Kresge Foundation

The Kresge Foundation, established in 1924, is a private national foundation based in the United States with an endowment of $3 billion. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for future generations through strategic grantmaking and social investing across seven program areas: arts and culture, community development, education, health, the environment, human services, and a specific focus on Detroit. In 2011, the foundation awarded 346 grants totaling $170 million, reflecting its commitment to supporting initiatives that help improve the circumstances of low-income individuals and expand opportunities in American cities. The foundation aims to create lasting impact by addressing pressing social challenges and promoting sustainable community development.

John Barker

Managing Director, Investment Office

Drew Dolan

Investment Associate

Sean Feng

Investment Director

John Gentry

Managing Director, Investments

Jon Gentry

Managing Director, Investment Office

Elizabeth Goldsberry

Managing Director, Investment Office

Drew Hopper

Investment Associate

Sheryl Madden

Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Controller

Robert Manilla

Vice President and Chief Investment Officer

Christian Mucha

Senior Investment Associate

Venus Phillips

Director, Investments

Rip Rapson

President and Chief Executive Officer

Amy Robinson

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer

Donna Snider

Managing Director

56 past transactions

Inclusive Prosperity Capital, Inc. (“IPC”) is a not-for-profit investment fund scaling clean energy financing solutions that channels investment capital to program partners in communities that need it most. As a spin-out and strategic partner of the Connecticut Green Bank, IPC is focused on scaling its work in Connecticut and expanding its successful model nationwide by accessing mission-driven capital and partnerships. IPC operates at the intersection of community development, clean energy finance, and climate impact. We believe everyone should have access to the benefits of clean energy, helping to deliver Inclusive Prosperity.

Fresh Future Farm

Grant in 2022
We plan to use available land in a North Charleston food desert to sell groceries, grow organic retail and U-pick produce, host farm tours, raise worms and fish, harvest honey and mushrooms and produce healthy soil and healthy food in a manner that creates community and job opportunities to get capital flowing again within the Charleston Heights community.

Project New Village

Grant in 2022
Project New Village is a community hub for collaborative efforts to increase social wellness.

Dreaming Out Loud

Grant in 2022
Dreaming Out Loud is rebuilding urban, community-based food systems through cooperative social enterprise.

Oakland Bloom

Grant in 2022
Oakland Bloom is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports poor-and-working class immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC chefs to start their own food businesses through its flagship business training and incubator program, the Open Test Kitchen.
El Departamento de la Comida is a non-profit collective that acts as an alternative agency in support of small-scaled, decentralized, local food projects.
Detroit Black Community Food Security Network address food insecurity in Detroit’s Black community and to organize members of that community to play a more active leadership role in the local food security movement.
Boston Farms Community Land Trust turns vacant urban land into collective opportunity, supporting neighborhood farmers to grow the food that sustains us.
Black Food Sovereignty Coalition is a member-based organization working in solidarity with Black, Indigenous, and POC (BIPOC) growers, policy makers, advocates, and educators to stabilize food systems infrastructure for marginalized communities.

PosiGen

Private Equity Round in 2022
PosiGen CT, LLC sells and leases solar power systems, solar hot water systems, and energy efficiency upgrade solutions for residential and commercial users in Louisiana, New York, Connecticut, and Florida. It offers solar panel systems for heating, cooling, and illuminating homes and offices. The company also provides solar energy; energy efficiency audit services; and assess and permit, panel installation, and inspection services. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in Jefferson, Louisiana with additional offices in New York and Connecticut.

Mainstay

Series B in 2021
AdmitHub, Inc. is a Boston-based company that specializes in providing expert admissions guidance through its website and SMS services. The company focuses on helping students communicate directly with college admissions offices and offers assistance in various areas, including college selection, financial aid, standardized tests, and support for first-generation college students. Additionally, AdmitHub has developed a chatbot platform named Oli, which integrates artificial intelligence and human expertise to enhance student enrollment, persistence, and completion at numerous colleges and universities. This platform helps educational institutions streamline repetitive tasks, engage students effectively on a large scale, and gain valuable insights into their admissions processes.
El Departamento de la Comida is a non-profit collective that acts as an alternative agency in support of small-scaled, decentralized, local food projects.

Project New Village

Grant in 2020
Project New Village is a community hub for collaborative efforts to increase social wellness.

