Shell Foundation is an independent, UK-based charity that was established in 2000. Shell Foundation applies a ‘business or enterprise-based’ approach to deliver self-financing solutions with measurable social benefits that can be replicated, to achieve large-scale impact. Shell Foundation commits around $ 15 million a year in projects.

Shell Foundation believes that only by working in partnership with others can sustainable solutions be found to many of the long-term social and environmental issues in which the energy industry has a particular role and responsibility.

climate for business

Shell Foundation is also strong supporter of the development of the $150 million Investment Climate Facility which was part of the key recommendations made in the Commission for Africa’s 2005 Gleneagles’ Summit.  This Investment Climate Facility aims to remove perceived and real obstacles to investment in Africa and create a more attractive business environment. Specific objectives include streamlining business registration, improving customs regulation, securing property rights and making financial markets more inclusive.

enterprise and employment

Shell Foundation has developed a program called Aspire that helps under-served Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa to fulfil their potential through the provision of integrated business development assistance and risk capital – creating both returns for investors and much needed jobs.

trade

Trading UP is a program that unlocks markets for developing country producers by providing seed capital, business mentoring and strategic partnerships with major retailers such as Marks & Spencer to create sustainable supply-chains.

human development

Shell Foundation has created a program EMBARQ to find and implement sustainable solutions to the congestion and pollution that is clogging up developing world mega-cities.

The Foundation also has several ‘Incubator’ projects, designed to identify other potential sustainable solutions to problems arising from the links between energy, poverty and the environment.

Breathing Space tackles 'Indoor Air Pollution' - caused by the use of fires and fuel-burning stoves for cooking and heating in many developing world homes – by deploying approaches that are market-oriented and commercially viable.