shared responsibility for design, delivery, evaluation, and innovation. The reported goal of improving 300 million lives by 2025 is an organization-defined aggregate claim, not a count of grants or independently verified causal outcomes. No broadly applicable cheque range or open application route is published.

William T. Grant Foundation is a philanthropic foundation dedicated to supporting research that improves the lives of young people in the United States. The foundation funds rigorous studies focused on reducing inequality in youth outcomes and improving the use of research evidence in public policy, education, social services, and youth-serving systems. Through research grants, scholar programs, institutional partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives, the foundation helps generate evidence that can inform policies and practices affecting young people ages 5 to 25.