The Problem: Global Inequities in Capital Access
Across Latin America and Southeast Asia, many high-impact social enterprises are solving pressing problems—from rural poverty to environmental degradation—but they lack access to the capital needed to grow. These are often mission-first organizations, overlooked by traditional investors and underfunded by philanthropy.
Impact-focused organizations, particularly those led by women, Indigenous communities, or local leaders in the Global South, face disproportionate challenges securing financing. Even as they build sustainable models, capital flows remain concentrated in wealthier nations and larger institutions.
The Solution
Beneficial Returns bridges this capital gap by providing loans to proven social enterprises in Latin America and Southeast Asia. These loans are used to fund tangible growth—whether that’s purchasing equipment, expanding operations, or launching new programs.
Founded by Ted Levinson, Beneficial Returns is not your typical investment firm. It operates with the belief that capital should serve people and planet—not just profit.
Two flagship loan funds are now accessible to DAF holders:
The Opportunity
Through our partnership with Beneficial Returns, UI Charitable donors can support mission-driven enterprises by investing in these funds via their donor-advised fund (DAF). These investments into their funds provide financial vehicles for donor to recover their grants while extending the reach of their impact around the world.
Beneficial Returns Fund
This fund provides growth loans to leading social enterprises addressing poverty, education, and environmental challenges.
Geography: Latin America and Southeast Asia
Borrowers: Proven social enterprises with earned revenue
Sectors: Agriculture, clean energy, education, inclusive finance
Loan terms: Repaid semi-annually as a recoverable grant (0% interest) over 7 years
The Reciprocity Fund
A unique fund investing exclusively in social enterprises that are led by or serve Indigenous communities in Latin America.
Focus: Women-led and Indigenous-owned organizations
Structure: Funds are repaid after 7 years as a recoverable grant, funds are used to cover any loan losses of other investments. Expect to receive 2/3 of funds back. For this small loss, Beneficial Returns leverages this capital 10x to provide additional loans and expand impact.
Impact Lens: Cultural preservation, local empowerment, equitable development
To date Beneficial Returns has invested nearly $14 M in social enterprises in Latin America and Southeast Asia
To learn more or facilitate an investment through your DAF, contact us at [email protected].