Impact Funders Directory (Page 2)

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.

Astanor Ventures is an impact investor that transforms the agrifood system by fostering innovation from "soil and sea to gut." They operate two complementary investment strategies - Astanor Venture for early-stage companies and Astanor Growth for scaling businesses across the entire agrifood value chain. Their mission centers on building a more resilient planet by investing at the intersection of planetary and human health, using food and agricultural systems as primary levers for change. They support ambitious entrepreneurs developing globally scalable solutions capable of driving systemic change, reconnecting planetary and human health through better nutrition and sustainable farming practices. As a global leader in impact investing, Astanor plays a crucial role in financing and scaling systemic disruption needed to reach ambitious targets set by the Paris Agreement and UN SDGs. With offices across Europe and the US, they demonstrate that there is no trade-off between return and impact - the more successful their portfolio businesses become, the greater the positive impact on both people and the planet.

Athar Investment Fund is a Morocco-based impact investment fund focused on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that drive inclusive economic growth. The fund targets businesses that create jobs, strengthen local industries, and expand access to opportunity across Morocco and the broader North African region. Through a hands-on investment approach, Athar partners with entrepreneurs to scale operations, improve governance, and unlock long-term value. Its strategy aligns financial performance with measurable social and economic impact, particularly in underserved communities.

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.

Avaana Capital is an India-based venture capital firm investing in climate and sustainability solutions across sectors such as energy, mobility, agriculture, and industrial systems. The firm backs early-stage founders building scalable technologies that address climate change while driving economic growth. Co-founded by Anjali Bansal, Avaana combines deep operational expertise with a strong network across government, corporates, and global investors. The firm focuses on enabling the transition to a low-carbon economy through innovation and technology.

Azolla Ventures is a climate-focused venture capital firm that invests in breakthrough technologies designed to avert catastrophic climate change. They partner with visionary founders at the earliest stages of venture development, where both risk and reward are at their highest levels. The fund operates with an impact-first approach, prioritizing investments that hold potential for large-scale greenhouse gas reductions while promoting a more just climate for all. Founded by Prime Coalition and enabled by catalytic capital, Azolla Ventures seeks out bold entrepreneurs from all corners and embraces opportunities that fall outside of traditional venture capital norms. Azolla Ventures plays a crucial role in the climate investment ecosystem by focusing specifically on ventures with the potential for gigaton-scale CO2 equivalent reductions. Their mission-aligned approach and willingness to take on high-risk, high-reward opportunities at the earliest stages helps bridge the gap between innovative climate solutions and the capital needed to scale them globally.

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.

Bain Capital Double Impact is the impact investing strategy of Bain Capital, focused on building market-leading companies that deliver both strong financial returns and measurable social and environmental impact. The platform leverages Bain Capital’s global reach and sector expertise to scale businesses across healthcare, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The firm partners with management teams to drive operational improvements, expand market reach, and embed impact into core business strategy. Its approach combines rigorous private equity discipline with a commitment to long-term, responsible value creation.

Bamboo Capital Partners is an impact investing platform that provides innovative financing solutions to businesses in emerging and frontier markets serving low- to middle-income populations. They focus primarily on four key sectors: financial inclusion, access to clean energy, access to healthcare, and agribusiness, where they identify mass-market opportunities for high growth and social impact. The organization operates as the asset management arm of global impact firm Palladium, which operates in over 100 countries. They bridge the gap between seed and growth stage funding through a full suite of finance options ranging from debt to equity, which they deploy either unilaterally or through strategic partnerships. Bamboo has established itself as a significant player in the impact investing ecosystem, having impacted 260 million lives, supported 100,000 jobs including 170,000 female jobs, served millions of patients, and helped avoid significant CO2 emissions. Their comprehensive impact management process deployed throughout the investment lifecycle and their focus on technology-driven solutions for underserved populations positions them as a catalyst for lasting social and environmental change in developing markets.

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.

Beartooth Group specializes in making ranch properties more valuable both financially and ecologically across the American West. They work with landowners through various financial solutions including full or partial sales, adding investment partners to fund operations and acquisitions, restructuring existing partnerships, and other personalized approaches. Their mission centers on preserving the American West's vast open landscapes, wildlife, family ranches, and supportive communities in the face of rapid change. They operate by working closely with landowners to achieve their desired outcomes while navigating complex legal challenges, neighbor relationships, and family needs that often accompany ranch transactions. Beartooth Group positions itself as bringing new financial tools to address the challenges facing the changing American West. They serve as a critical bridge in the ecosystem, helping preserve ranch properties and rural communities by providing innovative investment capital solutions that traditional financial tools cannot adequately address.

