In 2001, Jacqueline Novogratz, a brilliant, passionate, and then executive with the Rockefeller Foundation, left Rockefeller to form a new, novel nonprofit called Acumen, which would invest in profit-making businesses that serve and enhance the lives of the poor. Lodestar’s founder was the organization’s first, non-institutional founding funder. As of 2026, Acumen boasts having more than $500 million in assets under its management. It has supported over 1,000 fellows around the world, positively affected the lives of 700 million people, and created over a one million jobs. Among many other recognitions she has received, Jacqueline’s picture was on the front cover of Forbes Magazine in 2011.
Grant Information
Grant Amount: $175,000
Year Granted: 2003+
Grantee: Acumen
Location: International
Grantee Website: Acumen