THE IMPACT OPPORTUNITY

Indigenous peoples represent around 5% of the world’s population but make up 15% of the world's extreme poor
Supporting indigenous systems for resilience and livelihoods is critical to reducing poverty while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals
While indigenous peoples own, occupy, or use 25% of the world’s surface area, they safeguard 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity
Indigenous peoples lead on protecting the environment​ and fighting climate change
Despite the critical importance of indigenous communities and their stewardship of land and society, indigenous communities throughout the world are disproportionately affected by extractive industries and experience disenfranchisement, economic isolation and exploitation that is far more tragic and profound than is reported through government data or mainstream media.
The Reciprocity Fund aims to address this by providing capital to social enterprises that  create sustainable livelihoods for indigenous populations, as well as fight the world's greatest challenges of environmental degradation, declining soil health, and shrinking biodiversity. ​

Our guiding Principles

The Reciprocity Fund is guided by its Institutional Policy for Indigenous and Afro-descendant Peoples, Nations, and Communities, developed collaboratively by our team and our indigenous Credit Committee.

We believe finance should strengthen—not undermine—the autonomy of Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples and communities. Our approach is grounded in respect for self-determination, cultural relevance, and community leadership, recognizing that thoughtfully designed financing can help strengthen local economies, protect territories, and support long-term resilience rather than extraction or dependency.