These days, it has become commonplace to hear of successful business people trying to apply the best practices of business to the nonprofit sector.  But in 1990 it was a revolutionary business idea that changed the face of philanthropy forever. 

Observing the growing number of people living on the streets of the San Francisco Bay Area, George Roberts and his wife Leanne set out to do something to help those who had fallen on hard times.

Roberts reflected on methods that had worked well at the global leverage buyout firm he co-founded, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR). He proposed an alternative to Band-Aid solutions. "I could see how the power and proven practices of the business world could be applied to this problem to bring real solutions."  

The most crucial idea: REDF must add real, practical value, and adjust strategy based on careful measurement of results. 

REDF has been firmly grounded in these principles since its inception.

Since its predecessor HEDF was founded in 1990, REDF has taken calculated risks and made significant investments in dozens of nonprofits that started businesses meant to train or employ young people and adults with barriers to work. A key part of our success has always been a rigorous self-examination of what works and what does not work.

REDF shares the lessons it learns with others. In so doing, it has helped lay the groundwork for the now growing fields of venture philanthropy and social enterprise.

REDF continues to succeed in advancing the ideas that the Roberts conceived. Its vision has led a field of venture philanthropists to support organizations that invest in lasting, sustainable solutions to society's most intractable problems.