The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation was founded in 2002. Funders William H. Draper, III and Robin Richards Donohoe, venture capitalists who have run highly successful funds together, believe in the power of innovation and passionate individuals to change the world.

The Foundation identifies and supports the most talented social entrepreneurs. The Foundation uses a venture philanthropy technique to fund and build high-impact nonprofit organizations. They believe that dedicated, talented leadership is the essence of social change. To this end, they provide funding and business mentoring to social entrepreneurs as they begin their non-profit organizations.

Draper Richards Kaplan grants. By delivering support at the critical start-up phase, Draper Richards Kaplan grants help outstanding people create wide-reaching change. The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides selected social entrepreneurs with funding of $100,000 annually for three years. The funds are specifically and solely for entrepreneurs starting new non-profit organizations. The Draper Richards Fellowships are highly selective. They only award six fellowships per year so they can fully engage with their portfolio of grantee organizations.

To date, the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation has funded 32 start up organizations. Its newly raised fund will help launch 50 new organizations by 2016. Some of the high impact organizations that Draper Richards Kaplan has backed are Room to Read, Education Pioneers, Kiva.org, Equal Opportunity Schools, and Urban Teachers Center

Who they fund:

The Draper Richards Fellowship funds:

-organizations by providing unrestricted dollars,
-organizations at the beginning of their development, with the Draper Richards Fellowship providing the organization’s first major investment,
-organizations based in the United States only,
-organizations that are national or global in reach and social issues

Draper Richards Kaplan Entrepreneurs are people who possess the unique combination of dedication to social change and the management skills of a seasoned executive. They have intense energy and passion for their social cause. The best social entrepreneurs are Creative, Entrepreneurial, Collaborative and Principled.