Fresh Future Farm

Grant in 2020
We plan to use available land in a North Charleston food desert to sell groceries, grow organic retail and U-pick produce, host farm tours, raise worms and fish, harvest honey and mushrooms and produce healthy soil and healthy food in a manner that creates community and job opportunities to get capital flowing again within the Charleston Heights community.
Boston Farms Community Land Trust turns vacant urban land into collective opportunity, supporting neighborhood farmers to grow the food that sustains us.

Dreaming Out Loud

Grant in 2020
Dreaming Out Loud is rebuilding urban, community-based food systems through cooperative social enterprise.
Detroit Black Community Food Security Network address food insecurity in Detroit’s Black community and to organize members of that community to play a more active leadership role in the local food security movement.

Oakland Bloom

Grant in 2020
Oakland Bloom is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports poor-and-working class immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC chefs to start their own food businesses through its flagship business training and incubator program, the Open Test Kitchen.
Black Food Sovereignty Coalition is a member-based organization working in solidarity with Black, Indigenous, and POC (BIPOC) growers, policy makers, advocates, and educators to stabilize food systems infrastructure for marginalized communities.
Institute for Building Technology and Safety specializes in resilience planning, disaster recovery, energy, building services, and local government services, helping communities meet governance challenges while enhancing public safety, economic development, and the general welfare of communities.

NuLawLab

Grant in 2020
NuLawLab is an interdisciplinary innovation laboratory working to imagine, design, test, and implement pioneering approaches to legal empowerment. Since 2012, the NuLawLab has been using structured creative processes to generate new ways of delivering legal information, legal services, and legal education.

The Works

Grant in 2019
The Works is a Social services company.

Explore Bike Share

Grant in 2019
Explore Bike Share is a Bicycle rental service company.

Bridges USA Memphis

Grant in 2019
Bridges USA provides students an opportunity to find their voice through unique experiential learning activities

JUICE Orange Mound

Grant in 2019
JUICE Orange Mound is a Non-profit organization

OUTMemphis

Grant in 2019
OUTMemphis is the plans and dreams of numerous LGBTQ Mid-Southerners became a reality. Through their hard work and sacrifice, they built an “oasis in the desert of our struggle.” The charter for this new organization, known as the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center, became effective on Feb 23, 1989. Over the years, we’ve had several homes, great triumphs and some lean times. But through it all, the passion, commitment and vision of our community have sustained us. Whether or not you’ve ever walked through our doors or attended one of our events, know that we continue to work to make life better for ALL in our community.

Hattiloo Theatre

Grant in 2019
As the only freestanding Black repertory theatre in five surrounding states, Hattiloo has developed a strong regional audience. Hattiloo is known for offering high-quality, free programming and performances staged throughout the city, engaging over 5,000 people each year. The evolution of its artistic vision and programming, and the success of its business model has made Hattiloo a sought-after resource nationwide.

Catalyst Miami

Grant in 2019
Founded by Daniella Levine Cava as the Human Services Coalition, Their defining role is to identify and launch innovative community building strategies.To identify and collectively solve issues adversely affecting low-wealth communities throughout Miami-Dade County.
The Eastside Community Network (formerly Warren/Conner Development Coalition) has been spearheading community development on Detroit's east side for over 30 years. Eastside Community Network develops people, places and plans for sustainable neighborhood growth on Detroit's Eastside.

Got Green

Grant in 2019
Got Green organizes for environmental, racial, and economic justice as a South Seattle-based grassroots organization led by people of color and low income people. We cultivate multi-generational community leaders to be central voices in the Green Movement in order to ensure that the benefits of the green movement and green economy (green jobs, healthy food, energy efficient & healthy homes, public transit) reach low income communities and communities of color.
Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) works for environmental justice in the San Diego/Tijuana region and throughout California. Founded in 1980, EHC has worked to reduce pollution and improve health and well-being for thousands of people in underserved, low-income communities.
The Fairmount/Indigo CDC Collaborative community development corporation (CDCs members are –Dorchester Bay EDC, Codman Square NDC and Southwest Boston CDC. We serve the predominantly low- and moderate-income neighborhoods along the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line from Hyde Park to North Dorchester in Boston. We have strong track records in building thriving and diverse neighborhoods –creating new affordable and mixed-income housing, economic development opportunities, and avenues to foster resident and youth leadership. Together, we are helping to bring more reliable and affordable public transit options and new investments in housing, commercial development, and open space to benefit the residents living within the Fairmount Corridor.

