10.01.2008 - 02:47pm ET

(CSRwire) - October 1, 2008 - RSF Social Finance, a leading nonprofit financial services organization, recently awarded a $1 million challenge grant to Green For All to support their work to build an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. The grant is intended to leverage contributions from other sources toward Green For All's $5 million fundraising goal for 2008-09.

"Green For All is taking on a very ambitious agenda helping to weatherize, solarize, and reboot America in a way that helps the people most in need," said Van Jones, President and Founder of Green For All. "To meet this world-class challenge, we need world-class support from the philanthropic community. The grant from RSF is a strong example and will get us closer to building an inclusive green economy."

Don Shaffer, President & CEO of RSF Social Finance, sees hope in a plan that provides meaningful work for those usually without access to jobs. "Green For All will help transform the way we look at job training and entrepreneurship in low-income communities. The focus on green products and services ensures that we can make the world a better place in the process."

"Van Jones's vision for Green For All is just what the country needs at this time when so many of us are concerned for economic justice and the environment," says Mark Finser, Chair of the Board. "RSF Social Finance is proud to be able to facilitate this type of support, and we hope others will match our commitment."

Currently, over 100 individuals have donor advised funds at RSF, with combined assets of $29 million. Annual giving last year exceeded $6 million, with over $10 million granted already in 2008. RSF is a pioneer in mission-related investing. While their charitable funds are awaiting disbursement, donor advisors can choose from three investment portfolios, each of which is 100% aligned with RSF's mission.


About RSF Social Finance
RSF Social Finance (RSF) is a nonprofit financial services organization at the center of a growing movement to support a network of place-based, local economies that value human beings and the environment. Inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner, RSF provides capital for innovative social enterprises working in the areas of Food & Agriculture, Education & the Arts, and Ecological Stewardship. In partnership with our donors and investors, RSF has made over $145 million in loans and over $65 million in grants since 1984. This year RSF is launching the first mezzanine finance vehicle specifically for social enterprises seeking growth capital, and the forthcoming PRI loan platform will allow foundations to make low-interest loans to organizations with the highest social impact. Learn more about what we can do together by calling 415.561.3900 or by visiting www.rsfsocialfinance.org.


About Green For All
Green For All is a national organization dedicated to building an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. By advocating for local, state and federal commitments to job creation, job training, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the emerging green economy – especially for people from disadvantaged communities – Green For All fights both poverty and pollution at the same time. www.greenforall.org

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