Impact Funders Directory (Page 8)

ReGen Ventures is an impact-focused venture capital firm that invests in foundational regenerative technologies designed to power a future of abundance. They focus on four core investment areas: clean energy, planetary intelligence, programmable matter, and adaptive robotics, partnering with founders who are building transformative technologies from the atomic to planetary scale. The firm operates with a mission to reimagine the world by supporting technologies that make regeneration inevitable, enabling infinite growth and prosperity on a finite planet. They take a hands-on approach with founders, providing comprehensive support that ranges from business modeling to personal wellness, emphasizing long-term sustainable returns over short-term wins. ReGen Ventures positions itself as an innovator in the investment space, paving a new path for what investments should be by focusing on root causes rather than symptoms of environmental challenges. They are building what they call a "ReGenerative Future" where climate change is reframed as an opportunity for transformation, backing founders with unreasonable ambition who alter understanding of what's possible in addressing planetary challenges.

Regeneration.VC is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage Consumer ClimateTech startups focused on driving the circular economy through sustainable innovation in materials, consumer products, and carbon solutions. The firm specifically targets climate-focused companies that are working to transform unsustainable consumption models and create regenerative value chains. Their mission is to regenerate consumer industry value chains to meet planetary boundaries, recognizing that humanity currently consumes nearly twice what Earth can replenish and that 7 of the 9 planetary boundaries have been transgressed. They operate with a theory of change centered on transforming the "take-make-waste" consumption model that drives climate change and biodiversity loss by investing in solutions that enable circular and regenerative approaches. Regeneration.VC matters in the impact ecosystem because they take a rigorous, data-driven approach to measuring circularity and regenerative impact through their CRISP protocol, developed in partnership with Circle Economy Foundation. The fund brings together a multi-disciplined team of investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and corporate leaders, with strategic advisor Leonardo DiCaprio, positioning them as a significant player in scaling breakthrough technologies that can deliver outsized net environmental benefits.

Renewal Funds is a sustainability-focused impact venture capital fund based in Vancouver that supports exceptional founders building technology and platform businesses driving the affordability and accessibility of climate solutions. They invest across five primary sustainability themes: energy transition, mobility, food systems, zero waste, and natural resources, focusing on opportunities where their expertise and network can best support mission-aligned founders. As a "mission venture capital" firm, Renewal Funds operates with the dual goal of achieving financial success while creating positive impact for people and planet. They make minority preferred equity investments in high growth, capital efficient businesses, partnering with exceptional, mission-driven founders who have built category leading companies and can demonstrate excellent product-market fit and customer traction. Renewal Funds has established itself as a significant player in the impact investing ecosystem, currently managing $240 million in assets under management across three funds. Their influence extends beyond direct investments, as they work to prove to investors and the broader financial community that mission-driven investing represents the future of finance, contributing to the growing acceptance and adoption of impact investing approaches.

Responsibly Ventures is a PreSeed VC Impact Fund focused on backing remarkable teams building startups in sustainability and social good sectors. They support founders in realizing what they call 'Venture Scale Positive Impacts' by investing in companies that create measurable environmental and social benefits alongside financial returns. Their mission centers on understanding not just what teams are building, but why they're building it and who they're building it for at a fundamental level. They operate by seeking startups with an 'impact moat' - where the company's mission-driven focus provides a unique strategic advantage in the market. The fund actively promotes all forms of positive impact as core value drivers, including diversity, inclusion, empathy, social responsibility, ethics, and actions focused on both people and planet. Responsibly Ventures has created meaningful impact in the venture ecosystem through their portfolio companies and broader community initiatives. Their partner community 'posi2ive' includes over 10,000 impact-aligned investors and founders, creating a network effect for sustainable innovation. They've demonstrated concrete results through portfolio companies like Kidsy (diverted over 1 million pounds of products from landfill) and it's electric (expanding EV charging access across 9 cities), proving that impact and venture-scale returns can coexist effectively.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is a leading national philanthropy dedicated to transforming health in our lifetime through bold and innovative approaches. The foundation works collaboratively with others to achieve health equity faster and create a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a fundamental right for all. RWJF focuses on taking bold leaps to address systemic health challenges and promote inclusive solutions that benefit communities across the nation. The foundation operates with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that achieving true health equity requires addressing the root causes of health disparities and working toward comprehensive transformation of health systems.

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.

Root Capital is a nonprofit social investment fund that partners with small and growing agricultural businesses to increase farmer livelihoods, fight climate change, uplift women, employ youth, and build rural prosperity. They provide credit tailored to agricultural enterprises' needs, along with free capacity building training, farming resources, and other support services to help these businesses develop and scale. Their mission is to grow rural prosperity and build the resilience of farming families around the world, with a vision of thousands of rural businesses supporting a thriving agricultural sector. They operate through four key pathways: Access to Finance, Climate Action, Women's Empowerment, and Next Generation Jobs, supporting the early development of agricultural enterprises because they believe these businesses can raise up whole communities. Since 1999, Root Capital has been creating transformative impact in some of the world's most vulnerable rural areas across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. They have positively impacted the lives of over 10 million people in farming communities, demonstrating their significant role in fostering sustainable agricultural development and rural economic growth. Their 25-year track record positions them as a key player in the agricultural impact investing ecosystem.

