Our Mission
The convergence of
philanthropy and business.
Driving sustainable development, systems and systemic change, serving as both an intergenerational and Global South–North bridge.
Rooted in the realities of emerging economies, ERFIP exists to bring philanthropy and business together in pursuit of lasting change. We act as a bridge to the Global South, mobilizing catalytic capital and ensuring that resources flow into sustainable projects with a high return on engagement. Our focus is on building a pipeline of bankable projects that prioritize long-term viability and measurable impact, supported by trust-based collaborations across regions and generations.
Climate action is key to our mission and cuts across every field that is being touched by our community, from health and gender equity to entrepreneurial acceleration and food security. We view such challenges as catalysts of innovation: as climate change strains available resources, creative ways turn threats into Southern-led solutions that draw on local strengths.
A significant amount of capital in global market is looking for purpose and sustainability in a variety of fields ranging from access to energy, agricultural resilience, conservation or the decarbonization of value chains. We aim to channel this appetite into solid opportunities on the ground by connecting global philanthropy and impact investment with the know-how of local asset owners, thus contributing to building a balanced global alliance and lasting impact for people and the planet.
“Development is strongest when local capital and leadership shape its direction, and international partnerships help unlock its potential.”
Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General
Our Vision
Dream it. Build it. Grow it.
Dream It.
Bold, locally-led visions for change.
Build It.
Trust-based partnerships and capital.
Grow It.
Scaled, lasting impact for people and planet.
What We Believe
We believe that:
It’s time to change the narrative — indigenous philanthropists and solutions should drive development.
We exist because frontier markets have long been excluded from the developmental discourse.
In connecting the dots between philanthropy, development and the private sector — too often fragmented and unheard.
Breaking the begging bowl — empowering local leadership through co-investment, not dependency.
In the power of data to support our and your work.
In working together with partners across sectors for impact and scale.
“Nuestra derrota estuvo siempre implícita en la victoria ajena; nuestra riqueza ha generado siempre nuestra pobreza para alimentar la prosperidad de otros.”
“Our defeat was always implicit in the victory of others; our wealth has always generated our poverty by nourishing the prosperity of others.”
— Eduardo Galeano, Uruguayan writer, Las venas abiertas de América Latina