Leadership Counsel

Grant in 2019
Leadership Counsel fundamentally shifts the dynamics that have created the stark inequality that impacts California’s low income, rural regions. Based in the San Joaquin and Eastern Coachella Valleys, we work alongside the most impacted communities to advocate for sound policy and eradicate injustice to secure equal access to opportunity regardless of wealth, race, income, and place.
CEER aims to drive community voices into the post-Hurricane Harvey decision-making process to promote equity and resilience by emphasizing land, water, air, waste, and housing policies that reduce human exposure to pollution and strengthen environmental conservation.
GO AUSTIN/VAMOS AUSTIN (GAVA) IS A COALITION OF NEIGHBORS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO HEALTHY LIVING IN AUSTIN’S EASTERN CRESCENT. GAVA ORGANIZES AND MOBILIZES COMMUNITY POWER TO REDUCE BARRIERS TO HEALTH WHILE INCREASING INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY TO RESPOND TO THE PEOPLE MOST IMPACTED BY HISTORIC INEQUITIES.
Homewood is a one square mile neighborhood. Once a vibrant community, it is now challenged with a vicious cycle of poverty, isolation, and disinvestment. In the mid-1800s’, Homewood was a destination for the most affluent citizens of Pittsburgh, especially with the advent of the Pennsylvania Railroad; the railroad offered a chance for wealthy residents to escape city living. By 1910, Homewood housed 30,000 residents and was considered a choice location. It was not until a shift in the demographics in the 1950s that Homewood became more racially and economically integrated. During this time, the city claimed land in the Lower Hill District for the Civic Arena which displaced roughly 8,000 residents, many of whom decided to relocate to Homewood. Because the majority of these residents could not buy homes, rental apartments popped up to fill the need (Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, 2010). The racial balance was now such that blacks outnumbered whites, leading to the phenomenon known as, “white flight,” where upper and middle-class white citizens left Homewood.
Formed in 2001, the Coalition of Communities of Color (CCC) is an alliance of culturally-specific community based organizations with representation from the following communities of color: African, African American, Asian, Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, Native American, Pacific Islander, and Slavic. The CCC supports a collective racial justice effort to improve outcomes for communities of color through policy analysis and advocacy, culturally-appropriate data and research, and leadership development in communities of color.

UPROSE

Grant in 2019
UPROSE is an intergenerational, multi-racial, nationally-recognized, women of color led, grassroots organization that promotes sustainability and resiliency through community organizing, education, leadership development and cultural/artistic expression in Brooklyn, NY.
The Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE) advances policies and institutional actions that promote racial equity and shared prosperity for all in the growth of metropolitan Atlanta and the American South. Since 2008, the Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE), an Atlanta-based nonprofit, has been advancing the cause of equity through a ecosystem-based model for multi-demographic engagement in the City of Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan region – a bustling area emblematic of many Southern communities riven by racial, economic and class disparities.
Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) has been working for more than 50 years to create a healthy, just and peaceful world,
Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts is to work with our community-based partners on Springfield's climate action and resilience plan! Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Arise for Social Justice, Ener-G-save, Live Well Springfield, Way Finders.

Lucina Health

Seed Round in 2019
Lucina Health, Inc. is a data-driven enterprise software company based in Louisville, Kentucky, specializing in maternity analytics. The company provides a platform called Firefly, which aggregates and analyzes patient and population data in real-time. This platform is designed for health plans, Medicaid providers, and public entities, enabling them to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. Firefly includes a mobile app that facilitates communication between healthcare providers and patients, empowering women to manage their pregnancies effectively. Additionally, Lucina Health focuses on identifying women at risk of preterm birth, often within the first trimester, and offers personalized resources to support their health. By serving mothers, care managers, and communities, Lucina Health aims to enhance birth outcomes and foster healthier populations over time. The company, originally known as Cervilenz Inc., was rebranded in September 2015 and operates as a subsidiary of Unified Women's Healthcare LLC.
MCAN works to increase college readiness, participation and completion rates in Michigan, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color.

Echodyne

Series B in 2017
Echodyne develops and manufactures meta-materials-based radar technologies. The company combines the patented technology of metamaterials with powerful software to create a radar sensor with unprecedented performance at commercial price points. Echodyne's patented technology and powerful software create a high-performance radar platform that produces security and machine autonomy solutions for government, defense, and industry. Echodyne was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Kirkland, Washington.

