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Exponential Growth and Impact

Impact Highlights

REDF has evolved from a California-based funder working to build an emerging field to leading a national movement. In 2016, we set an exceptionally ambitious five-year goal―more than 50,000 people empowered with the support, skills, and jobs they need to build a better life. We are proud to have exceeded this goal one year early.

Thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors and funders, since our founding in 1997, REDF has supported the growth and success of over 260 employment social enterprises across 38 states and the District of Columbia. These mission-driven businesses break through barriers, change lives, and prove employment social enterprise is a model that works. Together, they have earned over $2 billion in revenue – and employed over 100,000 people.

Since 1997

100K+

People employed

$2 Billion

Social enterprise revenue earned & reinvested in people and jobs

$2.23

Every dollar invested in social enterprise generates $2.23 in societal benefits
2016-2020 GROWTH

61K+

People employed

192

Social enterprises supported

30 

States around the country and the District of Columbia

A Bold Plan for a More Inclusive Society
REDF’s 2021-2025 Campaign

The depth of economic and social inequities in our country have been laid bare.
The time for proven, breakthrough solutions is now.

Employment social enterprise is an integral part of creating a more equitable society where all people can contribute their talents – so we’ve set our sights on a bigger, bolder goal.  

Over the next five years we will accelerate the growth and impact of the ESE sector, leading to a thriving and inclusive economy. By increase our capital investment in ESEs, providing specialized capacity building consulting that amplifies our investments, strengthening ESE leadership, and catalyzing public and private sector support and partnerships, REDF will increase demand for this cost-effective solution.

Our strategic plan includes commitments to advance racial equity in our programs and within our organization, with the goal of increasing our investments in ESEs led by people of color and those with lived experience. And we are prioritizing approaches that lead to higher incomes for ESE graduates and generate more equitable outcomes across race.

Now is the time to take the employment social enterprise solution to scale. Join us!

Why Support

Your Partnership Empowers REDF to:

Identify and partner with ESEs poised for growth, with a focus on leaders of color and with lived experience
Provide capital, capacity building, and community informed by 25 years of experience
Develop leaders, share knowledge, facilitate government partnerships, and champion public policy
Use data to build the evidence base, advance equity, and increase impact

Learn more about the impact of REDF’s investments and explore our 2021 Impact Report.

Our Supporters

The Annie E. Casey Foundation has made multi-year investments in REDF as a result of its laser focus on scaling high-quality employment-related social enterprises. REDF exemplifies what high-performing intermediaries can do by providing capital, specialized technical assistance and field-building networks to accelerate market-driven results for both nonprofits and workers.

Bob Giloth, Vice President, Center for Economic OpportunityThe Annie E. Casey Foundation

The James Irvine Foundation's significant investment in REDF is specifically intended to support expansion and capacitybuilding for Employment Social Enterprises to increase the economic mobility of workers in California striving for a better future. There has never been a more critical time for us to invest in expanding opportunity for all Californians.

Leslie Payne, Initiative DirectorThe James Irvine Foundation

REDF has an impressive track record of working with social enterprises to improve outcomes for people living with barriers to employment—as well as for the communities in which they live and work.

Stacey Faella, Executive DirectorWoodcock Foundation

REDF’s success in strengthening pathways to obtaining and retaining employment for people overcoming great adversity not only improves health outcomes, it brings hope and a sense of belonging to people when they need it most.

Judy Belk, President and CEOThe California Wellness Foundation

REDF is an incredible organization. It has my undying commitment and passion because it is, to me, the secret sauce – the one thing that actually really works for people with high barriers to employment.

Susan Portugal, Senior Vice President & CSR Program ExecutiveBank of America