Collaborative Philanthropy|June 18, 2026
Millions of Americans struggle to access housing, healthcare, and public benefits because the systems designed to support them are fragmented, outdated, and difficult to navigate. A new initiative from the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation (DRK) and NextLadder Ventures (NLV) aims to change that by backing early-stage organizations using technology and AI to expand economic opportunity for low-income families. Selected companies and nonprofits will receive funding, in-kind operational support, and access to DRK and NLV's networks of social impact leaders. The program is open to teams building solutions across housing, workforce development, healthcare navigation, benefits access, and financial stability. This initiative reflects how technology-enabled solutions can help families navigate complex systems and improve economic mobility.
Collaborative Philanthropy|May 19, 2026
What would life look like with a cleared criminal record? For more than 20 million Americans whose records are eligible to be expunged under state law, the answer could mean access to a job, stable housing, and a different future. Rasa Legal is facilitating this shift through technology-enabled tools to put expungement within reach. To date, Rasa has helped thousands of people understand their eligibility and cleared thousands of records. NextLadder Ventures recently invested to scale this work nationwide. This investment demonstrates Valhalla's approach to collaborative philanthropy: leveraging capital, expertise, and networks in ways that help practical, technology-enabled solutions scale, remove barriers, and expand economic mobility for more Americans.
Collaborative Philanthropy|July 17, 2025
Valhalla Foundation is excited to support the launch of NextLadder Ventures, an initiative that will pair deep community insight with breakthrough technology to expand economic opportunity for low-income individuals and families. Launched in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, Ballmer Group, Stand Together, and Overdeck Family Foundation, NextLadder will invest in AI-powered, community-informed solutions that help individuals navigate pivotal life transitions such as job loss, housing insecurity, and health challenges
Collaborative Philanthropy|April 1, 2023
More than 30 million people in the US are eligible to have their arrest and conviction records cleared — but most people who qualify either can't afford it or simply don't know it's an option. In this gripping talk, second chance advocate and 2023 Audacious Project grantee Sheena Meade makes the case for "clean slate" laws that streamline this complicated process, increasing access to work, housing and education opportunities for millions of people. Learn how her team at the Clean Slate Initiative has already helped pass these laws in six US states and how they're now working to unlock record clearance for millions more, so everyone can get a true shot at becoming their best selves.
Collaborative Philanthropy|September 2, 2021
Thorn CEO Julie Cordua and co-founder Ashton Kutcher discuss Apple's new tools to fight the sexual exploitation of young people online and what trade-offs these tools may create for privacy.