Value proposition

The Rockefeller Brothers Fund advances social change that contributes to a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world.

Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF) is a philanthropic foundation with a mission to advance social change that contributes to a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. Through our grantmaking, mission-aligned investing, and convenings at The Pocantico Center, the RBF supports the people and organizations building lasting solutions to the challenges facing today’s increasingly interdependent world.

Our grantmaking is organized into seven programs. Three thematic programs—Democratic Practice, Sustainable Development, and Peacebuilding—address the interrelated challenges of democratic decline, climate change, and violent conflict. The Culpeper Arts & Culture program, created through the 2008 merger with the Charles E. Culpeper Foundation, supports arts organizations and artists in the New York City region that shape understanding of these critical concerns and the human experience. Pivotal Place programs in China, Central America, and the Western Balkans focus on one or more RBF themes in a specific geographic context that we believe has disproportionate significance for the future of the surrounding regions, an ecosystem, or the world.

Recognizing that the problems the RBF aims to address are profound and our resources are modest, our grantmaking programs share common approaches to achieve enduring impact: Nurture bold ideas from the ground up; Support solutions grounded in evidence and lived experience; Advance equity and inclusion; and Respond to changing contexts.

The Pocantico Center is the community facing extension of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund’s
philanthropic mission. Through a robust slate of programming— including conferences for nonprofit and policy leaders, artist residencies, tours, performances, and educational programs for the community—Pocantico continues to bring together people from near and far to learn, share, and imagine a better future.

Community Guidelines: https://www.rbf.org/community-guidelines