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 Circular Economy Impact Collective (CEIC), which operates as a wholly owned LLC of S3IDF and is treated as a disregarded entity for tax purposes—meaning contributions to CEIC 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 Circular Economy Impact Collective (CEIC). 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 CEIC, 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 CEIC, 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.

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 Circular Economy Impact Collective (CEIC), which operates as a wholly owned LLC of S3IDF and is treated as a disregarded entity for tax purposes—meaning contributions to CEIC 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 Circular Economy Impact Collective (CEIC). 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 CEIC, 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 CEIC, 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.

CEIC 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 of $25,000 to $50,000, with up to five-year terms and flexible repayment options. These loans are designed to be patient, practical, and impact-first.

CEIC 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 CEIC 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. CEIC 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 CEIC’s public benefit goals.

Not necessarily. While we often support smaller and earlier-stage efforts, what matters most is alignment with CEIC’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 CEIC financial support is offered through 0% interest loans. We do not provide grants or make equity investments.

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

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

CEIC 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.