Our Grantmaking & Funding Philosophy
In 2021 eBay Foundation embarked on a new strategic vision to significantly increase our impact over the next decade. Through our grantmaking, partnerships and investments, we aim to address systemic issues and ongoing disparities that limit opportunities for entrepreneurs in historically excluded communities.
We believe when entrepreneurs succeed, they build more resilient and vibrant communities. Our grantmaking supports nonprofits and coalitions that enrich entrepreneurial opportunities for people and communities disproportionately affected by structural inequality, advancing economic opportunity for all.
By engaging with and learning from the experts working in the field, eBay Foundation leverages its resources to address pressing systemic issues and ongoing disparities in inclusive entrepreneurship. We think about our approach in three broad categories:
- Provide access to resources: support the capital, capacity-building, knowledge and connections that entrepreneurs need to launch and grow.
- Break down inhibitors to scale: engage in multifaceted solutions to build the inclusive ecosystem entrepreneurs require to go from surviving to thriving. In partnership, we engage in developing and advancing solutions to maximize financial resources, minimize risk and build resilience.
- Participate in big-picture systemic barriers: leverage our disruptor roots, expand partnership and engage in coalitions to tackle big picture systemic barriers to inclusive entrepreneurship, with a long-term lens for success.
Our grantees are the experts, so whenever possible, we provide unrestricted support.
How We Determine Support
Primary considerations in grantee selection include strategic alignment, organizational size and reach, representative leadership, geographic location (operating where eBay employees live and work) and the overall balance of our portfolio.
I’m delighted that eBay believes in our mission and sees the impact we’re making for underrepresented entrepreneurs in Toronto and beyond. Having a shared vision with partners is key and the right stepping stone to building back a better and more inclusive economy as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Toronto, Canada Parkdale Centre for Innovation
Rusul Alrubail | Executive Director
As a grassroots organization, the Parkdale Centre for Innovation listens to its community as it shapes its programs to suit their needs. Supporting entrepreneurs as they start and grow their businesses, the Toronto-based nonprofit focuses on inclusion and equity, helping break barriers to success for communities of color, women and newcomers/refugees.
I’m delighted that eBay believes in our mission and sees the impact we’re making for underrepresented entrepreneurs in Toronto and beyond. Having a shared vision with partners is key and the right stepping stone to building back a better and more inclusive economy as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Rusul Alrubail, Executive Director at Parkdale Centre for Innovation
A partnership with eBay is an encouraging vote of confidence and endorsement of our work. eBay’s backing will help us to attract talent into our community and propel our startups into the global spotlight.
Sydney, Australia Catalysr
Usman Iftikhar | Co-Founder & CEO
Located in Sydney, Australia, nonprofit pre-accelerator Catalysr inspires, enables and connects migrant and refugee entrepreneurs (aka “migrapreneurs”) to launch their own high-tech startups in Australia. This group of small business owners has become a productive group at many levels, working to build a better life for themselves as they also help create a better Australia.
A partnership with eBay is an encouraging vote of confidence and endorsement of our work. eBay’s backing will help us to attract talent into our community and propel our startups into the global spotlight.
— Usman Iftikhar, Co-Founder and CEO of Catalyer
Strategic Partners
The eBay Foundation’s Strategic Partners include nonprofits actively addressing ongoing systemic barriers to entrepreneurship and working across the categories outlined in our grantmaking strategy.
Global Give
The Global Give Program supports nonprofits that align with our grantmaking strategy in geographies all over the world where eBay’s employees live and work. Beyond the eBay Foundation’s financial support, when possible, we aim to connect dedicated eBay employees for volunteering opportunities with these organizations.
Disaster Response
Alongside our strategy, the eBay Foundation is committed to doing our part when unexpected natural disasters strike our communities. We are proud to support the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to leverage their expertise in mobilizing a full range of resources that strengthen the ability of communities around the globe to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur.