Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation Social Impact Funding: Up to $300,000 for Early-Stage Social Enterprises

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation (DRK Foundation) funds early-stage social enterprises and says it accepts applications year-round. The page lists grants or investment of up to $300,000 USD over three years, plus support from a senior DRK board member. There is no deadline on the page, so applicants decide when to submit. This is a venture philanthropy route for founders with a scalable model, not a general NGO grant.

At a glance

Who can apply

The overview page describes the target as “early-stage social enterprises” with scalable solutions and systems-thinking approaches. Applicants must show alignment with DRK’s funding thesis. The pages mention priority geographies and sectors without naming them, and the apply page states no country limit. The foundation’s FAQ lists questions on organisations outside the US, Africa, Europe or India and on organisations older than 10 years, but the answers did not load when we checked, so read the FAQ before applying. Organisations that are declined may re-apply up to twice, no sooner than one year after the notification.

What you get

The figures below are what the foundation’s apply page lists. The page does not tie them to a named funding cycle.

• Capital: up to $300,000 USD as unrestricted grant funding or investment capital, disbursed over a three-year period, usually in tranches.
• In-kind support: up to $500,000 USD worth, including a senior DRK board member who works with the team over three years, and specialist help with fundraising, finance and talent.
• Community: annual gatherings for portfolio organisations and alumni, including a three-day retreat.

How to apply

1. Prepare an executive summary, pitch deck or business plan covering the problem and solution, impact, scale and the leader. The foundation offers a Word template on its apply page.
2. Attach a resume or CV for the leader or leaders. The page says applications with text bios for entrepreneurs or leadership team members will not be considered.
3. Optionally attach financials or impact reports.
4. Submit the online form, which the foundation says takes 30 to 60 minutes and lets you save progress. The form is hosted on TFAforms and linked directly from the official apply page. The foundation asks applicants not to email applications.

Timing, as described on the overview page: review takes about 8 to 10 weeks on average, roughly one in five applicants reaches early interviews, and formal diligence typically lasts 2 to 4 months. Fewer than 10% of candidates from the early interview stage reach diligence. Applicants who do not advance receive feedback. The pages give no calendar dates.

Advice from the Impact DOTS team

• Test fit before you write. Funders sourcing deals and founders alike should read the funding thesis on the overview page first. Alignment with it is a stated requirement.
• Lead with the leader. A CV for each leader is mandatory, and text bios are rejected, so prepare these before opening the form.
• Plan for a long process. With 8 to 10 weeks of review followed by months of diligence, a founder who needs cash within a quarter should not count on this route alone.
• Know the foundation. Our profile of the DRK Foundation covers its mission and philanthropic work.

FAQ

Is there an application deadline? None is listed. The apply page says applications are accepted year-round.

Is there a fee to apply? The apply page mentions none.

Can I re-apply if declined? Yes, up to twice, no sooner than one year after the decline notification.

Is the funding a grant or an investment? The page says either unrestricted grant funding or investment capital.

Sources

• DRK Foundation: Apply for Social Impact Funding
• DRK Foundation: Application overview
• DRK Foundation: Application FAQ