S3IDF stands for The Small-Scale Sustainable Infrastructure Development Fund. We focus on advancing practical, inclusive, and community-rooted solutions that build equitable and sustainable systems.

S3IDF was founded in 2001 and has over two decades of experience delivering impact in clean energy, inclusive entrepreneurship, circular economy innovation, and development finance—initially through direct investing in India and South Asia, as well as global advisory engagements with partners such as USAID and the Asian Development Bank. Our recent work has expanded to include new initiatives in the United States.

Yes. S3IDF is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States. All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Yes. S3IDF is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are fully tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. This includes donations made to the ReCirculate Collective, which operates as a wholly owned LLC of S3IDF and is treated as a disregarded entity for tax purposes—meaning contributions to ReCirculate Collective also qualify as tax-deductible charitable gifts under S3IDF’s nonprofit status.

We blend philanthropic discipline with financial tools—like 0% interest loans—to fill critical gaps in early-stage support. We prioritize flexibility, trust, and collaboration, backing initiatives that are often overlooked by conventional investors and funders.

Our mission is to support high-impact initiatives advancing circular and regenerative solutions to build a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient society.

Our current focus is in the United States, particularly through the ReCirculate Collective. Historically, our work has included direct investments and programmatic support in India and South Asia, as well as global advisory services for multilateral and development institutions. These efforts have spanned inclusive market systems, entrepreneurship support, and energy access—always with an emphasis on social and environmental impact.

We receive support through a mix of philanthropic donations, institutional funding, and earned revenue from advisory engagements. For ReCirculate Collective, our member donations directly support pooled lending capital and operations.

We publish annual financials, impact reports, and undergo regular audits. Our governance structure includes an experienced Board of Directors, and we maintain clear separation between operational funds and pooled lending capital. For ReCirculate Collective, members receive regular updates and reporting.

Yes. We frequently collaborate with aligned nonprofits, development agencies, foundations, and mission-driven companies to co-create solutions, deepen local impact, and share learning. We welcome partnership inquiries.

ReCirculate Collective is a new U.S.-based initiative of S3IDF that brings together values-aligned individuals to support circular and regenerative initiatives through pooled, philanthropic capital, strategic engagement, and community learning. ReCirculate Collective provides 0% interest loans and light-touch, non-financial support to both nonprofit and for-profit initiatives with U.S.-focused impact.

Yes. Donations made to ReCirculate Collective are fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Contributions are routed through ReCirculate Collective’s LLC, which is treated as a disregarded entity for tax purposes, means that donations qualify under S3IDF’s 501(c)(3) charity status.

ReCirculate Collective provides 0% interest loans up to $25,000 with terms of up to five years. Recipients are U.S.-registered nonprofit or for-profit initiatives working on circular or regenerative solutions that create measurable social and environmental impact in the United States.

Prospective members can reach out to us directly to schedule a brief info session or request more details. Once you’re ready to join, you’ll make an annual, tax-deductible contribution to activate your membership for the calendar year.

You’ll receive a welcome email with next steps, including access to upcoming quarterly selection cycles, invitations to ReCirculate Collective community programming, and optional opportunities to engage more deeply (e.g., reviewing candidate profiles, mentoring, or participating in events). Members also receive periodic impact updates and insights from across the ReCirculate Collective community.

No. ReCirculate Collective operates through a wholly owned, single-member LLC of S3IDF. It is not a standalone nonprofit—rather, it functions under S3IDF’s 501(c)(3) umbrella. This structure allows ReCirculate Collective to maintain a focused mission and financial distinction while benefiting from the governance, oversight, and charitable status of its parent organization.

Annual member donations are pooled. A small portion helps cover ReCirculate Collective’s operational and programmatic costs, while the majority goes directly into providing quarterly loans to selected nonprofit and for-profit initiatives. Loan repayments are recycled into future funding rounds, amplifying the impact over time.

Yes. We welcome collaborators, technical experts, co-funders, and amplifiers. If you’re part of an aligned organization or simply interested in supporting this work in a different capacity, get in touch—we’d love to explore ways to partner.

There is no fixed “fee”—instead, members make an annual donation that supports ReCirculate Collective’s operations and directly contributes to the pooled loan fund. Suggested contribution levels are shared directly with interested members, with flexibility to accommodate different capacities to give.

ReCirculate Collective supports U.S.-registered nonprofit and for-profit initiatives with a U.S.-focused impact. We’re especially interested in those advancing circular economy or regenerative solutions—such as reuse, waste reduction, localized production, materials recovery, or community-centered sustainability.

Selected initiatives receive 0% interest loans up to $25,000 with up to five-year terms and flexible repayment options. These loans are designed to be patient, practical, and impact-first.

ReCirculate Collective loans are flexible. Funding can be used for a wide range of eligible needs—including equipment, staff, operations, or growth-related expenses—as long as the use aligns with your circular or regenerative impact.

Initiatives may also receive non-financial support from ReCirculate Collective members and partners, including strategic guidance, mentorship, visibility amplification, or introductions to relevant contacts. While not guaranteed, we try to make thoughtful matches based on initiative needs and member expertise.

Yes. ReCirculate Collective does not fund individuals or unregistered entities. All applicants must be U.S.-registered nonprofit or for-profit organizations with a primary impact focus in the United States. We also do not support initiatives engaged in lobbying, partisan political activity, or those that do not align with our charitable mission. All funding must be used for activities that further ReCirculate Collective’s public benefit goals.

Not necessarily. While we often support smaller and earlier-stage efforts, what matters most is alignment with ReCirculate Collective’s mission, clear potential for impact, and readiness to put flexible capital to use. We also consider initiatives that are community-rooted, overlooked by traditional funders, or working in under-resourced areas.

No. All ReCirculate Collective financial support is offered through 0% interest loans. We do not provide grants or make equity investments.

Yes. We ask for outcomes-oriented reporting—focused on key milestones, progress updates, and lessons learned. This helps us track collective impact and improve the program over time.

ReCirculate Collective hosts quarterly selection cycles. Selected initiatives typically receive funds within 4–8 weeks of award notification.

ReCirculate Collective conducts a mission-alignment and compliance review to ensure that each initiative furthers our charitable purpose and meets U.S. 501(c)(3) standards. This includes reviewing organizational structure, use of funds, key leadership, and ensuring that all applicant entities are legally registered, in good standing, and compliant with applicable regulations. Final funding decisions are made by S3IDF to maintain oversight and ensure alignment with our nonprofit status.