One of the oldest and most respected American philanthropies, The Rockefeller Foundation, has accessed the capital markets to support its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing investment in renewable energy. The Foundation is focused on driving a more inclusive, climate-friendly recovery by addressing inequalities made worse by the virus and ensuring the global response is geared toward a sustainable future for all.
The Rockefeller Foundation uses data, science, innovation, and partnerships with public and private entities to scale their efforts, creating global institutions and advancing historic scientific and economic breakthroughs to promote the well-being of humanity throughout the world. Since inception, it has distributed more than $22 billion (in current dollars), primarily through grant-making, across over 60 countries.
For the first time ever, The Rockefeller Foundation has accessed the capital markets to help fund its charitable pursuits, issuing $700 million of Series 2020 bonds with help from Barclays’ Municipal Finance team. The transaction will accelerate The Foundation’s investments in strengthening public health systems and renewable rural electrification that will lift millions out of poverty.
The Series 2020 bond will help The Rockefeller Foundation to:
- Ensure that rapid testing, tracing and vaccines are readily available, especially in highest-risk communities, as an important part of the COVID-19 response and recovery in the U.S. and worldwide.
- Develop and fund a global health platform to help detect, prevent and contain future pandemics
- Drive public-private investment in distributed renewable energy across Asia, Latin America and Africa, to lift millions out of poverty.
We are especially pleased to partner with The Rockefeller Foundation on this transaction as they help drive a more equitable and inclusive health response to the pandemic and support a greener and more sustainable future to lift millions out of poverty.Robert Taylor, Head of Municipal Finance, Barclays
Barclays is proud to have led on the transaction, helping The Foundation navigate the capital markets during this unprecedented global crisis.
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