Impact Funders Directory (Page 9)

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.

S2G Ventures is a multi-stage investment firm focused on venture and growth-stage businesses across food & agriculture, oceans, and energy sectors. With over 11 years of track record and $2.8 billion in assets under management, S2G has built a portfolio of over 120 companies driving system-wide change. The firm operates at the seams of sector transition, recognizing that their focus areas, food & agriculture, oceans, and energy, are highly interconnected, commodity-driven, and policy-sensitive with commonly hard-to-abate emission challenges. S2G challenges the typical siloed approach to investing by tapping into similar market dynamics to identify scalable solutions that help change the system rather than just driving positive outcomes.

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.

The Surdna Foundation, established in 1917 by John Emory Andrus, supports social justice reform, healthy environments, inclusive economies, and thriving cultures across the United States. The foundation works to dismantle barriers that limit opportunity to create more prosperous, culturally enriching, and sustainable communities. In 2017, Surdna launched a $100 million commitment to impact investing that works alongside their grantmaking efforts. Their investment approach combines mission-related investments (MRIs) and program-related investments (PRIs) to advance their mission while generating risk-adjusted returns and building the field of impact investing.

SustainVC is an impact-focused venture capital firm that backs innovative entrepreneurs working toward a sustainable, more equitable, and healthier world. The firm focuses on two primary impact areas: Climate & Sustainability, and Access & Opportunity, targeting companies that can deliver both positive impact and positive returns. Their mission centers on supporting entrepreneurs who share their vision of creating systemic change through market-driven solutions. SustainVC operates with the philosophy that profitable investments and meaningful impact can go hand in hand, seeking to accelerate positive change through strategic capital deployment. The firm plays an important role in the impact investing ecosystem by bridging the gap between traditional venture capital and social impact. With offices in Boston, Durham, and Philadelphia, SustainVC positions itself as a key player in supporting the growth of companies that can address critical societal and environmental challenges while generating strong financial returns.

SVX México is an impact investment organization that designs and implements impact investment strategies to channel financial resources systematically toward the regeneration of social, environmental, and economic capital in Mexico and Latin America. They provide three main services: education and intelligence to foster impact investment ecosystem development, strategy and consulting to design capital channeling strategies, and investment management of impact funds. Their mission is to ensure that capital serves life rather than governs it, operating under a holistic approach adopted since 2017 that integrates impact vision into investments. They work in strategic alliances with development organizations, companies, foundations, financial institutions, international cooperation agencies, and governments to build comprehensive impact investment ecosystems. Since 2014, in collaboration with SVX Canada, they have built the impact investment ecosystem in Latin America and are part of the SVX Americas network including SVX US, SVX Canada, and SVX Colombia. They have trained over 4,000 investors in impact investing in Mexico, demonstrating their significant role in developing the regional impact investment landscape and creating pathways for capital to address social and environmental challenges.

T1D Fund is the world's first scaled venture fund dedicated exclusively to type 1 diabetes, operating as an impact investment fund that supports promising companies through equity investments and expertise. They focus specifically on accelerating treatments, prevention, and cures for the approximately 9 million people living with T1D globally. The fund operates as a powerful platform for collaboration, using catalytic capital and expertise to de-risk investments and create a flywheel effect that attracts other investors to the T1D space. As a wholly owned, not-for-profit independently run subsidiary of Breakthrough T1D, they leverage their intellectual capital and expert network to offer comprehensive support to portfolio companies, steering them through regulatory, clinical, and commercial milestones. With over $200 million in assets under management and 25+ active portfolio companies, T1D Fund creates significant impact in the diabetes ecosystem by reinvesting 100% of returns to propel continuous progress. Their unique position as subject matter experts combined with access to Breakthrough T1D's extensive network of research, clinical, and medical expertise enables them to transform the landscape of T1D investment and accelerate the development of life-changing therapies.

Talanton Impact Fund is a faith-driven impact investment firm that creates transformative change through strategic investments in East Africa's 'missing middle' - growth-stage businesses with $500K-$15M in revenue. The fund targets the critical funding gap between microfinance and traditional banking, where 70% of new jobs are created by small and medium-sized businesses. Guided by the biblical Parable of the Talents, Talanton has committed $60M in capital across 18 active investments, impacting over 148,500 jobs across Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the DRC. Their rigorous vetting process and ongoing mentorship ensure both business growth and meaningful social impact, allowing faith-driven investors to earn financial returns while combating poverty through job creation.