Grants & Investments
How are you putting into action 'the love of humanity'—the root of the word philanthropy?
–Climate Justice Alliance
How are you putting into action 'the love of humanity'—the root of the word philanthropy?
–Climate Justice Alliance
At Hidden Leaf Foundation, we believe that investing in social and environmental justice movements to deepen their practice so that they can grow their power is the best way for us to steward our capital while honoring our family’s values. All of this is in the pursuit of a future full of joy, love, justice, and collective liberation.
Photo: Asian Pacific Environmental Network
At Hidden Leaf Foundation, we believe that investing in social and environmental justice movements to deepen their practice so that they can grow their power is the best way for us to steward our capital while honoring our family’s values. All of this is in the pursuit of a future full of joy, love, justice, and collective liberation.
Photo: Asian Pacific Environmental Network
Grantmaking
Hidden Leaf funds transformative change for the sake of building a stronger progressive movement. Transformative change engages inner awareness practices to enhance the effectiveness of organizations working toward a just and sustainable world. We prioritize this approach because we believe in the ways contemplative practices build vision and coherence within organizations and inspire real solutions for the sake of our planet's future. Our grantmaking supports frontline community organizing groups and the ecosystem of intermediaries who help them incorporate transformative practices into their models for organizing. To give organizations more freedom to do their work and to promote more authentic relationships with them, we have chosen to make five-year investments in a small number of movement organizations. As a result of this long-term funding commitment we do not accept unsolicited proposals.
Hidden Leaf funds transformative change for the sake of building a stronger progressive movement. Transformative change engages inner awareness practices to enhance the effectiveness of organizations working toward a just and sustainable world. We prioritize this approach because we believe in the ways contemplative practices build vision and coherence within organizations and inspire real solutions for the sake of our planet's future. Our grantmaking supports frontline community organizing groups and the ecosystem of intermediaries who help them incorporate transformative practices into their models for organizing. To give organizations more freedom to do their work and to promote more authentic relationships with them, we have chosen to make five-year investments in a small number of movement organizations. As a result of this long-term funding commitment we do not accept unsolicited proposals.
Collectively, our grantee organizations are:
Building political, economic, cultural, and spiritual power and deepening environmental justice for the sake of a more liberatory future for people and for the planet Anchoring the depths by practicing the world they seek and cultivating reflective, liberatory cultures as a core element of their work In deep relationship with others Explicitly prioritizing racial justice and a commitment to a Just Transition
Collectively, our grantee organizations are:
Building political, economic, cultural, and spiritual power and deepening environmental justice for the sake of a more liberatory future for people and for the planet Anchoring the depths by practicing the world they seek and cultivating reflective, liberatory cultures as a core element of their work In deep relationship with others Explicitly prioritizing racial justice and a commitment to a Just Transition
Other criteria include:
Established enough that staffing, financial systems, programs, and solvency are not a question Committed to deepening democratic practice in the world and in their own organizational structures Operating with budgets in the range of $8M or less Located in the United States and on Indigenous land Please find our complete Grantmaking Strategy here.
Other criteria include:
Established enough that staffing, financial systems, programs, and solvency are not a question Committed to deepening democratic practice in the world and in their own organizational structures Operating with budgets in the range of $8M or less Located in the United States and on Indigenous land Please find our complete Grantmaking Strategy here.
Photo: Movement Generation
Investments
Traditionally, philanthropy looks to grantmaking as the core way foundations meet their mission. Hidden Leaf is joining a growing chorus of funders who recognize that we have far more tools at our disposal to support frontline communities, effect deep change, and live into our mission. We are committed not only to shifting capital but also to shifting power. As a core part of transformation, we recognize and support building new, local, restorative, and regenerative economies and advancing a Just Transition toward a green economy. Hidden Leaf shifts capital and power through a number of avenues:
Grantmaking/Philanthropic Investments: Multi-year general operating grants to a thriving ecosystem of transformational change initiatives. We consider our grants an investment in the public good with very high social impact and no financial return to Hidden Leaf. Community Investments: Program-related investments in our core grantees and allied organizations to build their economic power while deepening community wealth. The majority of our community investments are delivered through an integrated capital approach, meaning in addition to grants, we support groups with non-extractive financing (e.g. loans, recoverable grants, asset transfers) on terms designed for and with the community to further the intersection of inner and outer work and build toward a vision of society that works for all.
Deep impact Investments: Mission-related investments in organizations aligned with Hidden Leaf’s focus and values that have a high impact, low to moderate returns and which may be deemed risky by traditional investment standards. These investments strengthen the cultural, political, legal, and economic foundations for the new economy and weaken the foundations of the extractive economy. Impact and Traditional Investments: Securities and private equity within our endowment that align with environment, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Here we use capital as a tool to make the existing economy more just while also making it less harmful and extractive. Real Estate Investments: Income generated to support Hidden Leaf’s operations from assets originating from commercial real estate in the East Bay, developed and managed by a private company, Reynolds & Brown.
