Introducing the Cut Carbon Note

Impact Story

Fighting fire with finance

The Forest Resilience Bond funds a forest restoration project protecting 15,000 acres of forestland in the North Yuba River, CA watershed using ecologically based tree thinning, meadow restoration, prescribed burning, and invasive species management—all specifically designed to reduce the risk of severe fire, improve watershed health, and protect water resources.

Impact Story

Amidst setbacks, CJ didn’t have time to dwell on her situation

For CJ, finding home was a constant struggle. In a span of only four years, she and her two sons lost their home twice. The buildings they lived in were sold. Each time, CJ had just a month or two to find a new place to live. Later, slumlords and an abusive relationship created havoc for her family again.

Although these setbacks felt immense, CJ didn’t have time to dwell on her situation. She had to be strong and find a new home. CJ found a home at Aeon’s Maryland Apartments. Ultimately, that meant you helped her find sanctuary and peace. Today, CJ says she is truly happy.

“When I was shown my apartment at The Maryland, I cried. I thought, ‘I have a home now. No one will take it away from me.’”

Impact Story

Water is life

Azure asserts that “water is life,” which is the foundation of their mission to ensure that all communities, especially those living in poverty, have access to clean water.

“From the very first day I received water access, I have been much happier. I bathe often; I water my plants; I keep my house clean; I couldn’t do this before,” says Salvador Ayala, a resident of one of the communities that Azure works with.

“Girls and boys do not waste time fetching water now. They even have more time to study,” concludes one of the board members of the community that contacted Azure, mentioning one of the many benefits of water access.

Impact Story

Using fintech to support rural entrepreneurs

Amartha is a financial technology company based in Indonesia that aims to improve access to financing for women in rural communities, which are 43% of Indonesia’s population. Amartha's peer-to-peer online lending platform connects potential lenders to women microbusiness owners seeking funds. This structure enables microentrepreneurs in rural villages throughout Indonesia to be funded by investors in urban areas, providing financing to thousands of microbusinesses that previously lacked access to financial services. Amartha's borrowers attend weekly meetings focused on funds management and business growth strategies to support the long-term success of their businesses. Lendable helps Amartha and other innovative companies access capital to achieve their missions.

Photo: Courtesy of Amartha

Impact Story

Everytable

Everytable is a (B Corp-certified) social enterprise with a mission to make nutritious, fresh food affordable and accessible to all. From their Los Angeles base they create fresh and nutritious meals that are distributed to their various retail locations – many in food deserts or underserved communities. Everytable’s variable pricing model allows them to set affordable prices in each neighborhood they operate in.

With SBCF II’s financing, Everytable purchased additional Smart Fridges and furthered their expansion efforts. The innovative Smart Fridges work similarly to vending machines, with the added benefit of refrigerating meals.

A total of 112 jobs (80% for people of color and 63% women) are expected to be maintained at the business, and an additional 15 permanent jobs are expected to be created. 100% of the newly created jobs will be accessible to low-income individuals and will not require a 4-year college degree. Everytable hires from the underserved neighborhoods they build in, as well as from partners such as Homeboy Industries (an organization that works to improve the lives of former gang members and formerly incarcerated) whenever possible.