$50 million in new funding to accelerate more equitable economy from leading philanthropist Jeff Skoll and fellow BuildUS supporters

The Skoll Foundation has invested in a pooled fund alongside several philanthropies to accelerate the transition toward a more equitable and worked-centered U.S. economy.

With an initial commitment of $50 million over three years—and more anticipated—the BuildUS fund will support the implementation of federal legislation focused on economic and clean energy reforms, particularly in rural areas and communities of color.

Funding also aims to prioritize new tools that hold potential for advancing fundamental economic shifts.

By supporting the implementation of legislation that spurs innovation and centers the needs of people and planet, this investment expresses the Skoll Foundation’s commitment to transformational social change in areas including racial justice, inclusive economies, and effective governance.

It also reflects a broad Foundation goal to partner with private and federal funders in bringing about a new economic paradigm that works for everyone.

Grants from BuildUs will target four distinct areas: state and local efforts to utilize federal investments; empowering workers in the clean energy transition; relieving bottlenecks and scaling climate-focused solutions; and facilitating communications at the local, state, and federal levels.

The new funding over three years will support the adoption of recently passed federal legislation seeking to create an economy that is more worker friendly, racially equitable, and focused on clean energy and climate mitigation.

The grant makers that have pooled the initial $50 million include the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Marguerite Casey Foundation, the Omidyar Network, the Open Society Foundations, the Skoll Foundation, the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Over the last 20 years, mega-philanthropist Jeff Skoll has created an innovative portfolio of philanthropic and commercial enterprises, each a distinctive social catalyst.

Together, these organizations drive social impact by investing in a range of efforts that integrate powerful stories and data with entrepreneurial approaches.