Empowering Communities Through Venture Philanthropy with Maria Kim of REDF

In this episode, Matt is joined by Maria Kim, President and CEO of REDF. Together, they explore venture philanthropy, misconceptions surrounding the nonprofit sector, and community engagement. 

Maria Kim is President and CEO of REDF. For 25 years, REDF has invested in businesses that reveal and reinforce the talent of people overcoming barriers to employment. They partner with social entrepreneurs - providing capital, capacity, and community - to amplify the success of their businesses and the people they employ. REDF’s investments have supported 238 employment social enterprises across 33 states and DC - collectively employing 84,000 people and generating nearly $1.4 billion in revenue to be reinvested in employees, jobs, and communities. Before working at REDF, Maria had a sixteen-year stint at Cara Chicago, where she was President and CEO.

Rethinking Nonprofits: Language and Perception 

Maria highlights a fundamental challenge in the nonprofit sector: the terminology used to describe it. She argues that"nonprofit" inadvertently defines the sector by what it lacks rather than showcasing its potential and the meaningful work done. Instead of being seen as a vibrant force for social change, nonprofits often struggle against a perception that they are merely organizations reliant on charity.

Advocating to reframe the narrative surrounding nonprofit work, Maria suggests a shift towards terms like "venture philanthropy" or "social impact consultancy." By doing so, the sector can better articulate its mission: to solve historically neglected societal challenges. This shift in language is crucial for attracting talent and investment as the next generation of employees and consumers increasingly prioritize purpose-driven initiatives.

Maria points out that the nonprofit sector must evolve to meet the demands of a changing workforce that seeks to engage in impactful work rather than just transactional relationships. By aligning more closely with the language and expectations of for-profit sectors, nonprofits can demonstrate their vital role in creating positive societal change, ultimately blurring the lines between profit and purpose. This evolution not only helps change public perception but also fosters greater collaboration between sectors, driving innovation and effective solutions to pressing social issues.

Building Community: Finding Strength in Togetherness

Navigating leadership challenges, especially in the nonprofit sector, can often feel isolating. However, as Maria reminds us, the journey does not have to be a solitary one. The essence of community can be a powerful antidote to feelings of discouragement and loneliness among nonprofit leaders.

Maria emphasizes the importance of connection, stating, “You’re not alone.” Indeed, it can be easy to forget that countless entrepreneurs and leaders share similar visions and struggles. In a world where the demands on nonprofit leaders can sometimes feel insurmountable, fostering relationships with like-minded individuals can reignite passion and inspire resilience.

One of the ways Maria finds community is by participating in gatherings of entrepreneurs passionate about social impact. Such interactions not only provide a supportive network but also create opportunities for collaboration and idea-sharing. As leaders come together, they can brainstorm innovative solutions, share resources, and uplift one another through the challenges of their missions.

For those feeling overwhelmed, Maria’s advice is clear: reach out and connect. Whether through LinkedIn or local meetups, establishing these connections can be transformative. Engaging with others who share the same commitmentto making a difference can reignite motivation and bring new perspectives.

Within nonprofit leadership, building a supportive community is essential for personal well-being and organizational success. As Maria puts it, “There are so many entrepreneurs out there in this world that want the same world that you do.” 

Get the Full Scoop!

Listen to this episode of the Creating Good podcast to learn more from Maria about creating a vibrant community of changemakers dedicated to creating a better future for all.