Impact
People always ask us, “How do you measure impact?” It’s actually the easiest question to answer because we measure through the only lens that matters — lives impacted. Our 2023 Annual Report tells a powerful story of what is possible when people lean into problems, not away from them, and when passion, empathy, and belief in something better drive human focus.
Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation (DRK) is a global venture philanthropy firm that funds early-stage social impact organizations solving the world’s biggest social and environmental problems using bold, scalable approaches.
Scale
In 2023, Google.org contributed over $4 million to three DRK portfolio organizations using AI to address major global challenges. Learn how Jacaranda Health, Tarjimly, and Rocket Learning are building a better, more sustainable future for all.
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240+
Social impact organizations have joined the DRK Portfolio
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$190M+
Of support will be deployed to over 300 organizations by end-of-year 2024
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400M+
Lives have been collectively impacted by DRK portfolio organizations to date
Belonging
Living under the constant threat of violence has a lasting effect — even after you escape from danger. Zarlasht Halaimzai, founder of DRK portfolio organization Amna, delivers a vital Ted Talk to share how belonging and feeling valued can bring back a sense of safety for refugees.
News
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What’s Your Start Agenda?Effective change efforts, whether activist movements or social enterprises, must focus beyond just the problem or symptom they want to eliminate. Posted in SSIR on September…Sep 2024 -
DRK's Champions of ChangeIn a world with endless challenges, it’s easy to lose sight of what is possible. At DRK, we see our portfolio organizations taking on tough…Jul 2024 -
Food for Education Included in TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2024 ListPosted in TIME on May 30, 2024 By Varsha Bansal What started out 12 years ago as an ad hoc way to feed 25 schoolchildren…May 2024 -
Andrew Barnett Joins DRK As First Appointed UK Managing DirectorMENLO PARK, CA (May 15, 2024) – Today, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation (DRK), one of the largest global venture philanthropy firms supporting social enterprise, announced…May 2024 -
Three DRK Portfolio Orgs Receive Google.org AI Prize for the Global GoalsOver the next three years, Jacaranda Health will develop, deploy, and scale a first-of-its-kind generative AI model capable of offering context-sensitive information and referral support…Mar 2024 -
These Social Ventures are Scaling Impact by Improving Systems, Not Disrupting ThemPosted in ImpactAlpha on January 18, 2024 By David Blank To learn more about DRK Foundation, contact kshehade@drkfoundation.org. Disrupters have long held the edge in Silicon…Jan 2024 -
Cheap, Effective Treatments for Cancer Already Exist, So Why Don’t You Know About Them?Reboot Rx envisions a future where cancer patients worldwide have access to effective, low-cost treatment options that help them live longer and better lives. Reboot…Dec 2023 -
911 is a Literal Lifeline in Our Worst Moments. Why Does the System Favor Voice Over Text?In half of emergency call centers, you can’t send a text to 911 if you need help. A few years ago, what happened to my…Nov 2023 -
Video: This is What Impact Looks LikeWhile we use data all the time to understand our portfolio’s impact in the world, seeing that impact through the faces of those whose…Oct 2023 -
Impact Investing Can’t Deliver by Chasing Market ReturnsTo be successful, impact investors need more realistic expectations and to be part of a larger and community-based pool of capital, including philanthropic investments that…May 2023