Deadline: 31-Dec-2025
The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation (DRK) is dedicated to supporting early-stage social impact organizations that address critical social and environmental challenges through innovative and scalable solutions.
The foundation seeks organizations that have demonstrated initial success and are poised for growth, providing them with the necessary resources to scale their operations effectively.
Eligible applicants include independent nonprofits, mission-driven for-profit entities such as C corporations, B corporations, and hybrid organizations, as well as fiscally sponsored organizations with plans for independence. These organizations should be addressing critical social or environmental issues, with solutions that are innovative, scalable, and capable of benefiting underserved populations.
DRK focuses on organizations that are in the post-pilot and pre-scale stage, typically between two and five years old. These organizations should have a proven model already in the field and demonstrate early indications of impact. The foundation values leadership that is full-time or intends to be, and emphasizes the importance of founders who are deeply connected to the communities they serve.
Geographic alignment is a key consideration in DRK’s selection process. The foundation prioritizes organizations operating in Africa, Europe, India, and the United States. However, it will also consider select opportunities in Latin America and Israel, depending on the context and potential for impact.
The foundation provides up to $300,000 in unrestricted funding over a three-year period, along with extensive operational and technical support. This includes dedicated board service and resources for organizational development, fundraising, leadership, and scaling strategies. Additionally, DRK fosters a community among its portfolio organizations, facilitating connections and shared learning.
Applications are accepted year-round through an online submission process, which typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Applicants are required to provide a business plan or pitch deck that outlines their mission, the social problem they address, their unique solution, and the impact achieved to date. The selection process involves multiple stages, including interviews and due diligence, to assess the organization’s alignment with DRK’s funding criteria.
This funding opportunity is ideal for organizations that are ready to scale their impact and require both financial support and strategic guidance to achieve their goals. By partnering with DRK, organizations can access the resources and network necessary to drive meaningful, lasting change in their communities.
For more information, visit DRK.