REDF (the Roberts Enterprise Development Fund) is a pioneering venture philanthropy accelerating a national movement of employment social enterprises—mission-driven, revenue-generating businesses that help people striving to overcome employment barriers get jobs, keep jobs, and build a better life. For people with histories of incarceration, homelessness, mental illness, addiction, and young people who are not in school or working, social enterprises provide the paying, transitional jobs and services they need to stabilize their lives, develop a work history, and build skills and confidence. When employees are ready, social enterprises help them find competitive employment. 

Research shows this approach works. It leads to greater economic security and mobility and a significant rate of return to society—$2.23 in benefits for every $1 spent.

Since 1997, REDF has invested in 219 social enterprises in 30 states and the District of Columbia. To date, those businesses have earned over $1.1 billion in revenue and employed over 73,000 people (and counting).

Together with our social enterprise partners, we are working to build a better, more inclusive society where all people have the jobs and support they need to get ahead—and the pride, purpose, and path to self-sufficiency they deserve.

For more information, visit www.redf.org and follow REDF @REDFworks.