HOW WE MAKE AN IMPACT
IMPACT FUND
A functional financial mechanism for the real economy and measurable social impact.
Strategic Context and Justification:
The East Europe Foundation currently manages a fund of EUR 350,000, established under the “Impact Space” project to support the development of social enterprises in the Republic of Moldova. The initial financial resources are provided by the Government of Sweden, and the fund is implemented in partnership with key stakeholders from the economic and social ecosystem: the European Business Association (EBA Moldova), EcoVisio Association, and the Alliance of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities (AOPD).
The experience of recent years has demonstrated a real and growing demand for financing from social enterprises and impact-driven businesses. At the same time, it has become evident that traditional grants, while necessary, are not sufficient to ensure the sustainable development, economic autonomy, and scaling of this sector. In the absence of tailored financial mechanisms, impact initiatives remain dependent on external funding, and social costs are gradually shifted to the state, communities, and the business environment.
The Impact Fund was created to address this structural gap by developing an integrated financial mechanism that combines funding with capacity building, monitoring, and continuous evaluation. It is not only about the distribution of financial resources, but about building a system that reduces the risk of failure, increases the accountability of beneficiaries, and maximizes the economic and social impact of every euro invested.
To further expand this mechanism, the East Europe Foundation is seeking corporate partners willing to contribute strategically to strengthening the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Republic of Moldova, within an institutional, transparent, and predictable framework.
How does the Impact Fund operate?
The Impact Fund is designed to provide control, transparency, and measurable results for the corporate partners involved. The mechanism operates through a phased process that has already been tested in previous years:
Proposed structure of partially reimbursable financing:
In order to manage risks and adapt financial support to the actual capacity of each beneficiary, the financing will be calculated individually, based on the level of development of the social enterprise, its specific needs, and implementation capacity. The support provided will include a reimbursable component, which will not exceed 30% of the total financing amount, while the remainder will be granted as non reimbursable funding. This approach aims to ensure sustainability, financial responsibility, and the long-term growth of social businesses.
Eligible applicants:
The Impact Fund is open to the following types of entities:
Repayment terms:
For reimbursable or partially reimbursable financing:
Management of the Impact Fund:
The Impact Fund is administered by the East Europe Foundation, an organization with extensive experience in managing international funds and impact oriented programs. Administrative costs are covered by the “Impact Space” project for the period 2026–2028, ensuring that partners’ contributions are directed entirely to beneficiaries. Starting from 2029, administrative costs will be set at 10% of the donated amount, within a transparent and predictable framework.
The Fund operates under a system of continuous monitoring and evaluation, supported by institutional reporting and clear control mechanisms.
Why this mechanism is relevant for companies:
Supporting the Impact Fund provides companies with clear strategic advantages that go beyond the philanthropic dimension:
1. Efficiency and multiplied impact
Financial contributions are not used only once. Through the revolving fund mechanism, the same amount generates repeated impact over time, supporting multiple social enterprises and impact-driven businesses.
2. Strategic investment in sustainability
Companies contribute to the development of a sustainable mechanism that reduces dependency on grants and promotes financial responsibility and economic autonomy among beneficiaries.
3. Reputation and credible positioning
Partners are recognized as strategic actors and, where applicable, as founding partners of an innovative social financing instrument. Their involvement provides public visibility, association with validated initiatives, and the strengthening of their image as responsible and engaged companies.
4. Access to clear and measurable results
Companies receive transparent reports on the use of funds, repayment rates, the number of supported enterprises, jobs created, and social impact achieved. This data can be directly used in ESG reporting and corporate communication.
5. Contribution to local market development and customer engagement
The Fund supports the growth of local companies and locally produced goods, generating real economic impact. Consumers and partners increasingly prefer companies actively involved in their communities, and the Fund provides authentic impact stories that can be integrated into brand communication and employee engagement.
Conclusion
The Impact Fund does not propose a one-time donation, but rather a strategic decision to engage in a mechanism that generates long-term economic and social value. Companies joining at this stage contribute to strengthening a functional instrument and have the opportunity to become relevant partners within a growing ecosystem.
The next step is a focused discussion to better understand your company’s objectives and to identify the most suitable form of involvement in the Impact Fund. A 30-minute conversation is sufficient to determine whether this mechanism aligns with your strategy and business priorities.
The East Europe Foundation currently manages a fund of EUR 350,000, established under the “Impact Space” project to support the development of social enterprises in the Republic of Moldova. The initial financial resources are provided by the Government of Sweden, and the fund is implemented in partnership with key stakeholders from the economic and social ecosystem: the European Business Association (EBA Moldova), EcoVisio Association, and the Alliance of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities (AOPD).
The experience of recent years has demonstrated a real and growing demand for financing from social enterprises and impact-driven businesses. At the same time, it has become evident that traditional grants, while necessary, are not sufficient to ensure the sustainable development, economic autonomy, and scaling of this sector. In the absence of tailored financial mechanisms, impact initiatives remain dependent on external funding, and social costs are gradually shifted to the state, communities, and the business environment.
The Impact Fund was created to address this structural gap by developing an integrated financial mechanism that combines funding with capacity building, monitoring, and continuous evaluation. It is not only about the distribution of financial resources, but about building a system that reduces the risk of failure, increases the accountability of beneficiaries, and maximizes the economic and social impact of every euro invested.
To further expand this mechanism, the East Europe Foundation is seeking corporate partners willing to contribute strategically to strengthening the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Republic of Moldova, within an institutional, transparent, and predictable framework.
How does the Impact Fund operate?
