Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation is a leading venture philanthropy organization that supports social entrepreneurship and innovation in the non-profit sector. Founded by William H. Draper III, Robin Richards Donohoe, and Jim Kaplan, the foundation has been instrumental in backing entrepreneurs and organizations that address pressing social issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare. The foundation's work is closely tied to that of other prominent philanthropic organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Skoll Foundation, and Omidyar Network. Its approach to venture philanthropy has been influenced by the work of Ashoka, Echoing Green, and the New Profit Inc..

● History

The foundation's history dates back to the early 2000s, when William H. Draper III and Robin Richards Donohoe began exploring ways to apply venture capital principles to philanthropy. They were joined by Jim Kaplan, and together they established the foundation in Menlo Park, California. The foundation's early work was influenced by the dot-com bubble and the subsequent shift in the non-profit sector towards more entrepreneurial and innovative approaches. The foundation has also been shaped by the work of other philanthropists such as Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg, who have all been involved in high-profile philanthropic efforts through organizations like the Giving Pledge and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. The foundation's history is also closely tied to the development of the social entrepreneurship movement, which has been driven by organizations like Ashoka, Echoing Green, and the Skoll Foundation.

● Mission and Objectives

The foundation's mission is to support social entrepreneurs and organizations that are working to address pressing social issues such as poverty, inequality, and access to education and healthcare. The foundation's objectives are to provide funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to its portfolio organizations, and to help them scale their impact and achieve sustainability. The foundation's work is guided by a theory of change that emphasizes the importance of innovation, risk-taking, and collaboration in achieving social impact. The foundation's approach has been influenced by the work of thought leaders such as Clay Christensen, Michael Porter, and Jeffrey Sachs, who have all written extensively on the topics of innovation, strategy, and sustainable development. The foundation has also been shaped by the work of other philanthropic organizations such as the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and Carnegie Corporation of New York.

● Investment Strategy

The foundation's investment strategy is focused on supporting early-stage social entrepreneurs and organizations that have the potential to achieve scale and sustainability. The foundation invests in a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, and economic development, and it has a particular focus on supporting organizations that are working to address the needs of vulnerable populations such as children, women, and refugees. The foundation's investment approach is influenced by the work of venture capital firms such as Kleiner Perkins, Sequoia Capital, and Accel Partners, which have all been involved in backing successful startups in the technology sector. The foundation has also been shaped by the work of other impact investors such as the Omidyar Network, Skoll Foundation, and Acumen Fund, which have all been involved in supporting social enterprises and impact investing initiatives.

● Portfolio Organizations

The foundation's portfolio includes a range of organizations that are working to address pressing social issues such as poverty, inequality, and access to education and healthcare. Some of the foundation's notable portfolio organizations include DonorsChoose.org, Kiva, and One Acre Fund, which have all achieved significant impact and scale in their respective sectors. The foundation has also invested in organizations such as Teach For America, City Year, and Year Up, which are all working to address the needs of vulnerable populations such as children and youth. The foundation's portfolio is diverse and includes organizations from a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, and economic development. The foundation has also been involved in supporting organizations that are working on global health issues, such as Partners In Health and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

● Impact and Evaluation

The foundation's impact is measured by its ability to support social entrepreneurs and organizations that are achieving scale and sustainability. The foundation uses a range of metrics to evaluate the impact of its portfolio organizations, including outcome metrics such as number of people served, revenue growth, and social return on investment. The foundation has also developed a theory of change that emphasizes the importance of innovation, risk-taking, and collaboration in achieving social impact. The foundation's approach to evaluation has been influenced by the work of organizations such as the Center for Effective Philanthropy, Foundation Strategy Group, and The Bridgespan Group, which have all developed frameworks and tools for evaluating philanthropic impact. The foundation has also been shaped by the work of thought leaders such as Michael Porter, Mark Kramer, and Andrew Wolk, who have all written extensively on the topics of strategy, innovation, and social impact.

● Leadership and Team

The foundation's leadership team includes William H. Draper III, Robin Richards Donohoe, and Jim Kaplan, who all bring extensive experience in venture capital, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship. The foundation's team also includes a range of investment professionals, program officers, and operations staff who are all dedicated to supporting the foundation's portfolio organizations and achieving its mission. The foundation's leadership has been influenced by the work of other philanthropic organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Skoll Foundation, and Omidyar Network, which have all developed innovative approaches to philanthropy and social entrepreneurship. The foundation has also been shaped by the work of thought leaders such as Clay Christensen, Jeffrey Sachs, and Muhammad Yunus, who have all written extensively on the topics of innovation, sustainable development, and social entrepreneurship.

Category:Philanthropic organizations