In a world filled with pressing social and environmental challenges, Beneficial Returns is getting the right funding to the right innovative solutions. In the latest episode of our Impact Innovations Podcast, UI Charitable Chief Social Impact Officer, Todd Manwaring, sits down with Founder, Ted Levinson, and Managing Director, Maria Luisa Chavez, to unpack how this dynamic organization is funding meaningful change in Latin America and Southeast Asia—by supporting social enterprises at the intersection of poverty reduction and environmental protection. This blog highlights their story.
A Mission Rooted in Service
Beneficial Returns was founded by Ted Levinson after years in socially responsible finance and was born out of a simple but powerful question: What does the world need? Instead of starting with potential investors and their expectations, Levinson took a bold, impact-first approach. The result is an organization that centers social entrepreneurs—especially those often overlooked by mainstream finance.
Maria Luisa Chavez’s journey echoes this commitment. After transitioning from a traditional banking background to co-founding El Buen Socios, she gained firsthand insight into the struggles of rural and indigenous entrepreneurs in Mexico. Her mission now is clear: to use finance as a tool for justice and inclusion.
What Makes Beneficial Returns Unique?
1. Social Entrepreneur-Centric Model
Beneficial Returns does not chase profits—it chases purpose. The team focuses exclusively on supporting organizations that are making a measurable difference in underserved communities. This means prioritizing long-term, affordable debt financing over equity—an intentional decision that respects the missions of social enterprises and their limited exit options in emerging markets.
2. Fast, Flexible Capital
Time is often a luxury social entrepreneurs cannot afford. Beneficial Returns moves fast—often going from first meeting to disbursed loan in under two months. It is a pace that reflects both urgency and respect for the entrepreneur’s time and mission.
3. Long-Term Loans in Tough Markets
In regions where capital is scarce and high-interest, short-term loans are the norm, Beneficial Returns stands out. They offer loans of three to five years, enabling businesses to purchase equipment and scale impact without the crushing pressure of unrealistic repayment timelines.
Two Funds, One Vision
Beneficial Returns operates two main funds:
The Beneficial Returns Fund:
This fund pools philanthropic capital to offer secured loans to growth stage mid-size social enterprises. The average loan size is about $200,000. Investors are repaid every six months, making it an attractive, impact-focused alternative to traditional grantmaking. Minimum participation is $10,000.The Reciprocity Fund:
Designed for deeper impact, this fund provides smaller, unsecured loans to indigenous-led organizations. It operates on a near "guaranteed loss" model—investors are told to expect up to a 33% loss, but in return, they enable a 10x leverage on impact. This innovative structure is helping integrate communities historically excluded from financial systems. A sustainable approach to grants as a portion of capital is recycled.Investors and Donors can also fund individual deals to single organizations at 3.5% interest.
Why Philanthropic Capital Is the Perfect Fit
With over $1.5 trillion sitting in U.S. foundations and Donor-Advised Funds, Levinson argues that these funds are ideal for impact investments. They are already tax-advantaged, do not require financial return, and can manage some risk—exactly what is needed to support innovative, often fragile ventures in emerging markets.
The Path Ahead
Looking forward, Beneficial Returns plans to double down on its mission. More loans. More entrepreneurs. More impact. As Levinson puts it: “The demand is there, the supply is there—we just need to connect the two.”
Final Thoughts
Whether it is enabling indigenous coffee cooperatives in Guatemala or sustainable energy ventures in Southeast Asia, Beneficial Returns is doing more than lending money—it is redistributing power and hope. As Chavez beautifully said, “We excluded these people from the financial system. Now we must repair the damage.”
For those looking to put their philanthropic dollars to work in meaningful, measurable ways, Beneficial Returns is a beacon.
