GreenLight Fund Announces Record Breaking $30M Third National Fund for Exponential Impact

MacKenzie Scott, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, NFL, Bain Capital, Truist Foundation, Deloitte and 40+ national investors contribute to GreenLight Fund’s largest Fund to date

In its 20th year, GreenLight Fund recently launched in Miami and Dallas, marking a total of 15 locations across the country

Boston, MA – December 4, 2025 – GreenLight Fund has announced its Third National Fund for Exponential Impact, a major investment that will support the organization’s strategic growth over the next four years. Backed by more than 40 national philanthropic investors, GreenLight Fund has secured a record $30 million – twice the size of its second national fund – to continue expanding its proven model and impact. Founded in Boston in 2004, GreenLight Fund is a national nonprofit network matching local communities’ unmet needs with evidence-based social innovations. GreenLight now spans 15 cities across the country including their most recent expansion in Dallas, Texas and Miami, Florida.

“We are so grateful for all the generous investors whose support signals their strong belief in GreenLight’s model and its ability to shift outcomes for the better in communities across the country,” said John Simon, GreenLight Fund co-founder and board chair. “I believe, with this support, we will more than double the number of individuals reached annually resulting in a significant increase in the measurable positive change for children and families over the coming 4-5 years.”

Jeff Bradach, co-founder and former managing partner of The Bridgespan Group, shared his perspective on this milestone, “GreenLight’s unique model of helping communities source proven solutions to issues they face is one of the breakthrough concepts in philanthropy of the past decade. It’s not surprising that GreenLight is now in 15 locations and reached 1.3M children and families in the past year. This significant third national fund puts GreenLight on a trajectory to being one of the most important platforms for fighting poverty in this country.”

The Third National Fund investors include notable support from Bain Capital, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, iHeart Media, Deloitte, Truist Foundation, the NFL and MacKenzie Scott. Scott’s contribution marks her second gift to GreenLight, approximately double the size of her first gift, giving the fund a significant boost during a pivotal time in GreenLight’s history. This investment will continue to support the organization’s rapid growth plans to reach 18-20 cities by 2028.

“GreenLight Fund’s approach and social justice values align with the NFL Foundation’s Inspire Change initiative.” said Anna Isaacson, NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. “Together, we’re advancing solutions that break down barriers, expand economic mobility, and create lasting change where it’s needed most.”

 In celebrating 20 years of impact, the launch of the Third National Fund demonstrates the immense growth of the organization and strengthens its position to share its institutional expertise in nonprofit replication, sustainability, and high-impact poverty alleviation to advance social change across the country. GreenLight expects to reach more than two million individuals and families annually through programs addressing a wide variety of issues like early childhood literacy, college access and persistence, food insecurity, asset-building, workforce development, community safety, housing stability, health and wellbeing and more.

 “I’m proud to support GreenLight’s unique model. It is deeply local, engaging the community in each of its cities, with the added benefit of GreenLight’s national resources and learning from across the network,” said John Connaughton, Global Head of Private Equity and Co-Managing Partner, Bain Capital and GreenLight Fund board member. “Much like a business model, this is an impact model for achieving greater economic mobility for children and families.”

Since 2004, GreenLight has launched 65 proven programs across 15 sites, reaching over 1.3 million individuals and families this past year alone. In addition to GreenLight’s $42M investment in its portfolio organizations to date, their commitment has attracted $365 million from other funding sources, supporting the sustainability of models that are making a measurable difference in local communities.

“The success of our third national fund is a compelling proof point that GreenLight’s measurable impact across 15, and counting, sites can ignite meaningful national change and help foster inclusive prosperity for individuals and families across the country. Support from our national investors will enable us to continue supporting community-driven, local innovation across our growing network and leverage the lessons and successes that lead to exponential impact on urban poverty in America,” said Ali Knight, CEO of the GreenLight Fund.

The Third National Fund for Exponential Impact is made possible by 40+ investors including: Anonymous, Arrow Impact, Bain Capital, The Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Steve & Deborah Barnes, David & Virginia Barrow, Emma Bloomberg, The Burkehaven Family Foundation, Katie & Paul Buttenwieser, Russ & Judy Carson, Howard P. Colhoun Family Foundation, The Crimson Lion / Lavine Family Foundation, John & Stephanie Connaughton, Deloitte Services LP, Driven Brands, Tom & Gayané Ebling, W. Thomas York, Goldman Sachs Gives, Mollie Hale Carter, iHeartMedia, Anurag & Gunjan Jain, Cynthia & Andrew Janower, Chase Johnson, J. Frederic Kerrest & Sara Johnson, Luu-Knight Family Foundation, Marc & Donna Kozin, Mark & Becky Levin, The Nathan Cummings Foundation, The National Football League Foundation, Tim & Lynne Palmer, Laurie & Todd Platt Family, Dwight & Kirsten Poler, The Reeder Foundation, Etta & Mark Rosen, MacKenzie Scott, John & Susan Simon, The Solid Foundation, Brian & Stephanie Spector, Ray Stata, and Truist Foundation.

Additional Quotes

“GreenLight creates impact that endures by combining three valuable components: collaboration, discipline and accountability. I am a proud supporter in multiple cities and nationally because I know these efforts make a difference for those in need and our communities.” – Mollie Hale Carter, Executive Chairman, FirstSun Capital Bancorp and Sunflower Bank, N.A.

“I support innovators and that’s why I’m thrilled to invest in GreenLight Fund as they grow and scale. The organization’s approach to addressing social sector challenges is fulfilling dreams and opening bright futures for children and families, and that’s an effort my family and I are thrilled to support.” – J. Frederic Kerrest, Co-founder and CEO, Okta

“GreenLight has proven the model works in 15 cities and millions of people are benefiting from the impact. I’m thrilled to continue to support the growth of their work alongside a group of generous individuals and institutions. I look forward to GreenLight’s continued expansion, delivering greater results and strengthening communities across the country.” – Tom Ebling, Executive-in-Residence, General Catalyst and GreenLight board member

“At Truist Foundation, we invest in proven, community powered solutions that help expand economic mobility for all. GreenLight Fund’s Third National Fund will scale evidence based innovations to more cities, helping families unlock opportunities and access the tools they need to build a brighter future. Together, we’re making a difference that matters.” – Lynette Bell, President, Truist Foundation

“The model works. GreenLight is bringing effective solutions to communities that need them. I’m proud to renew my commitment to their innovative approach which is key to addressing some of our communities’ most difficult challenges.” – Mark Kozin, Senior Advisor and Former President, L.E.K. Consulting and GreenLight board member

“The rapid growth in footprint and impact driven by GreenLight’s second national Fund has been impressive. Their local community focus and comprehensive process is what sets them apart. I look forward to the progress this Fund will enable, advancing GreenLight’s collaborative approach and strengthening their national network.” – Charlie Wolfson, Executive Director, Arrow Impact

“GreenLight Fund delivers a strong social return on our investment while remaining low-risk. Their careful process identifies the most effective organizations with the best local fit, and their ongoing support ensures long-term sustainability and meaningful impacts for individuals and families. We are excited by this milestone and the additional impact it will have on communities across the country.” – Irfan Alibhai, President, The Burkehaven Family Foundation and GreenLight board member

“All cities could benefit from GreenLight’s innovative model that pairs community-identified needs with impactful evidence-based programs. This Fund, made possible by an incredible coalition of supporters, will enable GreenLight’s approach to reach more communities, deepen impact in existing cities and deliver measurable change.” – Tim Palmer, GreenLight Fund Board member and Co-founder of Charlesbank Capital Partners