Canopus Foundation

The Canopus Foundation is a non-profit private family foundation under German law, founded in 1997 and based in Freiburg. Since its inception, it has been committed to rural solar electrification in the Global South and supports social impact enterprises and non-profit organizations in implementing renewable energy projects. Since 2014, the foundation has also been promoting initiatives in education and science with a focus on sustainable economics. It combines financial support with professional guidance to enhance the impact and self-sufficiency of its partners in the long term.

The Canopus Foundation aims to contribute to the protection of people and their living environments in the Global South, as well as to promote education and science for a sustainable economy. As a private family foundation, it particularly supports initiatives in the early stages of their development and follows the concept of "venture philanthropy" to transfer methods of venture financing to the nonprofit sector.

The funding programs are aimed at young social enterprises, non-profit organizations, and initiatives working in the field of solar electrification of low-income households in developing and emerging countries. Furthermore, the foundation supports research projects and educational initiatives that seek greater plurality of economic doctrines and scientifically examine the prerequisites for a sustainable economy and society.