Our Investors

The Opportunity Trust is funded by a diverse group of individuals, foundations, and corporations committed to transformative, system-level change over the medium and long-term. Every dollar invested in the organization locally has helped to leverage new, national funding, significantly increasing resources and support for educational change in St. Louis.

Investing in a Strategic Intermediary as a Change Agent

Sustained, system-level change only happens with the stewardship of effective, well-resourced nonprofit intermediaries that take a systemic view of a complex challenges, work across silos, are nimble and can adapt to new challenges and opportunities. This approach is vital to realizing change in St. Louis given our complex and fragmented landscape. Learn more about the principles of intermediaries and strategic philanthropy that have informed our approach:

“Using Intermediaries for Impact” by the MacArthur Foundation
“Strategic Philanthropy for a Complex World” by FSG, published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Summer 2014

John Kemper
President and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce Bank

Over time, our education systems will have the most bearing on St. Louis’ future as an economic hub and equitable community. We invest in The Opportunity Trust because transforming these systems in our city will require a sustained and coordinated approach that draws upon national best practices.