Save the Children Global Ventures is part of Save the Children, a leading humanitarian organization that has been protecting children worldwide for over 100 years. Founded in 1919 by Eglantyne Jebb to address children's suffering after World War I, the organization now operates in the United States and around the world to give children a healthy start in life, opportunities to learn, and protection from harm. Save the Children has transformed the lives of over 1 billion children globally through their comprehensive approach to child welfare. The organization is guided by five core values: Accountability, Integrity, Ambition, Collaboration, and Creativity. These values drive their mission to inspire breakthroughs in how the world treats children and achieve immediate and lasting impact in their lives. Save the Children responds to crises by being among the first to arrive and last to leave, providing critical support including treating malnutrition, delivering lifesaving aid in emergencies, and keeping children safe while learning.

Sea Forward Ocean Health Fund is a collaborative, multi-donor impact fund dedicated to accelerating solutions that support a healthy and thriving ocean. Administered through ImpactAssets, the fund combines impact investing, grantmaking, education, and community building to support innovative approaches to ocean conservation and restoration. Sea Forward focuses on sustainable aquaculture, biodiversity protection, climate resilience, circular economy solutions, regenerative nature-based approaches, and science-based monitoring technologies. Through both investments and grants, the fund supports entrepreneurs, nonprofits, researchers, and ecosystem builders working to address some of the most pressing challenges facing marine environments and coastal communities. Beyond capital deployment, Sea Forward serves as an ocean impact learning community, bringing together philanthropists, impact investors, scientists, conservation leaders, and innovators to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and accelerate positive change for the ocean. The fund is led by marine biologist and ocean conservation advocate Laura Francis, whose decades of experience in marine education and conservation inform the fund’s strategic approach.

SEED SPOT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that educates, accelerates, and invests in diverse entrepreneurs who are creating solutions to social problems. They focus on supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs through comprehensive programs including accelerators, mentorship, and capital access across key areas like health and wellness, environmental sustainability, equality and economic opportunity, civic engagement, and education. The organization operates with a mission to make entrepreneurship accessible to all by surrounding entrepreneurs with resources, mentors, business fundamentals, community partners, and capital sources. Their unique approach centers entrepreneurs' needs and lived experiences, with particular emphasis on serving those underserved by traditional systems and programs. They offer multiple specialized programs including Impact Accelerator, Retail Brand Accelerator, Mental & Behavioral Health Impact Accelerator, and Youth Entrepreneurship initiatives. SEED SPOT has demonstrated significant impact in the social entrepreneurship ecosystem, having served over 3,000 entrepreneurs and facilitated $122 million in capital raised. Their work has created over 5,300 jobs and generated $306 million in revenue, with 76% of their supported entrepreneurs being traditionally underrepresented and 56% being women founders. The organization addresses 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, making them a crucial player in scaling social impact ventures globally.

Shell Foundation is a philanthropic foundation that enables millions of people in Africa and Asia to increase their incomes with clean energy solutions. The foundation focuses on three core people: smallholder farmers, transporters, and micro-entrepreneurs, working to impact their livelihoods through innovative partnerships and catalytic finance. The organization partners with public and private organizations to foster early-stage innovation and scale commercial clean energy solutions. Shell Foundation emphasizes its independence as key to delivering its mission and maintains strategic partnerships, including a unique partnership with the FCDO, to maximize impact across their target regions.

Siegel Family Endowment is a philanthropic foundation focused on understanding and shaping the impact of technology on society. Founded by David Siegel, the organization funds research, nonprofits, civic initiatives, and community-driven innovation at the intersections of learning, work, infrastructure, and emerging technology. Using an inquiry-driven grantmaking approach inspired by the scientific method, Siegel Family Endowment supports organizations and researchers exploring how technology can strengthen equity, opportunity, and public-interest outcomes in rapidly changing social and economic systems.

SIMA Funds is a social asset manager that specializes in impact investing with a focus on empowering the Bottom of the Pyramid through commercial capital and advisory solutions. They operate multiple investment funds including Commercial And Industrial Solar, Green Bond, Emerging Distributor Finance Fund, Energy Access Relief Fund, and Off-Grid Solar and Financial Access Fund. The organization's mission centers on driving positive change through demand-driven commercial capital deployment to underserved populations and markets. SIMA operates by combining investment capital with advisory services to create sustainable financial and social impact, positioning themselves as pioneers in the impact investing space. SIMA Funds plays a significant role in the impact investing ecosystem by focusing on energy access, solar solutions, and financial inclusion for underserved communities. Their comprehensive approach of providing both funding and advisory services helps build industry capacity while creating measurable positive change both financially and socially, making them an important player in sustainable development finance.

