REDF

"In the gym, power dynamics are flipped, and social bridges are built." We're thrilled to see REDF Growth Portfolio Member, InnerCity Weightlifting (ICW) featured on WCVB Channel 5, way to go! 🎉🎉🎉 ICW trainer Branden Bannister and founder Jonathan Feinman remind us the power of believing in people and fostering connections that create real change in our communities and beyond. ✨

🚀 Big things are happening at the NationSwell Summit 2024! We're thrilled to share that REDF CEO Maria Kim is joining an amazing lineup of speakers at this year's Summit. Woohoo! 🎉 Check out the full lineup with inspiring social impact, sustainability, and philanthropy leaders here: https://lnkd.in/dxi4phgc ✨

At REDF, we believe an inclusive economy benefits everyone. That’s why we support Measure A—an initiative designed to enhance the well-being of all Angelenos and take significant steps toward addressing homelessness in Los Angeles. 🗳️ As the election approaches, here’s why Measure A is vital: ➡ Boosting Essential Services: Measure A proposes a ½ cent sales tax to replace the current ¼ cent tax, ensuring crucial services receive the funding they require. ➡Holistic Solutions for Homelessness: This measure will direct resources toward affordable housing, rent assistance, and essential job services, tackling the pressing issues facing Los Angeles ➡A Brighter Future for All: By voting "Yes" on Measure A, you support LA’s progress and create opportunities for everyone to thrive. #MeasureA #BOLDNEWWAY

REDF is dedicated to building an economy that works for everyone. That’s why we’re thrilled to support Measure A—an initiative in Los Angeles that champions the well-being of every Angeleno and takes bold action against homelessness. 🗳️ With the election on the horizon, here’s why Measure A is essential: New Revenue for Essential Services: Measure A introduces a ½ cent sales tax to replace the current ¼ cent tax, ensuring vital services have the funding they need. Comprehensive Homelessness Solutions: This measure will allocate resources for affordable housing, rent relief, and critical employment services, addressing the urgent needs of the city. A Vision for a Better Tomorrow: By voting "Yes" on Measure A, citizens are paving the way for a future where everyone in Los Angeles has the opportunity to thrive. #MeasureA #BOLDNEWWAY

🌟 Gifts that Propel Change this Holiday Season! 🌟 This year, make your gifts count! Choose meaningful presents that support mission-driven businesses across the country. Each item in the REDF Social Enterprise Gift Guide is handcrafted by individuals overcoming challenges like homelessness or incarceration, empowering them to reenter the workforce. ✨ Why settle for ordinary when you can give extraordinary? Shop now to discover heartfelt gifts that create a positive impact and support an economy that works for everyone! 👉 Shop the Gift Guide Now: https://lnkd.in/eK9zUmet #REDFGiftGuide #ShopForGood #SocialEnterprise #SustainableGifts

REDF is program manager for LA:RISE, a powerful public-private partnership that supports thousands of Angelenos with the jobs, training, and services they need to build brighter futures. That’s why we’re supporters of Measure A, which invests in the shared well-being of all Angelenos and reinforces our strategy to combat homelessness in Los Angeles. 🗳️ As we approach a pivotal election, here's why Measure A matters: ➡ Expanding Resources: Measure A proposes a new 1/2 cent sales tax, replacing the current 1/4 cent sales tax, to sustain and expand essential services for our community. ➡ Combatting Homelessness: The increased revenue will fund initiatives for affordable housing, rent relief, and crucial employment services in one of the country’s most expensive cities. ➡Investing in Our Future: By voting "Yes" on Measure A, we’re not only continuing the valuable work of programs like LA:RISE we’re also taking significant steps toward ending homelessness in communities across Los Angeles. 💪 Vote YES on Measure A! #MeasureA #BOLDNEWWAY #YesOnA

“There are people that are really geographically close together that have these imaginary barriers that society, and Boston in particular, put up through years of segregation and racial inequities. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to create a safe place where the clients can get their perspective shifted and get healthy or fit at the same time. Meanwhile, the trainers are getting access to a new network. A major systemic issue is the barrier to networks. They only know the people in their neighborhoods. Then all of a sudden, through ICW, they know CEOs of tech companies and founders of biotech research, because that’s what’s in the area, and that’s what’s near our gym. Clients think they’re paying [trainers] for their fitness expertise, which they are — but what they don’t realize is that they’re not only getting their expertise, they are getting their lived experience." (2/2) Ian D. Kilpatrick, Head of Development, InnerCity Weightlifting (ICW) More on our “In Community” Series: https://bit.ly/47xLRSa

REDF Impact Investing Fund (RIIF) is pleased to announce our commitment to the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund. Mountain BizWorks, a Western North Carolina-based CDFI is raising a $50 Million fund to provide immediate relief to small businesses hardest hit by Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic damage to Central Appalachia. RIIF’s contribution of $25,000 will support relief grants for BIPOC small businesses, providing a critical lifeline during incredibly challenging times for businesses in underinvested communities that will face significant barriers to recovery.    As RIIF continues to invest in the Appalachian region, we are grateful to support the fund’s anchor partners Mountain BizWorks, Invest Appalachia, and Appalachian Community Capital, and the other funders who have come together to respond to Central Appalachia once-in-1000-years flooding from Hurricane Helene. We encourage other national funders to join relief and recovery efforts; share this short video ⬇ about WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund and learn more about how your organization can support. https://lnkd.in/e6p6ZpQE

Huge congratulations to Carrie McKellogg, CEO of REDF Impact Investing Fund (RIIF), for being selected as a 2024 SOCAP Global Fellow in the Marguerite Casey Foundation Cohort! 🎉 Through this cohort, Carrie will engage in deep-dive storytelling and networking, connecting with other funders and entrepreneurs in meaningful ways. She’s joined by other inspiring fellows in the cohort, including:  ➡Demetric Duckett, Managing Partner, Living Cities Catalyst Fund III ➡Jenny Kwon, Impact Research Analyst, Community Capital Management, LLC ➡Jacob Lipton, Executive Director, Justice Catalyst Fud ➡Martin Muoto, CEO and Founder, SoLa Impact We can’t wait to see the transformative connections that will emerge at #SOCAP24. Let’s keep working together to build a future where all communities can thrive!

“...When young people are lost to violence in Boston, there's almost always a connection to someone at ICW. We're here for them, if they need to cry or anything like that. That tenderness [to feel] isn't always seen, but we see it, because we actually allow [people] into our doors with open arms and open hearts. If we're closing our hearts just based off of stigmas and statistics or fear, we're not doing anyone a service. When we start othering people…and using fear as a way to create separation, it's just not good for anyone or any community, regardless of how much privilege or resources you have. We try to be that bridge between those different divisions, regardless of what they are, and most of it happens in the gym. That's what brings me joy, those moments where it kind of all clicks together and the model goes bigger than someone hitting a personal record at the deadlift, which is great, but it’s so much bigger than that.” (1/2) Ian D. Kilpatrick, Head of Development, InnerCity Weightlifting (ICW) More on our “In Community” Series: https://bit.ly/47xLRSa