Traditionally, philanthropy looks to grantmaking as the core way foundations meet their mission. Hidden Leaf is joining a growing chorus of funders who recognize that we have far more tools at our disposal to support frontline communities, effect deep change, and live into our mission. We are committed not only to shifting capital but also to shifting power. As a core part of transformation, we recognize and support building new, local, restorative, and regenerative economies and advancing a Just Transition toward a green economy. Hidden Leaf shifts capital and power through a number of avenues:
Grantmaking/Philanthropic Investments: Multi-year general operating grants to a thriving ecosystem of transformational change initiatives. We consider our grants an investment in the public good with very high social impact and no financial return to Hidden Leaf. Community Investments: Program-related investments in our core grantees and allied organizations to build their economic power while deepening community wealth. The majority of our community investments are delivered through an integrated capital approach, meaning in addition to grants, we support groups with non-extractive financing (e.g. loans, recoverable grants, asset transfers) on terms designed for and with the community to further the intersection of inner and outer work and build toward a vision of society that works for all. Deep impact Investments: Mission-related investments in organizations aligned with Hidden Leaf’s focus and values that have a high impact, low to moderate returns and which may be deemed risky by traditional investment standards. These investments strengthen the cultural, political, legal, and economic foundations for the new economy and weaken the foundations of the extractive economy. Impact and Traditional Investments: Securities and private equity within our endowment that align with environment, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Here we use capital as a tool to make the existing economy more just while also making it less harmful and extractive. Real Estate Investments: Income generated to support Hidden Leaf’s operations from assets originating from commercial real estate in the East Bay, developed and managed by a private company, Reynolds & Brown.
Grantmaking/Philanthropic Investments: Multi-year general operating grants to a thriving ecosystem of transformational change initiatives. We consider our grants an investment in the public good with very high social impact and no financial return to Hidden Leaf. Community Investments: Program-related investments in our core grantees and allied organizations to build their economic power while deepening community wealth. The majority of our community investments are delivered through an integrated capital approach, meaning in addition to grants, we support groups with non-extractive financing (e.g. loans, recoverable grants, asset transfers) on terms designed for and with the community to further the intersection of inner and outer work and build toward a vision of society that works for all.
Deep impact Investments: Mission-related investments in organizations aligned with Hidden Leaf’s focus and values that have a high impact, low to moderate returns and which may be deemed risky by traditional investment standards. These investments strengthen the cultural, political, legal, and economic foundations for the new economy and weaken the foundations of the extractive economy. Impact and Traditional Investments: Securities and private equity within our endowment that align with environment, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Here we use capital as a tool to make the existing economy more just while also making it less harmful and extractive. Real Estate Investments: Income generated to support Hidden Leaf’s operations from assets originating from commercial real estate in the East Bay, developed and managed by a private company, Reynolds & Brown.
Overview of our Investment Policy Statement
With the active encouragement of our core allies, Hidden Leaf has recently committed to boldly and visibly experimenting with a more liberatory approach to philanthropy – by investing more of our assets in pursuit of our mission. We now realize that our full endowment (not just our grantmaking budget) provides a significant opportunity to explore values alignment on a bigger scale and with a different, and perhaps stronger, impact. With this in mind, our investment objectives are multi-fold. Yes, we intend to preserve capital to ensure we meet our long-term program goals and short-term cash needs, but we also want our financial investments to help us pursue Hidden Leaf’s core mission and support allies with their capital needs. To do so, we are pursuing an investment strategy that both 1) invests in companies, systems, and communities that serve the public good and promote a healthy relationship with the environment and 2) divests from the systems that drive inequality, racial injustice, and unsustainable environmental practices. This strategy involves balancing the impact investments of our ESG portfolio within the current economy with a new portfolio committed to what many of our grantee partners and field leaders call a Just Transition to a new, restorative and regenerative economy. Please visit Hidden Leaf’s full Investment Policy Statement for more details.
Overview of our Investment Policy Statement
With the active encouragement of our core allies, Hidden Leaf has recently committed to boldly and visibly experimenting with a more liberatory approach to philanthropy – by investing more of our assets in pursuit of our mission. We now realize that our full endowment (not just our grantmaking budget) provides a significant opportunity to explore values alignment on a bigger scale and with a different, and perhaps stronger, impact. With this in mind, our investment objectives are multi-fold. Yes, we intend to preserve capital to ensure we meet our long-term program goals and short-term cash needs, but we also want our financial investments to help us pursue Hidden Leaf’s core mission and support allies with their capital needs. To do so, we are pursuing an investment strategy that both 1) invests in companies, systems, and communities that serve the public good and promote a healthy relationship with the environment and 2) divests from the systems that drive inequality, racial injustice, and unsustainable environmental practices. This strategy involves balancing the impact investments of our ESG portfolio within the current economy with a new portfolio committed to what many of our grantee partners and field leaders call a Just Transition to a new, restorative and regenerative economy. Please visit Hidden Leaf’s full Investment Policy Statement for more details.
from our grantees
“We are developing sustainable leaders who are bound by trust, love, accountability and rigor, and who have the capacity for coordinated, strategic action in service of collective liberation for generations to come.”
