The STEPS Foundation is established in the belief that the best way to help disadvantaged persons is through the promotion of education and social entrepreneurialism. The goal of the Foundation is to provide resources to individuals and groups to start and grow their own sustainable business. We hope, in time, this will lead to those involved to maintain sustainable livelihoods and forward the gift to others.

Objectives

The STEPS Foundation is administered to do the following:

Support: Finding partners around the world and offer our specific expertise to help them grow.

Train: Offer educational opportunities and business training.

Empower: Provide access to capital and opportunities of social entrepreneurialism for individuals and groups wanting to grow, but limited by resources.

Protect: Fund groups that provide alternative livelihood and shelter to marginalized people who are in a threatening environment.

Sustain: Provide a marketplace and marketing and product expertise to complete the circle.

Our Basic Beliefs

The way to break the cycle of poverty is to create and support sustainable business practices and access to education for the most marginalized individuals, especially women and children. We believe by providing business and marketing advice, access to a market place and seed capital to organizations we can create sustainable, entrepreneurial operations that can grow on their own and forward the gift.

The Beneficiaries

The beneficiaries of the foundation can be other non-profits, small NGOs and in general groups that are doing good both overseas and domestically.

Grant Policies and Procedures

We will review grant applicants on Jan 1st, March 1st, May 1st, July 1st, Sept 1st and Nov 1st of 2008.

 Download the Grant Form

The successful grant applicants will be notified of their award within 90 days of application.

Grant Selection Process

The grant committed is made up of the Foundation Board of Directors. The grants will be awarded based upon information submitted in their application form and follow up questions made by the board.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

— Margaret Mead