Enabling learners to realize the future that they imagine.

Imaginable Futures is a global philanthropic investment firm that believes learning has the power to unlock human potential and aspires to provide every learner with the opportunity and the tools they need to imagine, and to realize, a brighter future. By taking a systems approach to solving complex education challenges, Imaginable Futures works across public, private and social sectors to bring to life transformational ideas in local, national and global contexts for learners of all ages. With a deep commitment to partnership and co-creation with those we serve, Imaginable Futures is empowering learners, families and communities to be the changemakers of the future.

Mission

To unlock human potential through learning by catalyzing people, ideas and systems— so every individual thrives and contributes in a changing and interdependent world.

Vision

We imagine a future of universal well-being: where all people have the literacies, competencies and mindsets to live purpose-filled and opportunity-filled lives for themselves, their families, communities and societies.

Our Values

Every day, we aspire to be….
  1. 1

    Compassionate Changemakers

    Compassion for our fellow human beings drives us to action, and we push ourselves to have deeper positive impact with every action we take.
  2. 2

    Justice Seekers

    We refuse to yield to systemic inequities and work to ensure all people, particularly those who lack opportunity from birth, have the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
  3. 3

    Inclusive Collaborators

    We actively seek diverse voices and co-create solutions with local communities because we know we don’t have all the answers. We openly share our knowledge with others.
  4. 4

    Courageous Learners

    We are open-minded and curious. We take courageous action and, given the complexity of the systems in which we work, we accept failures. No matter the outcome, we will be mindful and reflect and learn.
  5. 5

    Authentic Communicators

    We strive to be present. We show up authentically as our whole selves and listen, question, and speak with trust, candor, and respect.
  6. 6

    Grateful Celebrators

    We cheer for our team, partners, and communities. We bring joy and we live in gratitude — recognizing the great privilege and responsibility we have.

Our Beliefs

  • We believe that people, young and old, are basically good and fundamentally capable.
  • We believe that healthy societies are created when individuals, families, and communities thrive.
  • We believe that one of the fundamental elements of thriving is the opportunity to learn and that this happens from birth, throughout life, in the entire context of one’s life and often in relationship with one another.
  • We believe that unlocking human potential is inherently multi-generational, and that education and economic advancement can significantly change a family's future for generations.
  • We believe a world of equitable, universal well-being requires developing collective, compassionate and entrepreneurial leadership.

Our JEDI Commitment

Justice. Equity. Diversity. Inclusion. What we call our “JEDI” principles inform everything we do — they guide our beliefs, drive our strategy and shape our culture, operations and actions.

We believe that equitable access to learning is central to healthy, just and prosperous societies. Every person, regardless of race, background, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income, health and abilities should have the opportunity to learn and realize the future they imagine.

We know the racism, colonialism and patriarchal culture embedded in education systems around the world means not everyone has the same opportunity to thrive.

We are working with partners to dismantle these systemic barriers and co-create solutions for learners and their families.

As a global philanthropic investment firm we understand our power and our privilege in a system built on white supremacy, genderism and other forms of injustice. We are doing the work individually to change our own mindsets, behaviors and approaches and as a firm, working to shift the power that philanthropy and impact investors have traditionally held, back into the communities.

Our Story

1998
Inspired by eBay’s example of the power of community, Pierre and Pam Omidyar co-found a foundation, renamed The Omidyar Family Foundation in 2000, to explore and support complex issues impacting communities and families.
2004
The Omidyar Family Foundation evolves to become Omidyar Network, pioneering a new model, a philanthropic investment firm,that sets out to support market-based approaches with the potential for large-scale, catalytic impact.
2009-2010
Omidyar Network makes its initial education investments with Bridge International in Africa and Aspiring Minds in India.
2013
Omidyar Network commits to a dedicated focus on Education, with Amy Klement leading the work.
2014
Investments are made in Latin America: FINAE and Geekie. Omidyar Network surpasses $50M in education investments between nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies.
2016
Omidyar Network surpasses $100M deployed in education between nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies.
2017
Omidyar Network expands education investments into the US with a focus on early education under a two-generation approach.
2019
The Board of Directors at Omidyar Network approved the spin out of the Education Initiative into an independent organization in 2020 to give them more autonomy and flexibility to explore sector-specific impact. This followed other Omidyar Network entities, including our education investment partner in India, Omidyar Network India, who spun into their own independent organizations.
2020
Founded and funded by Pam and Pierre Omidyar, Imaginable Futures is launched with the goal of unlocking human potential through learning. Collectively across Omidyar Network, Omidyar Network India and now Imaginable Futures, investments in education hit $200M across nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies.

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