The Heron Foundation

05/14/2026

In this reflection from his first Mission Investors conference, Chris Thompson, CFA shares insights on the power of connection, collaboration, and impact investing.

I attended my first Mission Investors Exchange (MIE) national conference last month. While new to me, Heron has been actively engaged in MIE since its

04/14/2026

Happy birthday to our President and CEO, Felecia Lucky 🎂! She’s celebrating the day by reconnecting with our partners and her longtime colleagues, Christopher Spencer and Serena Low, of the Black Belt Community Foundation at the Just Economy conference! Learn more about Felecia. https://www.heron.org/heron-foundation-names-felecia-lucky-as-new-president/

04/25/2023

At Heron, we think in terms of aggregate impact. That means we examine the collective positive and negative impact of any enterprise on its net contribution to (or detraction from) the world. Learn more about our approach: https://bit.ly/3KXsybb

Table of Contents The Problem of Precarious Nonprofits– General Operating Support– Enterprise Capital GrantsWhat do we mean by “properly capitalizing enterprises”? The Problem of Precarious Nonprofits Heron has long been committed to supporting organizations that help people and communities ...

04/19/2023

Over the past few decades, a small but significant number of American neighborhoods have achieved the community activist’s dream: development without displacement. A new study by Common Good Labs, a data science firm, shows that poverty rates in these areas have been reduced by 10 percentage points or more without dislodging the areas’ residents. Amazing!

New research points to the factors that made “development without displacement” possible in Uphams Corner — and maybe even replicable elsewhere.

03/31/2023

"At Heron we use a net contribution lens to evaluate potential partnerships, which examines: ☑️ Human capital
☑️ Natural capital
☑️ Civic capital ☑️ Financial capital https://www.heron.org/introduction-to-net-contribution/"

Table of Contents What is net contribution? How did we get here?Why is the net contribution mindset important to Heron?What is our net contribution lens?What principles guide our net contribution lens?How does Heron apply the net contribution lens to our work?In good company as we look to the future...

03/27/2023

Over the past few decades, a small but significant number of American neighborhoods have achieved the community activist’s dream: development without displacement. A new study by Common Good Labs, a data science firm, shows that poverty rates in these areas have been reduced by 10 percentage points or more without dislodging the areas’ residents. Amazing! https://bit.ly/3Z8KEuM

New research points to the factors that made “development without displacement” possible in Uphams Corner — and maybe even replicable elsewhere.

03/23/2023

Did you know that more than 20 million people across the US live in communities designated as persistently poor? Meet our partner which is working working to ensure that people in these communities can provide for their families and build wealth.

Partners for Rural Transformation strengthens local economies — generating local wealth that sticks — and builds power among those living in some of the most disinvested parts of the country. By drawing on our collective voice and shared experiences, we’re working toward a reimagined future fo...

02/21/2023

As a private foundation with a full spectrum of financial tools at our disposal, we start with the question, “what type of capitalization does this organization need?” and, if possible, provide it with that type of capital. In partnership with others, we are also exploring alternative ownership, operating, and compensation structures that may help for-profit and nonprofit enterprises alike better achieve their goals — and better serve the communities in which they operate.

Table of Contents The Problem of Precarious Nonprofits– General Operating Support– Enterprise Capital GrantsWhat do we mean by “properly capitalizing enterprises”? The Problem of Precarious Nonprofits Heron has long been committed to supporting organizations that help people and communities ...

02/16/2023

Meet our partner, the Black Belt Community Foundation. Based in Selma, AL, they have been on the frontlines supporting those affected by recent tornadoes and they remain committed to helping the community rebuild, every step of the way. Find out more on how you can help:

Our hearts and prayers go out to our family and friends of the Black Belt Community for those affected by the storms that passed through our region today. We are a resilient community and we will work hard to come back better and stronger. You can join......

02/10/2023