The Impact Fund is designed to provide control, transparency, and measurable results for the corporate partners involved. The mechanism operates through a phased process that has already been tested in previous years:
- Partner companies contribute financially to the Impact Fund in a format tailored to their strategic objectives.
- Beneficiary enterprises and organizations are rigorously selected through competitive calls, based on clear economic, social, and impact criteria.
- Beneficiaries undergo a mentoring and business plan validation process to ensure the efficient use of capital.
- Funding is provided in a differentiated manner (non-reimbursable, partially reimbursable, or reimbursable), depending on the economic maturity of each initiative.
- The Fund monitors the use of resources, the implementation of business plans, and the financial and social performance of beneficiaries.
- Partner companies receive periodic performance and impact reports, featuring clear and verifiable indicators.
Proposed structure of partially reimbursable financing:
In order to manage risks and adapt financial support to the actual capacity of each beneficiary, the financing will be calculated individually, based on the level of development of the social enterprise, its specific needs, and implementation capacity. The support provided will include a reimbursable component, which will not exceed 30% of the total financing amount, while the remainder will be granted as non reimbursable funding. This approach aims to ensure sustainability, financial responsibility, and the long-term growth of social businesses.
Eligible applicants:
The Impact Fund is open to the following types of entities:
- traditional social enterprises;
- work integration social enterprises;
- businesses with social or environmental impact;
- non-profit organizations carrying out economic activities.
Repayment terms:
For reimbursable or partially reimbursable financing:
- repayment begins 12–18 months after the signing of the contract;
- repayment is made in installments over a period of 12–24 months, interest-free;
- repaid amounts form a revolving fund, used to finance other impact initiatives.
Management of the Impact Fund:
The Impact Fund is administered by the East Europe Foundation, an organization with extensive experience in managing international funds and impact oriented programs. Administrative costs are covered by the “Impact Space” project for the period 2026–2028, ensuring that partners’ contributions are directed entirely to beneficiaries. Starting from 2029, administrative costs will be set at 10% of the donated amount, within a transparent and predictable framework.
The Fund operates under a system of continuous monitoring and evaluation, supported by institutional reporting and clear control mechanisms.
Why this mechanism is relevant for companies:
Supporting the Impact Fund provides companies with clear strategic advantages that go beyond the philanthropic dimension:
1. Efficiency and multiplied impact
Financial contributions are not used only once. Through the revolving fund mechanism, the same amount generates repeated impact over time, supporting multiple social enterprises and impact-driven businesses.
2. Strategic investment in sustainability
Companies contribute to the development of a sustainable mechanism that reduces dependency on grants and promotes financial responsibility and economic autonomy among beneficiaries.
3. Reputation and credible positioning
Partners are recognized as strategic actors and, where applicable, as founding partners of an innovative social financing instrument. Their involvement provides public visibility, association with validated initiatives, and the strengthening of their image as responsible and engaged companies.
4. Access to clear and measurable results
Companies receive transparent reports on the use of funds, repayment rates, the number of supported enterprises, jobs created, and social impact achieved. This data can be directly used in ESG reporting and corporate communication.
5. Contribution to local market development and customer engagement
The Fund supports the growth of local companies and locally produced goods, generating real economic impact. Consumers and partners increasingly prefer companies actively involved in their communities, and the Fund provides authentic impact stories that can be integrated into brand communication and employee engagement.
Conclusion
The Impact Fund does not propose a one-time donation, but rather a strategic decision to engage in a mechanism that generates long-term economic and social value. Companies joining at this stage contribute to strengthening a functional instrument and have the opportunity to become relevant partners within a growing ecosystem.
The next step is a focused discussion to better understand your company’s objectives and to identify the most suitable form of involvement in the Impact Fund. A 30-minute conversation is sufficient to determine whether this mechanism aligns with your strategy and business priorities.
Who is with us
Community & partners
The network that promotes social entrepreneurship in Moldova
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SUEDIA
EASTERN EUROPEAN FOUNDATION
FEE empowers people and communities in Moldova through programs for democracy, good governance, and economic prosperity. Founded in 2009 from the experience of the Eurasia Foundation, it has been supporting social entrepreneurship since 2012 (intensively since 2018) and has supported over 60 projects by December 2025.
FEE empowers people and communities in Moldova through programs for democracy, good governance, and economic prosperity. Founded in 2009 from the experience of the Eurasia Foundation, it has been supporting social entrepreneurship since 2012 (intensively since 2018) and has supported over 60 projects by December 2025.
EBA
The European Business Association (EBA Moldova) is a support organization with over 120 member companies in energy, industry, and services. For over 14 years, EBA has been promoting public-private dialogue, EU-Moldova trade and investment, and the alignment of legislation with European standards and best practices through advocacy, matchmaking, and networking.
The European Business Association (EBA Moldova) is a support organization with over 120 member companies in energy, industry, and services. For over 14 years, EBA has been promoting public-private dialogue, EU-Moldova trade and investment, and the alignment of legislation with European standards and best practices through advocacy, matchmaking, and networking.
EcoVisio
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AOPD
AOPD (Alliance of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities) integrates the disability perspective into the Impact Space ecosystem. It develops modules on positive measures, ensures the accessibility of learning processes, and identifies social entrepreneurs with disabilities for mentoring programs and Impact Fund governance.
AOPD (Alliance of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities) integrates the disability perspective into the Impact Space ecosystem. It develops modules on positive measures, ensures the accessibility of learning processes, and identifies social entrepreneurs with disabilities for mentoring programs and Impact Fund governance.
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Created through the LEZART Support Fund
Created through the LEZART Support Fund
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We build real collaborations for projects with measurable impact.