ECMC Foundation

ECMC Foundation is a Los Angeles-based national foundation dedicated to enhancing postsecondary education outcomes for students from underserved backgrounds, ultimately fostering economic mobility. Unlike traditional grant-making foundations, ECMC Foundation employs a dual approach, utilizing both grants and a robust impact investing portfolio. This strategy allows them to provide flexible capital to mission-aligned organizations that are developing innovative solutions across the postsecondary landscape. Their investments are designed to generate both social and financial returns, with capital being recycled to support future initiatives.

The Foundation's investment strategy primarily focuses on three key areas: Postsecondary Innovation, Career Readiness, and Student Success. They deploy various forms of capital, including early-stage equity and debt, through both Program-Related Investments (PRIs) and Mission-Related Investments (MRIs). PRIs are specifically tailored to support charitable activities with a potential for financial return, while MRIs aim for market-rate returns alongside mission alignment. ECMC Foundation often acts as a catalytic first investor, providing crucial early capital that helps de-risk promising solutions and attract follow-on funding from other investors.

Since 2015, ECMC Foundation has demonstrated significant commitment to its mission, having deployed over $200 million in combined grants and investments. Their typical investment check sizes range from $250,000 to $2 million, reflecting their focus on providing substantial yet flexible capital to organizations at various stages. This strategic use of capital underscores their dedication to fostering systemic change and creating sustainable improvements in postsecondary education for those who need it most.