About Us
Since our establishment, ECMC Foundation has supported student success in postsecondary education. The Foundation’s mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation.
The Foundation uses strategic grantmaking and program-related investments to support nonprofit and for-profit ventures. In pursuit of systems change, we focus on three strategic priorities: removing barriers to postsecondary completion; building the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems; and transforming the postsecondary ecosystem.
Founded as the charitable giving arm of ECMC Group, the Foundation is a national organization with offices located across the United States in Los Angeles, CA, Minneapolis, MN, and Washington, D.C.
Our North Star
In 2024, ECMC Foundation set a bold North Star goal: eliminate gaps in postsecondary completion so underserved learners have greater opportunity for social and economic mobility. This goal reflects our mission to advance postsecondary education and career success for students from underserved populations through evidence-based innovation.
While progress has been made, completion gaps remain. By focusing on the strengths of all students and supporting efforts to close those gaps, we can ensure that every learner has the opportunity to thrive with the benefits of a college credential.
Grantmaking
ECMC Foundation makes grants that support our North Star goal and advance our three strategic priorities. Each grant aligns with one of our initiatives or responds strategically to the needs of the field. We create strong working relationships with our grantees and are proud of the impact these organizations have on our nation's collective community and the postsecondary landscape.
Investments
ECMC Foundation’s program-related investment portfolio makes catalytic investments into non-profit and for-profit ventures that seek to generate both social impact and financial returns. The Education Innovation Ventures (EIV) program provides flexible, risk capital to early-stage ventures working to increase postsecondary educational outcomes and economic mobility for learners and jobseekers from underserved backgrounds. Through program-related investments, EIV’s capital generates impact alongside financial returns, which are recycled to fund further impact initiatives.