Builders Initiative

Builders Initiative represents a next-generation approach to philanthropy, operating as the grantmaking arm of Builders Vision, a comprehensive investment and philanthropy platform founded by Lukas Walton, grandson of Walmart founder Sam Walton. The organization uniquely integrates traditional grantmaking with impact investing across the capital spectrum. The broader Builders Vision platform manages over $15 billion and includes three specialized teams: Builders Initiative (philanthropy), S2G Ventures (venture capital), and Builders Asset Management (investment management). This integrated structure allows the foundation to deploy capital strategically, from grants to mission-related investments. Notably, Builders Initiative has transitioned 90% of its approximately $1 billion endowment into mission-related investments, aligning its investment portfolio with its philanthropic mission. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals; instead, experienced Program Officers proactively identify and evaluate potential grantees through a rigorous internal process. This reflects a highly curated approach where the foundation seeks out organizations that align with its four core impact areas rather than responding to open applications.

Builders Initiative has demonstrated rapidly accelerating grantmaking: the foundation and its donor-advised fund granted $168 million in 2022 (nearly double the previous year), $199 million in 2023, and maintained similar levels through 2024 with 392 awards totaling approximately $96.6 million from the foundation alone (additional grantmaking flows through DAFs and an impact LLC). Grant sizes range widely from $500 to $9.5 million, reflecting both small community grants and major programmatic investments. The foundation's $1.65 billion in assets supports four distinct funding streams: Food & Agriculture (sustainable food systems, regenerative agriculture), Oceans (marine conservation, sustainable fisheries), Energy (clean energy transition, building decarbonization), and Community (primarily Chicago-focused). Of nearly $700 million in total philanthropic capital distributed, over $140 million has been directed to Chicago-based organizations, revealing a strong local anchor. The energy portfolio includes a notable $10 million partnership with Breakthrough Energy and The Clean Fight for building decarbonization. Geographic funding patterns show heavy concentration in Chicago and Illinois for community grants, with national and global reach for environmental and energy programs.

Builders Initiative is distinctive among major foundations for its deep integration of philanthropy and impact investing. While most peers maintain traditional endowment models, Builders has committed 90% of its endowment to mission-related investments. The foundation shares environmental focus areas with peers like Bloomberg and MacArthur but distinguishes itself through its food/agriculture and ocean-specific portfolios. Its connection to the Walton family fortune provides an interesting contrast with the Walton Family Foundation, which has different focus areas despite the shared family wealth.

In 2025, Builders Vision released insights from its agriculture philanthropy portfolio, highlighting grantees like Artisan Grain Collaborative, IL Farm Link, Climate Land Leaders, University of Illinois Biomass Innovation Hub, and Savanna Institute — all advancing regenerative and sustainable agriculture practices. The foundation continued its building decarbonization partnership with Breakthrough Energy and The Clean Fight, funding energy management solutions for affordable housing providers. A notable success story involved a $90,000 grant that enabled an affordable housing provider with over 55,000 units to test energy management software, ultimately saving 20% in energy costs and leading to full portfolio deployment. The broader Builders Vision platform released its 2023 Impact Report, documenting the organization's growth and impact across its three divisions. Grantmaking continued at approximately $200 million annually, with 392 awards in 2024. The organization's nearly 100-person team continued to grow, reflecting the ambitious scale of Lukas Walton's philanthropic vision.

1. Do not submit unsolicited proposals: Builders Initiative explicitly does not accept unsolicited applications. Cold submissions will not be reviewed. Instead, focus on building visibility and relationships within the foundation's four focus areas.

2. Build sector visibility: Attend conferences, publish research, and engage in networks within food/agriculture, oceans, energy, or Chicago community development. Program Officers actively scout for effective organizations in these sectors.

3. Demonstrate measurable impact: The foundation's emphasis on data-driven approaches and its 90% mission-related investment portfolio signal a strong preference for organizations that can quantify their impact with concrete metrics.

4. Chicago connection matters: For community-focused funding, organizations based in or serving Chicago have a significant advantage, given the over $140 million directed to Chicago-based organizations.

5. Consider the investment angle: Unlike traditional grantmakers, Builders Vision spans the full capital spectrum. If your organization has a social enterprise or revenue model, positioning yourself for impact investment rather than pure grants may open additional funding pathways through S2G Ventures or Builders Asset Management.

6. Align with environmental sustainability: Three of the four focus areas (food/agriculture, oceans, energy) are environmentally focused. Organizations working at the intersection of environmental impact and social benefit align well with the foundation's theory of change.

7. Think systems change: The foundation funds organizations that can demonstrate potential for systemic impact, not just programmatic outcomes. Proposals should articulate how the work contributes to broader sector transformation.

8. Leverage intermediaries: Given the invitation-only model, connecting through existing grantees, sector intermediaries, or peer funders in the environmental space may help organizations get on the foundation's radar.