Rabo Foundation

But for many people, that opportunity is not a given. Smallholder farmers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America often struggle to access financing, knowledge, or markets. Social entrepreneurs in the Netherlands can also face barriers as they work to expand their impact and reach more people.

Rabo Foundation helps these organizations move forward. Rather than supporting individuals directly, it works through organizations that help people build a better future, including smallholder farmer cooperatives and social enterprises.

Rabo Foundation provides financing, knowledge, and access to networks. This enables organizations to become stronger, more professional, and ultimately more self-reliant.

Rabo Foundation focuses on two groups. Internationally, its work is centered primarily on smallholder farmers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In the Netherlands, it supports social entrepreneurs who create opportunities for people whose participation in the labor market is not always straightforward. It also supports circular entrepreneurs whose business models contribute to a more sustainable economy.

Many of these organizations play an important role in their communities but cannot always access traditional banking services. Rabo Foundation can help with loans, guarantees, donations, knowledge, and networks. The goal is to help organizations become stronger and, over time, continue independently.

Rabobank is a cooperative bank. That is why we give portion of our profits back to society through local, national and international initiatives. We do this directly, as a financier, donor or advisor, but also through organizations that help create social impact, such as Rabo Foundation.

Some entrepreneurs and businesses are in a stage of development where they are not able yet to meet the requirements for conventional financing, even though they need support. In these situations, more is required than what is possible within a bank's risk framework. Rabo Foundation supports entrepreneurs and organizations that are not yet eligible for conventional financing, but have the potential to grow. As an independent foundation, it helps bridge the gap between financing needs and financing opportunities.

For many years, Rabobank has supported this mission by contributing a portion of its profits, encouraging employee involvement through donations and volunteer efforts, and by making its knowledge and network available. In this way, Rabobank and Rabo Foundation complement one another in supporting entrepreneurs who want to create positive impact.