SJF Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 1999 that invests in high-growth companies creating a healthier, smarter and cleaner future. Originally formed as the Sustainable Jobs Fund, the firm focuses on catalyzing the development of highly successful businesses driving lasting, positive changes while creating quality jobs in low-income communities through sustainable industries. With over 25 years of experience, SJF has partnered with 93 portfolio companies that have created 18,217 total jobs and mitigated over 3 million metric tons of CO2. The firm invests across six sectors to address climate change and drive equitable opportunities, taking a cross-sector approach that recognizes environmental and social impacts are intersectional. SJF believes the biggest challenges aren't confined to single sectors, so neither is their investment strategy.

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.

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.

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.

Social Finance is a nonprofit impact investing and systems change organization that mobilizes capital to improve social outcomes and expand economic opportunity across the United States. Since 2011, Social Finance has pioneered innovative financing models that align public, private, and philanthropic capital around measurable results in workforce development, education, health, housing, and economic mobility. The organization develops impact-first investments, public sector financing solutions, workforce and education funding programs, and research initiatives that help underserved populations access better opportunities. Through outcomes-based financing and innovative capital structures, Social Finance works to address systemic barriers while ensuring accountability for results. Having mobilized more than $500 million in investments and collaborated with over 600 partners, Social Finance is widely recognized as a leader in social innovation, impact investing, and outcomes-driven finance. Its work spans all 50 U.S. states and includes partnerships with foundations, corporations, governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.

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.

SOSV is a global venture capital firm and accelerator founded in 1995, operating one of the most active deep tech and life sciences investment programs in the world. The firm runs multiple accelerator programs, including HAX for hardware and robotics, IndieBio for life sciences and biotech, and Orbit for climate and sustainability — providing intensive company-building support alongside early-stage capital. With over $1.5 billion in AUM and a portfolio exceeding 1,000 companies across more than 70 countries, SOSV occupies a distinctive position in the venture landscape: a programmatic investor that takes companies from idea stage through to growth and beyond. The firm's accelerator model means it is often the first institutional check into a company, with follow-on capability through later rounds. SOSV has a strong impact orientation across its portfolio, with climate, food systems, health, and sustainability representing a significant share of its investments. Its programs in particular have become known as launchpads for companies working on hard scientific and engineering problems that require more than capital to succeed.

The Starbucks Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Starbucks Coffee Company, supporting the company's mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. Founded alongside Starbucks' commitment to community impact, the Foundation operates as part of the company's broader People & Impact initiatives. As an extension of Starbucks' core values of craft, results, courage, belonging, and joy, the Foundation works to create positive change in communities worldwide. The Foundation aligns with Starbucks' community promise to contribute positively and supports the company's commitment to farmers, partners (employees), and local neighborhoods where Starbucks operates.

Steward is a mission-driven lending platform that provides flexible financing to regenerative farms and agriculture businesses focused on transforming local food systems. They partner with human-scale producers including farms, ranches, fisheries, and food producers who are implementing sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. Their mission is to promote environmental and economic stewardship through regenerative agriculture by bridging the funding gap that many sustainable producers face when trying to access capital. Steward operates a community-lending platform that connects mission-driven lenders with agricultural projects, allowing individuals to participate in secured, interest-bearing loans that support regenerative businesses. Steward plays a crucial role in the regenerative agriculture ecosystem by championing the "unsung stewards" who are proving there's a more sustainable way to produce food while taking responsibility for soil health and local communities. They matter because they're addressing a critical need in the agricultural sector where human-scale producers struggle to access traditional financing, thus enabling the growth and scaling of regenerative practices that benefit both environmental and economic outcomes.

Stray Dog Capital is a venture capital fund investing in innovative, early-stage companies across the food, beverage, and biotechnology sectors that are driving a healthier, humane, and more sustainable future. The fund focuses on plant-based food and beverage products, cellular agriculture companies using tissue engineering and fermentation, food technology innovations, and other ventures aligned with their mission of creating healthier and more sustainable outcomes. The Stray Dog Capital team brings broad experience as entrepreneurs, operators, advisors, and investors, with a deep passion for partnering with game-changing companies to realize both significant social impact and commercial success.

Superorganism is the first venture capital firm dedicated exclusively to biodiversity. The firm invests in pre-seed and seed-stage startups developing technologies and business models that protect, restore, and regenerate nature while creating scalable commercial outcomes. Based in San Francisco and New York, Superorganism backs founders tackling biodiversity loss, climate resilience, conservation technology, regenerative agriculture, ocean health, circular economy solutions, and nature-positive innovation. Its investment strategy focuses on three core themes: addressing drivers of species extinction, advancing climate and biodiversity solutions simultaneously, and enabling breakthrough technologies that improve conservation outcomes. Through its mentor network of leading entrepreneurs, scientists, conservationists, and investors, Superorganism helps founders build companies that create an abundant future for both people and nature.