Advancing Our Mission Through Grantmaking and Social Investing
Our programs work both independently and in collaboration to award single-year and multiyear grants that fund general operating, projects and planning activities advancing strategic objectives. Most of our funding is to work in the U.S. but our Education Program also supports a portfolio of institutions in South Africa.
Most often, we invite applicants. Occasionally, program teams issue an open call for LOIs within a focus area. For initiatives, programs typically use an open request-for-proposals process. Whenever available, we list open opportunities on the Current Funding Opportunities page.
Annually, Kresge makes more than 400 grants to nonprofits. Our annual give has averaged around $160 million in recent years, always in accordance with IRS guidance to give at least 5% of our endowment on a five-year rolling basis. At times, we go above and beyond this mandate.
$19 million
$15.8 million
$34.5 million
$30 million
$15.4 million
$25 million
$20 million
$795,000
All Grants Awarded
We believe in using multiple forms of capital to create change. The Social Investment Practice partners with programs to complement their efforts by unlocking capital streams with loans, deposits, equity and guarantees. Together, grants and social investments can create better and more sustainable impact.
The Social Investment Practice does not accept unsolicited proposals. It frequently funds its work through intermediaries such as Community Development Financial Institutions but also makes direct investments in nonprofits. We frequently partner with the public and private sectors and other funders or investors.
$46 million
$166 million
$15 million
$9.5 million
$49.6 million
$66.4 million
$55.4 million
$42.6 million
ALL SOCIAL INVESTMENTS AWARDED
They offer a concentration of activities and ideas that circulate, ricochet and recombine to create innovation.
These assets are necessary to scale economic restructuring, social transition and quality-of-life enhancements.
Municipal problem-solving is driven by distributed leadership of the philanthropic, private, civic and public sectors.