OUR WHY

Our goal is to aid in advancing the life trajectory of youth in underserved communities by providing educational opportunities and access to evidence-based mental health programs.

In our country, the playing field is far from fair — too few children receive a high-quality education and those that need the most resources are the least likely to get them. We want to do all we can to ensure that the recipients of our funding have the tools and opportunities to reach their potential and thrive in life.

Economic mobility is extremely limited without access to a high-quality education. Currently, only 12% of low income students in our country earn a bachelor’s degree.

That is why we are dedicated to investing in education organizations that serve students from birth through college. All stages of the education process are important, but we put a particular focus on post secondary supports. We know that the benefits of a college degree or postsecondary credential extend beyond one’s economic security and can potentially end generational poverty.

We invest in organizations that support students with college to career supports, because often students who are first in their families to attend college don’t have the social capital, networks and know-how necessary to achieve their career goals. As Braven’s founder, Aimee Eubanks Davis states, “this is a solvable problem.”

A high quality education also means access to innovative school models that align with today’s student needs and the needs of our ever changing economy. Few school districts have the time, space, and resources to engage in research and design work resulting in the most successful and equitable school environments. Transcend works with school districts across the nation to facilitate this work.

Only one in five students who struggle with mental health symptoms have access to help. 

We know that when students are experiencing symptoms of mental illness, such as depression or anxiety, their ability to grow academically and socially is greatly hindered. Barriers to care have to do with school funding, stigma and a lack of enough skilled providers. We believe that investing in in-school supports that are evidence-based can equip students with coping skills and lifelong wellness habits that will serve them well beyond their school years.  We support TRAILS and Youth Guidance, two nationally recognized programs that have significant positive impact on student well being.

WHO WE SUPPORT

To maximize the impact of our philanthropic initiatives, the Prosper Road Foundation makes a small number of thoughtful, significant grants to organizations that address educational inequity, provide mental health support, and have the potential to impact lives at scale. 

We also dedicate a portion of our funding to new, promising, and innovative programs that may not yet be developed to the point that they can provide evidence of effectiveness.

Additionally, our partners meet the following criteria:

• Courageous, adaptive executive and board leadership
• Disciplined, people-focused management
• Well-designed and well-implemented programs and strategies
• Financial health and sustainability
• A culture that values learning
• Internal monitoring for continuous improvement
• External evaluation for mission effectiveness