The Rockefeller Foundation has released its 2025 impact report, Big Bets, Real Results, highlighting a year of strategic investments to support vulnerable communities and tackle global challenges. Despite a decline in global aid, the Foundation awarded over US$350 million, directly mobilized US$3 billion, and helped mobilize an additional US$29 billion in indirect capital, reaching 731 million people worldwide. President Dr. Rajiv J. Shah emphasized that disruption has made their work harder but underscored the courage of leaders who raised ambitions to deliver results at scale.
The report shows that 731 million people accessed charitable products or services, with 3 million experiencing measurable outcomes from direct interventions. Environmental efforts avoided or reduced 84 million tons of CO₂e and protected or restored 23 million hectares of land. Regionally, investments included US$133 million in Africa, US$93 million in Asia and Oceania, US$59 million in Latin America and the Caribbean, and US$49 million in the United States and North America. Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President, noted that investments in areas such as AI‑powered disease alerts, school meals, and clean energy demonstrated scalable impact.
The Foundation’s “Big Bets” were organized across three pillars: frontier technology, community‑driven models, and decisive data. In India, Zambia, and Haiti, the Global Energy Alliance expanded access to reliable electricity, with lifetime impacts projected to reach 91 million people and prevent 296 million tonnes of carbon emissions. In Kenya, regenerative school meals improved nutrition and stabilized food supply chains, while partnerships with the World Food Programme enhanced school feeding programs in multiple countries. In the United States, Food is Medicine initiatives delivered medically tailored meals and advanced research to integrate such programs into health insurance coverage.
Other highlights included climate‑smart technology such as the FarmerChat app, which empowered women farmers across six countries, and clean energy investments across 45 U.S. states. In Brazil, women‑led coalitions supported reforestation efforts protecting 2 million hectares of rainforest, while AI‑driven platforms in Colombia and Brazil helped prevent disease outbreaks with high accuracy. In South Africa, civic participation was strengthened through AI‑powered tools enabling residents to engage with local government.
Regional leaders emphasized the importance of these initiatives. William Asiko highlighted African‑led solutions in health, education, and energy amid global volatility. Deepali Khanna noted that frontier technologies in Asia reached nearly 94 million people, securing livelihoods against climate risks. Lyana Latorre underscored Latin America’s focus on local resilience, with investments in AI for health and reforestation.
The report reflects the Foundation’s mission‑driven approach to reimagining progress through partnerships and innovation, demonstrating that even in times of disruption, philanthropy can deliver measurable impact at scale.