Beneficial State Bank is an FDIC-insured, state-chartered community development financial institution (CDFI) headquartered in Oakland, California, with branches in California, Oregon, and Washington. Kat Taylor and Tom Steyer founded it in 2007 as a triple-bottom-line community bank and donated the capital to Beneficial State Foundation, a nonprofit that is now the majority owner of the bank’s capital. That ownership is the lock: the institution is meant to stay governed in the public interest rather than recapitalize through a conventional holding-company sale. Causeartist indexes it in the funders directory as a CDFI bank and debt provider, not as a venture fund. The product is credit: deposits become loans for affordable housing, nonprofits, small businesses, and environmental projects on the West Coast. CDFI rules require at least 60% of financing to low- and moderate-income or underserved communities; the bank reported that 100% of its 2025 loan portfolio upheld that community-development mandate. It will not lend to fossil fuels, private prisons, or weapons manufacturing, industries it calls “contra mission.” It has been a Certified B Corporation since 2012 (B Lab directory; the bank’s certifications page also cites 2013), is Fossil Free Certified, belongs to the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, and describes itself as the only unionized community bank in the U.S. As of year-end 2025 it reported $1.98 billion in assets, $1.67 billion in deposits, $1.47 billion in outstanding loans, and 15.4% net loan growth. Those figures are company-reported from the 2025 Impact Report, not an independent audit.

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.

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.

Better Ventures is an early-stage impact venture capital firm investing in founders building solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The firm backs companies across climate, health, circular economy, PropTech, and sustainable consumer sectors, with a focus on scalable technologies that deliver measurable impact. Operating with an “impact + return” philosophy, Better Ventures supports entrepreneurs not just with capital, but with access to a curated network of operators, angels, and advisors. The firm positions founders as the drivers of change, helping them scale companies that generate both financial returns and meaningful environmental and social outcomes.

Beyond Impact is an impact investment firm focused on accelerating the transition to a more sustainable, animal-free economy. Founded in 2017, the firm backs companies developing alternatives to animal-based products across food, materials, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. The firm’s mission centers on building a “kinder, cleaner, healthier world” by investing in scalable businesses that reduce environmental damage, eliminate animal suffering, and improve human health. Its portfolio targets high-growth sectors such as plant-based foods, alternative proteins, and next-generation biomaterials.

Bezos Earth Fund is one of the world’s largest philanthropic initiatives focused on addressing climate change, protecting nature, and accelerating the transition to a sustainable global economy. Established by Jeff Bezos, the fund represents a $10 billion commitment to climate and environmental action through 2030. The organization supports scientists, nonprofits, policymakers, entrepreneurs, Indigenous communities, research institutions, and environmental leaders working to conserve ecosystems, decarbonize industries, transform food systems, advance climate technologies, and improve environmental accountability worldwide.

Big Path Capital is an impact investment bank that connects mission-driven companies and fund managers with mission-aligned investors to advance a sustainable economy. They position themselves as "Impact Investing's Investment Bank" and work exclusively in the impact investing space, focusing on businesses that seek multiple bottom line interests rather than profit maximization alone. Their mission centers on expanding the path for business interests that prioritize natural, social, and financial capital together, taking what they call the "new economy" from the margins to the mainstream. As a B Corp certified organization, they operate with the vision of seeing the financial world generate good as it generates returns, advancing an expansive economy built on sustainable principles. Big Path Capital has established itself as a leader in the impact investing ecosystem since 2007, working with more impact companies and funds than any other investment bank in the space according to their claims. They facilitate company exits, capital raises, and founder liquidity for top impact companies and funds, and have built a significant network that includes hosting various convenings and summits to advance the impact investing community.

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 Action Fund is one of the world's largest public funders dedicated to marine conservation and sustainable coastal livelihoods in developing countries. Established in 2016 by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and KfW Development Bank, the foundation provides large-scale grants to international and regional nonprofit organizations working to protect marine biodiversity while improving the wellbeing of coastal communities. The fund supports projects that strengthen marine protected areas, conserve blue carbon ecosystems, restore fisheries, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable ocean economies. Working with governments, NGOs, Indigenous communities, and local stakeholders, Blue Action Fund helps finance long-term conservation initiatives across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Small Island Developing States.

Blue Earth Capital AG is a global, independent, specialist impact investment firm that addresses the world's most pressing environmental and social challenges while aiming for measurable impact alongside attractive, market-rate financial returns. The firm manages $1.6 billion in assets under management and has completed over 100 impact investments, financing 41 million individuals and avoiding 1.6 million tCO2e in GHG emissions. What sets Blue Earth Capital apart is its unique foundation ownership structure, where profits including carried interest are employed by the BlueEarth Foundation to support deep impact initiatives. The firm invests globally across all impact sectors and geographies through private equity, credit, funds, co-investments, and secondaries, combining entrepreneurial spirit with institutional rigor to drive transformative climate solutions and improve lives of underserved people.