The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation is accepting applications throughout the year from early-stage social impact organisations working to address major social and environmental challenges.
The foundation supports organisations that develop innovative solutions to problems affecting underserved communities. Its funding model combines financial assistance with hands-on organisational development, mentorship and strategic guidance.
Selected organisations can receive up to US$300,000 over a three-year period, alongside additional technical and operational support that can help strengthen their organisations and expand their impact.
The foundation works internationally, including in Africa, Europe, India and the United States.
It is particularly interested in organisations that have already tested their solutions and demonstrated early evidence that their work is improving people's lives.
What Does the Grant Cover?
The foundation provides up to US$300,000 in either unrestricted grant funding or investment capital over three years, usually through multiple funding instalments.
Its support includes three main components:
1. Financial support
Up to US$300,000 over three years.
Unrestricted grant funding or investment capital, depending on the organisation and agreement.
Financial support to strengthen operations and expand a proven social impact solution.
2. Organisational development
Selected organisations can receive hands-on support in:
Leadership development.
Board development.
Fundraising strategy.
Financial sustainability.
Organisational management.
Talent development.
Scaling strategy.
3. Professional network and mentorship
The foundation provides access to a network of experienced professionals, portfolio organisations and alumni.
Its capacity-building support can be worth up to an additional US$500,000 in in-kind assistance.
Who Can Apply?
The foundation supports early-stage social impact organisations working in its priority regions.
Eligible organisational structures include:
Independent nonprofit organisations.
Non-governmental organisations.
Mission-driven social enterprises.
Eligible impact-first businesses.
Nonprofit organisations with suitable fiscal sponsorship arrangements and a plan to become independent entities.
Strong applicants should demonstrate:
A clear understanding of an urgent social or environmental problem.
An innovative solution that directly benefits underserved communities.
Evidence that their solution has already been tested.
Measurable early results.
Potential to reach at least 10,000 lives within five years.
A realistic pathway towards financial sustainability.
Strong leadership and organisational capacity.
The foundation generally prefers organisations that are around two to five years old, although decisions are made individually.
It normally supports organisations that operate in Africa, Europe, India or the United States.
Important: This is not a general grant for any NGO activity. The foundation generally does not support organisations that are still at the idea stage, organisations without tested programmes or projects focused only on awareness campaigns, advocacy or research without direct intervention.
How to Apply
Visit the official Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation application page.
Read the foundation's funding criteria and eligibility requirements.
Assess whether your organisation operates in an eligible region.
Prepare a clear description of the problem your organisation addresses.
Document the results of your existing programme or solution.
Prepare information about your organisation's leadership, finances and growth plans.
Complete the online application form.
Submit your application through the foundation's official website.
The foundation accepts applications year-round. It does not have a single annual application deadline.
Important Information
Maximum financial support: US$300,000.
Funding period: Three years.
Additional capacity-building support: Up to US$500,000 in in-kind support.
Application deadline: Rolling throughout the year.
Geographic coverage: Africa, Europe, India and the United States.
Target applicants: Early-stage nonprofit and social impact organisations.
Organisation maturity: Generally post-pilot and pre-scale.
Funding type: Unrestricted grant funding or investment capital, depending on the agreement.
The foundation receives nearly 3,000 applications annually and funds up to 20 organisations each year. Applicants should therefore expect a highly competitive selection process.
Official Application and Information Links
Source Attribution: Based on the foundation's official funding overview, application process and eligibility FAQ