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Support REDF
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 238 employment social enterprises across 33 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 $1.3 billion in revenue – and employed over 84,000 people.
84K+
$1.3 Billion
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61K+
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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!
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