Strategic Philanthropy
Innovation & Inclusion, Accelerated
Overview
The Cordes Foundation is committed to catalyzing systemic change by supporting visionary social entrepreneurs and advancing economic opportunities for women worldwide. With women owning only 34% of businesses globally despite comprising 50% of the population (World Bank), and 1.4 billion adults still lacking access to basic financial services (World Bank Global Findex Database), we recognize the untapped potential for transformative impact. Our investments in women's economic empowerment are not just about equality – research shows that advancing women's participation in the economy could add $32 trillion to global GDP by 2030 (McKinsey Global Institute). We partner with innovative social entrepreneurs who are developing market-based solutions to close these gaps, recognizing that 82% of social enterprises reinvest their profits to create positive impact (British Council, Social Enterprise Survey). Through strategic grantmaking and catalytic capital, we support initiatives that promote financial inclusion, create sustainable livelihoods, and build more equitable markets. Our focus on women's economic empowerment and social entrepreneurship creates a multiplier effect - when women have access to financial resources and opportunities, they reinvest up to 80% of their income in their families' health, education and nutrition (UN Women). By backing ambitious changemakers and investing in women's economic participation, we aim to help build an inclusive global economy where talent and innovation can flourish regardless of gender or circumstance.
Philanthropic Partners
The Afghan Institute of Learning invests in building local education, health resources and skills training.
Alfie Designs is a woman-centered operation that gives you ethically made and sourced production in West Africa.
The Central Park Conservancy restores, manages and enhances Central Park in partnership with the public.
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a steward of early childhood, helping all children grow and develop into their best selves.
CMEE’s mission is to spark imagination and foster learning for children of all backgrounds and abilities and to build strong connections within the East End community by providing playful experiences.
Confluence Philanthropy is a membership-based network of foundations, family offices, and their investment advisors.
ConPRmetidos is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to Puerto Rico's economic development and long-term sustainability.
CASE is Duke University’s intellectual hub for impact investing, the practice of investing for social and environmental impact as well as financial return.
FACE Africa works to bring clean water, sanitation and hygiene programs to remote communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Friends of Orphan’s empowers, rehabilitates and reintegrates former child soldiers, abductees, child mothers, orphans, and combats the spread of HIV/AIDS.
The Fuller Project brings readers unheard stories on women through investigative and enterprise reporting.
Guitars Over Guns offers students from our most vulnerable communities a combination of music and mentorship.
ImpactAlpha is elevating the investors, entrepreneurs and advocates bringing transparency, sustainability and equity to the fashion industry.
Indego Africa empowers artisans with market access and job skills that enhance their long-term earning potential.
Lynn University’s Social Impact Lab is an experiential learning space where students and professionals can leverage the power of business to generate positive impact both locally and around the world.
MCE provides flexible capital to enterprises committed to generating sustainable livelihoods in emerging markets–with a focus on women and the environment–to allow these enterprises to scale and better serve their customers, their employees and their communities.
The Model Alliance is a New York-based nonprofit that advances workers' rights in the fashion industry
Nest is committed to the social and economic advancement of the fashion and home industry’s informal workforce who comprise the complex supply chains outside of factories.
New Hope for Girls operates in Tanzania and assists women and girls who have been marginalized by society.
Nexus catalyzes new leadership and accelerates solutions to global problems.
Remake unites changemakers in the fight for human rights and climate justice in the clothing industry.
SEO has been an innovator in education, mentorship, peer-to-peer support, high standards, and networks to turn untapped potential into newfound greatness, creating an ecosystem of excellence, and propelling human potential.
Superhumans is a medical center in Ukraine that provides free prosthetics, rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery, and psychological support to military and civilian victims of the war.
The REAL Mental Health Foundation is a global movement that uses the power of community and conversation to improve men's mental health.
Transparentem envisions a sustainable world that is just and equitable for all workers and their communities.
Tropical Focus for Rural Development is a not-for-profit Non-Governmental organization working in western region of Kenya to alleviate poverty and uplift the living standards of the rural communities.
VARAS empowers communities of rural Ghana through volunteerism and community engagement.
WFI partners the next generation with nonprofit and private sector organizations to implement solutions critical to human progress.
Women Moving Millions is a dynamic, impact-led community on a mission to catalyze resources to power the movement for gender equality.
WMI's mission is to establish village-level loan hubs, administered by and for local women, to provide capital, training and support services to rural women in the lowest income brackets in East Africa.