Fluxx

Series B in 2017
Fluxx Labs, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that develops cloud-based software tailored for foundations and non-profit organizations to enhance their grant management and fundraising efforts. The company's offerings include Grantmaker, which simplifies the grant lifecycle through an intuitive interface, Grantseeker, designed to help nonprofits streamline their grant-seeking processes, and Impact Intelligence, which assists both grantmakers and nonprofits in tracking the effectiveness of their strategies. By connecting givers and doers, Fluxx's platform aims to increase visibility, enhance collaboration, and build capacity within the philanthropy ecosystem. Founded in 2005 and initially known as Solpath, Inc., Fluxx has established itself as a key player in facilitating impact philanthropy.

One Degree

Venture Round in 2017
One Degree is a nonprofit technology-driven organization that is revolutionizing the way low-income families access community resources. Our mission is to empower people to create a path out of poverty for themselves and for their communities. We believe finding food, shelter, or health services you need should be as easy as ordering on Amazon.

Connecticut Green Bank

Venture Round in 2016
Connecticut Green Bank is accelerating the growth of green energy for home and building owners across Connecticut.

Kymeta

Series D in 2016
Kymeta is developing antennas for next generation satellite communications for mobile and fixed applications. Kymeta’s innovative antennas use metamaterials technology to dynamically steer the beam towards the satellite with no moving parts resulting in flat, thinner, lighter, more efficient and less expensive antennas. First to market will be a Portable Satellite Terminal- a laptop sized device with high speed internet connectivity and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Kymeta is also working on fixed antennas as well as antenna modules that can be incorporated as part of satellite terminals for any moving platform such as airplanes, trucks, trains, buses, automobiles or vessels.

Fluxx

Series A in 2015
Fluxx Labs, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that develops cloud-based software tailored for foundations and non-profit organizations to enhance their grant management and fundraising efforts. The company's offerings include Grantmaker, which simplifies the grant lifecycle through an intuitive interface, Grantseeker, designed to help nonprofits streamline their grant-seeking processes, and Impact Intelligence, which assists both grantmakers and nonprofits in tracking the effectiveness of their strategies. By connecting givers and doers, Fluxx's platform aims to increase visibility, enhance collaboration, and build capacity within the philanthropy ecosystem. Founded in 2005 and initially known as Solpath, Inc., Fluxx has established itself as a key player in facilitating impact philanthropy.

Artspace

Grant in 2015
Artspace is the premier online retailer where collectors can purchase works by top contemporary artists directly from leading commercial galleries, prestigious cultural institutions, and non-profits. Our curators also commission works directly from the most renowned artists working today, working closely with their studios to produce exclusive limited editions. Our mission is to help both aspiring and experienced collectors discover, learn about, and acquire art while helping artists and the institutions that support them reach broader audiences worldwide. Proceeds from many of the works on our site benefit these esteemed institutions and artists.

Leaderosity

Seed Round in 2015
LEADEROSITY is an online learning platform for the emerging, mid-career, and senior leaders who seek to create meaningful, lasting impact by sharpening their leadership skills and expanding their networking strategies. LEADEROSITY curriculum isn’t about interacting with a screen – it’s about engaging with people. Our world class content partners utilize distinguished faculty members to guide learners through online coursework. Peer to peer interaction invites participants to challenge themselves and their online colleagues to become more collaborative. And our LEADEROSITY alumni network allows your organization maintain lasting relationships with local, national, and international leaders. LEADEROSITY is made possible through the generosity of American Express, the Kresge Foundation, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Echodyne

Series A in 2014
Echodyne develops and manufactures meta-materials-based radar technologies. The company combines the patented technology of metamaterials with powerful software to create a radar sensor with unprecedented performance at commercial price points. Echodyne's patented technology and powerful software create a high-performance radar platform that produces security and machine autonomy solutions for government, defense, and industry. Echodyne was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Kirkland, Washington.

Kymeta

Series C in 2013
Kymeta is developing antennas for next generation satellite communications for mobile and fixed applications. Kymeta’s innovative antennas use metamaterials technology to dynamically steer the beam towards the satellite with no moving parts resulting in flat, thinner, lighter, more efficient and less expensive antennas. First to market will be a Portable Satellite Terminal- a laptop sized device with high speed internet connectivity and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Kymeta is also working on fixed antennas as well as antenna modules that can be incorporated as part of satellite terminals for any moving platform such as airplanes, trucks, trains, buses, automobiles or vessels.