How we provide support
Our approach gives us the ability to fund a wide range of non-profit and for-profit organisations.
Our funding process
We actively look for opportunities that align with our impact areas, values, and the countries in which we work.
We provide different types and sizes of funding, depending on the opportunity. This has helped us build an exciting and diverse portfolio of organisations and companies from around the world. You can read more about our portfolio here.
We always aim to be transparent about how we provide funding, so we’ve outlined the four stages we typically follow below. These may be subject to change as we're constantly looking for ways to improve our process.
Introductory discussions
Due diligence
Deeper assessment of the opportunity
Additional documentation requested
Finance and legal team verification
Funding package drafted
Decision meeting
Decision meeting held (virtual or in-person presentation by prospective partner may be required)
Final structuring and reporting discussions
Legal documentation
Documentation drafted by our legal team
Documentation sent for review and signature
Partnership can begin
Stage 1: Introductory discussions
We identify potential partners through our own research and diligence, plus our extensive global network. We do not, currently, accept unsolicited applications. That said, we are always on the lookout for new ideas and eager to learn about developments in our impact areas.
Once we have identified an opportunity, we will request initial documentation and arrange a meeting to better understand the organisation, company, or project, and assess strategic alignment with our impact areas. If there is alignment, we discuss the opportunity internally and move on to Stage 2. While we try to put forward only those proposals which align strongly with our strategy, approval at this stage is not guaranteed.
Stage 2: Due diligence
We conduct a deeper assessment of the opportunity – including speaking to partners, other funders or investors, staff, and any other relevant third parties. We will also request additional documentation for due diligence purposes. The extent and timeline for diligence will depend on the size and type of investment or grant, plus our familiarity with the organisation and sector.
We will draft a Funding Package for internal review including further detail on the organisation’s operational model, governance and team, as well as a legal and financial analysis. It will also include proposed ways of measuring performance and impact.
Stage 3: Decision meeting
Once we have completed our due diligence and finalised our assessment materials, we will hold a Funding Committee meeting. For large or complex transactions, the Funding Committee can comprise our CEO, as well as region and impact area senior staff. In some cases we also use external expert advisers.
We may also ask for members of the organisation or company being assessed to present an overview of the opportunity and answer any questions.
If the Funding Committee gives approval, we move on to Stage 4.
Stage 4: Legal documentation
Before finalising approval, we will consult our finance and legal teams, as well as any other relevant experts. For-profit investments often require more extensive structuring discussions at this stage, which may be an iterative process.
Once we have finalised approvals and the terms of funding, including agreeing structure and reporting requirements with the organisation, documentation will be drafted by our legal team and, if necessary, external counsel. It will then be sent for review and signature – and the partnership can begin.
Just a quick note: Approval is not guaranteed at any stage of the process. If the opportunity is not approved, we will always try to explain why and provide clear and constructive feedback.
What happens after approval?
Once a partnership begins, we look forward to working closely with the organisation, company, or project and providing ongoing support. To understand how best we can help, we encourage open communication and schedule regular catch-ups with our portfolio. During the funding process, we may have already agreed certain areas where we can be of assistance.
The Luminate team has experience and expertise across all our impact areas and regions, and has access to a range of trusted third-party experts. Our partners will also be able to tap into our global portfolio and network – we are always looking for ways to connect our partner organisations through networking and other events.