VC Include, a Black woman-founded firm, has received $50,000 from the Russell Family Foundation (TRFF).

The organization, which aims to support 200 successful, diverse, and women-led asset management firms by 2030, was one of 15 companies to be awarded grants, totalling $531,000. The grants were distributed within its Food for Climate Solutions and Catalytic Climate Finance programs, and $2.8 million in investments were given to two organizations focused on conservation and renewable energy infrastructure.

“In addition to achieving Net Zero by 2030, we are committed to ensuring a 'just transition' that leaves no community behind," said Kathleen Simpson, CEO of TRFF. “The Catalytic Climate Finance program calls for collaborative efforts to bridge the investment gap in climate solutions, ultimately working towards a swift and equitable journey to a sustainable planet.”

VC Include, based in western Washington, leads a climate justice initiative that provides capital to historically underrepresented emerging managers in private equity, venture capital, impact, and public market funds.

Bahiyah Yasmeen Robinson is the founder. She’s spent over 15 years in philanthropy, impact investing, and building new platforms to drive deeper gender, global impact, and diverse representation in capital markets.

So far, they have supported: E2JDJ; Etho Capital; Hometeam Ventures; Malaika Ventures; Melanin Kapital; Supply Change Capital; Tale Venture Partners; The 22 Fund; and Unconventional Ventures.