The Draper Richards Foundation provides selected social entrepreneurs

with funding of $100,000 annually for three years. The funds are specifically and solely for entrepreneurs starting new nonprofit organizations in the United States. Based on the structure of a venture capital fund, the foundation offers financial support as well as strategic and organizational assistance. The Draper Richards Fellowships are highly selective. Only four fellowships are awarded per year to allow the foundation to fully engage with its portfolio of grantee organizations.

Experienced, dedicated social entrepreneurs with a developed idea for a nonprofit organization in the United States are invited to apply. Selected projects will demonstrate innovative ways to solve existing social problems. The foundation will accept proposals for a variety of public service areas, including, but not limited to, education, youth and families, the environment, arts, health, and community and economic development. Organizations must be at the beginning of their development and must be based in the United States only. The foundation seeks organizations that are or plan to be national or global in scope. The foundation does not fund local community-based organizations.

Criteria used to review proposals include: ability of the organization to create significant social change; idea must be sustainable and scalable; and the founder must have the skills to manage a national or global organization.

The foundation will accept proposals at any time of the year. Applications are reviewed when they are received. Visit the Draper Richards Foundation Web site for complete program guidelines and application procedures as well as information on previously selected fellows.