“In order for our organization to play an integral role in spurring societal transformation locally, Youth United for Change’s staff and members commit to personal and collective transformation; understanding that as they wrestle with internal traumas inhibiting wholeness, they also uncover the system’s role in fostering these problems, and recognize their self-interest in addressing these issues. With each campaign YUC takes on, the goal is two-fold. First, the organization further develops the leadership of its members, builds up their resilience in the face of adversity, and spurs them to continue fighting for better conditions within their schools and communities. Secondly, YUC builds its power and capacity with each campaign, ensuring the sustainability and expanded political influence of the organization in the long run. If these goals are met, the organization acts as a catalyst for transformative change, which is the core objective of organizing.”
“A main part of being prepared for a Just Transition is a commitment to getting ourselves organized – more deeply and more authentically. Our work is most effective and powerful when grounded in deep relationships; relationships where we work, grow, and transform together. We feel the importance of consistently and collectively advancing our understanding of the moment and what it calls for: sharpening our analysis of the crisis we face and building community together in the process. […] Centering sacredness and caring brings us into right relationship with each other and the web of life that we depend on. And we must usher in this transition through a deep cultural shift that reimagines dominant narratives and transforms culture towards economies based in deep relationships.”
“We strive to exist at the impactful intersection of audacious, radical ambition and grounded, wise plans to propel social change. We put in the extra work it requires to be purposeful and deeply intentional in all things. We love and support each other. With humility and love, we are building the world we want to live in and fight for by caring for ourselves and one another every day.”
“Caring for ourselves and our communities will empower us for the long haul. And will disrupt the systems capitalism has built. There’s nothing more revolutionary than caring and resting. Every day we are classist myths. Maybe we don’t need to be working harder, but softer and more intentional.”
“We are a movement institution that supports leaders to build towards the ‘big L’ Liberation we collectively seek while being present with the ‘little l’ liberation that we have access to in each moment.”
“We are co-creating power for love, dignity, and justice. We galvanize movements by freeing, combining, and catalyzing the necessary elements of deep change, elements many of you may recognize from our work together: deep equity and liberation; shared leadership and power; multiple ways of knowing; complex systems change; and inner work. This kind of co-creation relies on a blend of art and science—a blend that requires a solid foundation of wisdom and curiosity, an infusion of experimentation and imagination, and the magic and diligence of people working well together toward a shared vision.”
“We are developing sustainable leaders who are bound by trust, love, accountability and rigor, and who have the capacity for coordinated, strategic action in service of collective liberation for generations to come.”
“In order for our organization to play an integral role in spurring societal transformation locally, Youth United for Change’s staff and members commit to personal and collective transformation; understanding that as they wrestle with internal traumas inhibiting wholeness, they also uncover the system’s role in fostering these problems, and recognize their self-interest in addressing these issues. With each campaign YUC takes on, the goal is two-fold. First, the organization further develops the leadership of its members, builds up their resilience in the face of adversity, and spurs them to continue fighting for better conditions within their schools and communities. Secondly, YUC builds its power and capacity with each campaign, ensuring the sustainability and expanded political influence of the organization in the long run. If these goals are met, the organization acts as a catalyst for transformative change, which is the core objective of organizing.”
“A main part of being prepared for a Just Transition is a commitment to getting ourselves organized – more deeply and more authentically. Our work is most effective and powerful when grounded in deep relationships; relationships where we work, grow, and transform together. We feel the importance of consistently and collectively advancing our understanding of the moment and what it calls for: sharpening our analysis of the crisis we face and building community together in the process. […] Centering sacredness and caring brings us into right relationship with each other and the web of life that we depend on. And we must usher in this transition through a deep cultural shift that reimagines dominant narratives and transforms culture towards economies based in deep relationships.”
“We strive to exist at the impactful intersection of audacious, radical ambition and grounded, wise plans to propel social change. We put in the extra work it requires to be purposeful and deeply intentional in all things. We love and support each other. With humility and love, we are building the world we want to live in and fight for by caring for ourselves and one another every day.”
“Caring for ourselves and our communities will empower us for the long haul. And will disrupt the systems capitalism has built. There’s nothing more revolutionary than caring and resting. Every day we are classist myths. Maybe we don’t need to be working harder, but softer and more intentional.”
“We are a movement institution that supports leaders to build towards the ‘big L’ Liberation we collectively seek while being present with the ‘little l’ liberation that we have access to in each moment.”