The results-oriented philanthropists and experienced management team are united by a shared commitment to tackling the problems that trap young people and families in poverty and limit economic and social mobility in the United States.
Blue Meridian identifies, invests in, and scales up the strategies most poised to make a local and national impact on social problems confronting young people and families in poverty, such as: unplanned pregnancy, foster care transitions and adoptions, employment opportunities, recidivism, and more. We assess potential national and regional “investees” according to key criteria and partner with them on planning that supports their growth and amplifies impact. After we make an investment, we work with each investee to create and monitor performance goals and tie payouts to meeting key milestones. Beyond the dollars, we provide investees with strategic advice and capacity-building support, from collaborating on their growth plans to building their evidence base. Additionally, we apply our rigorous investment approach to surface a pipeline of new ideas, new collaborations, and new strategies for potential future investment as we seek to push the boundaries of the philanthropic norm.
Blue Meridian is staffed by an experienced team of results-focused leaders who share a passion and commitment to increasing economic mobility for young people and families. Our team supports all of Blue Meridian’s activities by identifying promising strategies, supporting the development of scaling plans, structuring deals, monitoring performance on behalf of our Partners, and maintaining a pipeline of prospect organizations.
Originally incubated at the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation (EMCF), Blue Meridian is now an independent 501c3 — a new type of philanthropic organization. Blue Meridian builds on EMCF’s performance-based investing approach, leadership in aggregating capital, and strong co-investing relationships – all of which the foundation developed over nearly 20 years. A founding General Partner, EMCF continues to support Blue Meridian as part of its limited-life strategy.
The Bridgespan Group also provides state-of-the art strategy support to Blue Meridian’s investees. Bridgespan helps investees create robust and comprehensive Scaling Plans with sophisticated business modeling and long-term financial sustainability goals. Additionally, the Bridgespan Group provides critical support to Blue Meridian’s sourcing, due diligence efforts, and innovation testing. Lastly, Bridgespan’s senior partners provide strategic counsel to Blue Meridian’s management team.
