The first round of grant making was held in February 2011 in support of Food & Agriculture. Read the story of the first RSF grant round in The Chronicle of Philanthropy (PDF).
RSF grants serve both nonprofit and for-profit social enterprises that meet these general criteria:
- Mission that addresses one of RSF’s three focus areas – Food & Agriculture, Education & the Arts, Ecological Stewardship – or that furthers the field of social finance;
- Excellent management and governance;
- Sustainable approaches to design, sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution;
- Workforce relations incorporating fair trade principles;
- Capital structure and existing financial partners that reflect commitment to social good and environmental sustainability.
For-profit applicants must also meet RSF’s social enterprise criteria:
Product:
- Must be socially superior to other existing products;
- Product educates consumers at point of sale;
- Product packaging and lifecycle demonstrate sustainability.
Production:
- Demonstrates principles of green manufacturing/production;
- Demonstrates commitment to the local community;
- Employs equitable and inclusive HR practices.
Supply Chain:
- Commitment to local and fair trade communities;
- Demonstrates transparency at all levels;
- Adds social and economic value to supply chain partners.
Visit RSF’s website to learn more about eligibility and how to apply for RSF grants.
