Our Grantmaking & Funding Philosophy
In 2021 eBay Foundation embarked on a new strategic vision to significantly increase our impact over the next decade. Through our grantmaking, partnerships and investments, we aim to address systemic issues and ongoing disparities that limit opportunities for entrepreneurs in historically excluded communities.
We believe when entrepreneurs succeed, they build more resilient and vibrant communities. Our grantmaking supports nonprofits and coalitions that enrich entrepreneurial opportunities for people and communities disproportionately affected by structural inequality, advancing economic opportunity for all.
By engaging with and learning from the experts working in the field, eBay Foundation leverages its resources to address pressing systemic issues and ongoing disparities in inclusive entrepreneurship. We think about our approach in three broad categories:
- Provide access to resources: support the capital, capacity-building, knowledge and connections that entrepreneurs need to launch and grow.
- Break down inhibitors to scale: engage in multifaceted solutions to build the inclusive ecosystem entrepreneurs require to go from surviving to thriving. In partnership, we engage in developing and advancing solutions to maximize financial resources, minimize risk and build resilience.
- Participate in big-picture systemic barriers: leverage our disruptor roots, expand partnership and engage in coalitions to tackle big picture systemic barriers to inclusive entrepreneurship, with a long-term lens for success.
Our grantees are the experts, so whenever possible, we provide unrestricted support.
How We Determine Support
Primary considerations in grantee selection include strategic alignment, organizational size and reach, representative leadership, geographic location (operating where eBay employees live and work) and the overall balance of our portfolio.
eBay Foundation's trust-based funding approach has enabled ICA Fund to leverage the support efficiently and effectively to meet the dynamic needs of the diverse entrepreneurs we support. We are an organization committed to providing the right support and capital at the right time, so we get the best results when we are nimble. In a landscape that is ever changing, eBay Foundation's partnership has helped us achieve our goals by believing in our approach and trusting our ability to execute.
ICA Fund
ICA Fund believes that entrepreneurs everywhere have the power to transform communities and drive wealth-building opportunities. They accelerate great businesses through mentoring and investments toward an economy that works for all.
eBay Foundation's trust-based funding approach has enabled ICA Fund to leverage the support efficiently and effectively to meet the dynamic needs of the diverse entrepreneurs we support. We are an organization committed to providing the right support and capital at the right time, so we get the best results when we are nimble. In a landscape that is ever changing, eBay Foundation's partnership has helped us achieve our goals by believing in our approach and trusting our ability to execute.
— Allison Kelly, CEO, ICA Fund
Accion Opportunity Fund is incredibly grateful for the eBay Foundation's longstanding support for under-invested entrepreneurs who are the backbone of economically vibrant and thriving communities. What makes this partnership especially meaningful is the Foundation's focus on serving as a convener and regularly bringing together their strategic grantees to share successes and challenges and to learn from each other. That helps strengthen each of our organizations to have an even greater impact on the entrepreneurs we serve.
Accion Opportunity Fund
Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF) deploys affordable capital, connecting entrepreneurs with business advising, education and support, and advocating for policies that support a more inclusive and healthy financial system. Through innovative partnerships and outreach strategies, AOF focuses on underfinanced entrepreneurs — including entrepreneurs of color, low-income entrepreneurs, and women — who often lack access to the financial services they need to build and grow their businesses.
Accion Opportunity Fund is incredibly grateful for the eBay Foundation's longstanding support for under-invested entrepreneurs who are the backbone of economically vibrant and thriving communities. What makes this partnership especially meaningful is the Foundation's focus on serving as a convener and regularly bringing together their strategic grantees to share successes and challenges and to learn from each other. That helps strengthen each of our organizations to have an even greater impact on the entrepreneurs we serve.
— Luz Urrutia, CEO, Accion Opportunity Fund
The eBay Foundation’s Strategic Partners include nonprofits actively addressing ongoing systemic barriers to entrepreneurship and working across the categories outlined in our grantmaking strategy.
The Global Give Program supports nonprofits that align with our grantmaking strategy in geographies all over the world where eBay’s employees live and work. Beyond the eBay Foundation’s financial support, when possible, we aim to connect dedicated eBay employees for volunteering opportunities with these organizations.
Disaster Response
Alongside our strategy, the eBay Foundation is committed to doing our part when unexpected natural disasters strike our communities. We are proud to support the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to leverage their expertise in mobilizing a full range of resources that strengthen the ability of communities around the globe to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur.