About FAQs

I’m interested in funding for something not related to the Skoll Award for Social Innovation. How do I apply?

At this point, we only invest in a limited number of organizations that are highly aligned with our mission and award program criteria through the Skoll Awards for Social Innovation (SASI) program. We respect and appreciate the important work that you are doing and regret that we are not able to consider support for many important projects.

I’m with a financial institution. Does the Skoll Foundation make grants outside of aligned organizations?

For financial institutions, please note that we do not give grants to individuals. The Foundation invests in a limited number of organizations that are highly aligned with our mission and award program criteria.

How do I apply for a job at the Skoll Foundation?

Please visit our Jobs page.

How do I apply for an internship or volunteer opportunities?

The Skoll Foundation does not have an internship or volunteer program at this time.

How do I apply for a Program Related Investment or loan?

We only invest in a limited number of organizations that are highly aligned with our mission and award program criteria through our Skoll Awards for Social Innovation (SASI) program.

I’m a journalist and I would like to request an interview with Jeff Skoll or Don Gips. How do I contact them?

Please Contact Us and select “Media” on the form, including your specific request and deadline in your message. See our Media Resources to learn more.

I’d like Jeff Skoll or Don Gips to speak at a conference or event. How can I invite them?

Please Contact Us and select “Media” on the form, including your specific request in your message.

I would like to invite a member of the Skoll Foundation to my conference or event. How can I invite them?

Please Contact Us and select “General” on the form.

I would like to be introduced to someone at the Skoll Global Threats Fund or Participant Media. Can the Skoll Foundation assist me?
The Skoll Global Threats Fund sunset at the end of 2017, spinning off its pandemics and climate work into standalone initiatives, at Ending Pandemics and the Climate Advocacy Lab, respectively. Peace and security work returned to the Skoll Foundation.
Participant Media can be contact here: http://www.participantmedia.com/company/contact_us.php

Can the Skoll Foundation introduce me to other foundations and funders?

We regret that we cannot assist you. Please contact those organizations directly.

I represent a professional investment firm and am interested in speaking with someone who manages the Foundation’s capital. Who should I speak with?

The Foundation’s capital is managed by Capricorn Investment Group. Please refer to their website for contact information: http://www.capricornllc.com/

What is the relationship between the Skoll Fund and the Skoll Foundation?

The Skoll Foundation encompasses two separate corporations: the Skoll Foundation (a private foundation) and the Skoll Fund (a public charity). The Skoll Fund, created in 1999, is a supporting organization associated with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. The private foundation was launched in 2002.

How do I get nominated for a Skoll Award?

The Skoll Foundation applies a multi-year sourcing process for the Skoll Awards for Social Innovation. Our goal is to save organizations’ valuable time and effort while identifying the most highly aligned social innovators. To that end, the Skoll Foundation only accepts referrals and nominations from our network of partners.

What does Skoll look for in a grantee?

A full list of criteria and characteristics that we seek in Awardees can be found here.

What if I have previously applied for a Skoll Award?

You are eligible once every application cycle, even if you have previously applied and not received the Award.

When are the winners of the Skoll Awards announced each year?

Skoll Award winners are announced just before the annual Skoll World Forum, and are formally recognized at the Skoll World Forum Awards Ceremony.

How does the Skoll Foundation define social innovation?

At the Skoll Foundation, we view social innovation as the quest to solve a societal problem by applying a novel or reimagined solution that effectively contributes to lasting and systemic social change. Learn more here.

The guidelines state the Skoll Foundation will not support new or early-stage business plans or ideas. Can you provide clarity about that requirement?

We look for organizations or initiatives that have already demonstrated impact, and that are at an inflection point where additional resources would enable them to catalyze transformational social change. Learn more about past Skoll Awardees here.

What is the typical budget size of Skoll Awardees?

While the Skoll Awards for Social Innovation do not have an absolute budget threshold for eligibility, we have found that organizations with annual revenues: (i) below US$2.5 million that have activities primarily in high-income countries, and (ii) below US$1 million that have activities primarily in low- and middle-income countries, tend to be at a disadvantage in the selection process. The selection process prioritizes organizations based on their ability and readiness to expand their impact significantly, which tends to favor organizations with budgets that fall above these parameters.

Skoll World Forum FAQs can be found here