We fund partners who reduce exclusion through technology.

We combine proactive outreach with a short expression-of-interest route. Begin with a quick eligibility check; if you look like a fit, we’ll set up a brief call.

Grantmaking principles

Don’t waste time: short intro calls; we only invite strong fits into a simple application.
Ask relevant questions: co-created applications and reporting; clarity over polish.
Accept risk: learning is an outcome; pilots and small one-off grants often precede multi-year support.
Act with urgency: trustees meet regularly; exceptional decisions can be fast-tracked.
Be open: clear about where funds come from/go; publish partnerships and learning where appropriate.
Enable flexibility: we often fund overheads (esp. salaries) so partners can adapt.
Communicate with purpose: share what worked - and what didn’t - across partners and publicly.
Be proportionate: light, useful reporting focused on scale and real outcomes.

Grantmaking values

TRUST

We trust our partners to use resources responsibly and act with integrity.
Our relationships are built on reliability, authenticity, and transparency, underpinned by accountability and openness in everything we do.

RELATIONAL

We invest in relationships as much as results. We take time to build connection, foster collaboration, and strengthen community through mutual reciprocity and shared purpose.

INTENTIONAL

We work toward a common vision, learning and adapting together. Our approach is purposeful, disciplined, and strategic - we act with focus, coherence, and a data-driven mindset to achieve lasting impact.

COURAGEOUS

We are ambitious in our vision and bold in our choices. By taking thoughtful risks and maintaining resilience, bravery, and conviction, we stay committed to long-term impact.

CO-CREATIVE

We believe the best solutions come from those closest to the challenge. Through innovation, partnership, and inclusivity, we empower communities to shape change and co-create sustainable outcomes.

Funding priorities

We keep our grantmaking interests broad, but within our verticals generally prioritise the following:

Pioneering frontier tech on complex social problems (incl. blockchain).
Removing barriers to participation in the tech world.
Tech for excluded populations, designed/co-designed with communities.
Investable overheads that unlock scale (people, capacity, governance).
Strong learning partnership and credible track record or theory of change. (Broad on geography and cause; budget set annually by trustees.)

Eligibility checker

The GSR Foundation supports organisations using technology to create a more equitable world.

We fund projects aligned with one of our three focus areas: