We’re here to support organisations in delivering the change they’ve promised to the communities they serve. With years of experience, we understand that creating meaningful impact often comes with inevitable challenges, but with the right support, progress doesn’t have to be derailed.
With care, objectivity, and deep expertise, we guide both implementers and funders through difficulties, helping them navigate with confidence and purpose. Our approach is both practical and compassionate, grounded in real-world solutions that sustain meaningful progress and protect your work—always discreetly and effectively.
We are driving a shift in how risk is understood and managed. By sharing our insights we work to build a stronger, more connected sector, one that embraces risk and collaborates to respond swiftly and thoughtfully when the unexpected happens.
Risk Pool Alliance (formerly Risk Pool Fund) was founded in 2018 as a collaboration between The Eleanor Crook Foundation, CRI Foundation, Vitol Foundation, and Open Road Alliance to test a new approach to mitigating unanticipated challenges in the implementation of maternal and child health and nutrition programmes in low-and middle-income countries.
The fund was established on the understanding that even proven interventions can encounter unforeseen difficulties.
However, the philanthropic sector lacked mechanisms to support organisations in addressing these challenges, placing the burden of risk management entirely on implementers and the communities they serve. As a result, impact was often compromised or lost.
To address this, the fund was created to provide fast and flexible funding, helping implementers overcome unexpected setbacks and safeguard funders’ original investments.
In 2023, we reviewed our approach and researched how implementers and funders perceive and manage risk. Our findings reinforced the need for responsive, discreet, and evidence-based support and highlighted key ways that we could strengthen our model to remain effective and attuned to real-world challenges:
Now a UK-registered CIC, allowing organisations to seek support without reputational concerns.
A diversified review panel with deep contextual expertise.
Supporting Health, Education, Economic Empowerment, and Humanitarian sectors.
Expanding access for grassroots organisations.
Welcoming new funders and networks to strengthen collective resilience.
Providing expert guidance to proactively manage risk.
Offering insights that help the sector anticipate and adapt to challenges.
To learn more about our research and how it shaped the evolution of Risk Pool Alliance, read our blog.
Risk Pool Alliance operates as a trusted support network, accessible only to organisations nominated by a participating funder. Once nominated, an organisation is placed on our Roster and notified. Organisations that are on our Roster and meet our eligibility criteria can apply for a
grant or loan to safeguard their work and keep their impact on track.
Please note: If your organisation has not received a notification from Risk Pool Alliance, you are not eligible to apply. We do not accept requests for nominations from implementing organisations.
As a participating funder, you play a crucial role in protecting your investments and ensuring your partners have the support they need to stay on track, even when challenges arise. By nominating an organisation, you help them access flexible funding and expert guidance, safeguarding their work and amplifying their impact.
Funders contribute $15,000 per year for each nominated organisation. This contribution helps provide, timely, discreet assistance.
To qualify, nominated partners must be engaged in health, education, economic empowerment or humanitarian aid in low-and middle-income countries, with the support of the funder nominating them.
Good health is the foundation of thriving communities. We support organisations advancing health through care delivery, system strengthening, disease prevention, mental health, and nutrition. By ensuring vital health initiatives remain strong, we help communities access the support they need to live healthier, more resilient lives.
Knowledge empowers individuals and transforms futures. We support organisations improving access to inclusive, high-quality education at all levels. By strengthening schools, training educators, and enhancing learning resources, we help create opportunities for lifelong learning, ensuring every learner can reach their full potential, no matter the circumstances.
Financial security fosters dignity and opportunity. We support organisations advancing economic empowerment through skills training, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. By equipping individuals with the tools to build stable futures, we help communities achieve long-term resilience and independence, ensuring people can shape their own economic wellbeing.
In times of crisis, care and knowledge are lifelines. We support organisations providing emergency relief, disaster preparedness, and long-term recovery. By ensuring rapid, coordinated responses and sustainable solutions, we help protect lives and restore stability, giving communities the strength and support they need to rebuild and move forward.
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