Our Story
About Us
We’ve seen what’s possible when nonprofits and social enterprises rise above roadblocks.
Open Road Alliance was founded in 2012 with an ambitious goal: to help the social sector weather the unexpected risks that threaten to derail impact. Since then, we have become the market leader in social sector bridge funding, providing over $45 million in one-time grants and loans to nonprofits and social enterprises experiencing unexpected external roadblocks, helping to keep their impact on track.
From startup solar companies in Tanzania, to human rights organizations in Syria, and nonprofits addressing criminal justice reform in the United States, we work with enterprises across geographies and sectors. All our work is aimed at one objective: to ensure innovative efforts to address the world’s greatest challenges can carry on without interruption.
Our Model Is Different
Keeping Impact on Track
Timely Investments for a Resilient Sector
We move the social sector from impasse to impact.
For each dollar invested, Open Road returns $9 in impact. This 9x leverage has resulted in $186M of additional impact across our current portfolio.
The Impact Fund will make the social sector work better—it is the only impact investing fund to focus on filling discrete, short-term gaps in the social sector.
Prepare for the Journey
We advance the social sector with tools and best practices.
No industry standards currently exist for discussing, assessing, or planning for risk in philanthropy. Few grantmakers assess risk during the grant application process, and even fewer have processes in place to respond to anticipatable risks once a project is underway. We prepare and equip grantmakers and grantees with best practices and policies around risk management.
Our Customer Centric Approach
We partner with grantees and investors who share a common drive to create better lives, stronger communities, and a better world for all. Our work is shaped by your needs. Our commitment is to make your impact possible. Through transparent and trusting relationships, we put you first–because that’s what impact investing should look like.
Reliable.
Driven.
Committed.
We are a small passionate group working to keep impact on track. We keep our process lean and do the best for our grantees and investors no matter the situation. Whether you’re an investor looking for impact or a social enterprise experiencing a roadblock, we are here for you.

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Whether you are a foundation or investment firm, our funding model intersects with all sectors globally.