Supporting Social Ventures

Philanthropy plays a crucial role in the success of social ventures working to improve lives around the world. And it makes a big difference how funders work with ventures: how they give grants, how they support growth, how they manage change and uncertainty.

Rippleworks has supported ventures across many sectors and regions for over 10 years. The Solutions Insights Lab is conducting in-depth interviews with the leaders of the projects Rippleworks serves to help illuminate the future of funding for social change, with a focus on centering the needs and voices of those closest to the problem. As the funding landscape continues to shift, these insights can help foundations learn what social entrepreneurs most need now.

Through 50 interviews with leaders of social ventures, we surfaced vital insights about Rippleworks’ inventive approaches to supporting a remarkably varied portfolio with many different goals and needs. These insights offer actionable information that anyone supporting social ventures can use.

Sept. 23, 2025 – “How Women-Led Platforms Are Delivering Tech for Learning and Energy” at Spotlight Africa in New York, New York

Apr. 2025 – Insights Launch on Rippleworks.org