Call for Grant Applications –
Draper Richards Kaplan (DRK) Foundation Grant
Application Deadline:
10 April 2025
About Organisation
DRK Foundation is a global venture philanthropy firm dedicated to supporting early-stage, high-impact social enterprises. Inspired by a venture capital approach, the foundation identifies and funds innovative leaders tackling critical social and environmental challenges. DRK offers unrestricted capital along with extensive operational and technical support to help organizations build capacity and scale their impact.
With a presence in Menlo Park, Boston, Dallas, The Hague, and Nairobi, DRK Foundation works with organizations across multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, food security, social justice, water and sanitation, transparency, and shelter. As an early institutional investor, DRK provides essential resources, guidance, and board-level support, ensuring that social enterprises reach their full potential. The foundation seeks to empower organizations that have the potential to create large-scale, transformative change within their communities.
About the Grant
The DRK Foundation provides funding to early-stage social enterprises that address pressing global social and environmental issues through innovative and scalable solutions. The grant focuses on supporting organizations that serve underserved populations and work within existing systems to maximize impact. Organizations must demonstrate measurable success in their pilot phase and show potential for significant growth.
Each selected organization receives up to $300,000 in unrestricted funding or investment capital over three years, disbursed in multiple tranches. Additionally, DRK provides strategic mentorship, operational guidance, and board-level support valued at approximately $500,000 in in-kind services. The foundation also fosters a strong network through annual convenings and ongoing community engagement, enabling grantees to collaborate, learn, and scale effectively.
Who can Apply?
The DRK Foundation funds early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations working in Africa, Europe, India, and the United States, with selective consideration for organizations in Latin America and Israel. Eligible applicants must demonstrate:
- Problem-first approach: Addressing critical social or environmental challenges with innovative solutions.
- Scalability: The potential to impact at least 10,000 lives within five years.
- Independent operations: Must be structured as an independent nonprofit, a US 501(c)3 or equivalent, a B Corporation, or a hybrid organization with plans for financial sustainability.
- Early-stage growth: Organizations should be post-pilot and pre-scale, ideally two to five years old.
- Committed leadership: Founders or key team members must be working full-time or planning to transition full-time immediately.
- Financial viability: A pathway to revenue generation or a plan to develop earned income.
How to Apply?
How to Apply?
Applications are accepted year-round through a straightforward online form, requiring an executive summary, pitch deck, or business plan. Organizations should highlight their problem statement, impact, scalability, and leadership team. Applications take 30-60 minutes to complete.
Application Deadline
There is no fixed deadline; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Last Date to Apply
Organizations can apply at any time, with funding decisions made annually for approximately 20 organizations.
Grant Amount
Selected organizations receive up to $300,000 in unrestricted funding over three years, alongside in-kind support valued at approximately $500,000.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
