About

About Funding Organization: Founded in 1997, the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship is one of three Centers of Distinction at Santa Clara University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley. The Center is dedicated to accelerating global, innovation-based entrepreneurship in service to humanity, with a strategic focus on poverty eradication through its three areas of work: the Global Social Benefit Institute, Impact Capital, and Education and Action Research. How to Apply: Interested social enterprises can apply through the official Miller Center website. The application process involves: Pre-Application Survey: A brief survey to determine eligibility. Full Application: Submission of detailed information about the organization's mission, operations, financials, and impact metrics. Selection Process: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with early applicants receiving priority consideration.

Eligibility

• Target Beneficiaries: The program is designed for mission-driven social enterprises that:
• Are committed to creating positive benefits for people living in poverty, addressing one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Focus on women's economic empowerment and/or climate resilience.
• Have been operational for at least one year, delivering products or services to customers.
• Generate a minimum annual earned income of $50,000 USD (or local currency equivalent) and are not entirely dependent on contributions or grants.
• Employ at least three full-time staff (or equivalent).
• Maintain a minimum three-month cash runway.
• Leadership: Applicants must be senior leaders (e.g., CEO, Executive Director, Managing Director) fluent in English or Spanish.
• Operational Requirements: Organizations must have consistent and reliable internet access, proficiency in Excel, and the capacity to engage in a six-month program requiring weekly one-hour mentor calls and additional hours dedicated to developing an investment-ready plan.
• Impact Focus: Enterprises should intentionally support women's economic empowerment, climate resilience, or both. This includes promoting women in leadership roles, employment, value chain participation, and as customers, as well as addressing climate challenges affecting impoverished communities through initiatives in safe water and sanitation, renewable energy, and regenerative agriculture.