July Newsletter: Two Ways to Take Action, Lending Updates, and More

Take Action: Support Federal Funding for Employment Social Enterprise

Since the start of the pandemic, REDF has been working with partners across the country to advocate for increased support for employment social enterprises (ESEs) in federal COVID-19 economic relief efforts.

Earlier this month, five U.S. Senators introduced the Jobs For Economic Recovery Act, which would establish a permanent, evidence-based subsidized employment program that includes ESEs and transitional jobs, and that prioritizes individuals overcoming high barriers to work. This bill is the first federal piece of legislation to specifically include the employment social enterprise sector. We urge you to contact your representatives and ask them to support this bill by clicking the link below.

Contact Your Representatives

Take Action to Restore LA:RISE Funding

LA:RISE, a program co-created and managed by REDF, has connected thousands of Angelenos experiencing homelessness with transitional employment and wraparound services. With 60,000 Angelenos experiencing homelessness before the pandemic, the demand for this program will be great. However, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is evaluating extreme budget cuts, including funding for LA:RISE. LA County residents – please contact your Supervisor today and ask them to restore vital LA:RISE funding.

Contact Your Supervisor

Congratulations to the 2020 Accelerator Cohort!

Earlier this month, 18 social enterprise leaders from across the country completed the fourth cohort of the REDF Accelerator. While the pandemic moved the final in-person session from Nashville to Zoom, the curriculum and connection offered by the program has become even more essential. These leaders are managing shifting business strategies, adapting their programs to best serve participants, and demonstrating the resiliency of the ESE sector. Congratulations!

Celebrating One Year of the REDF Impact Investing Fund

This summer marks one year since we launched the REDF Impact Investing Fund (RIIF). To date, nine loans totaling over $1.8M have been put to work to accelerate social enterprise growth. Read Chief Program Officer Carrie McKellogg’s reflections & lessons learned from RIIF’s first year – and her vision for the year ahead.

ICYMI: Employment Social Enterprises Respond to COVID-19 Head On