History Founded in 1936 as the Rudolf Steiner Foundation, RSF has continued to be a pioneering force in social finance. Initially, we provided grants and then in 1984 began offering loans to Steiner-inspired organizations. In the 1990s we expanded our mission to serve a broader range of clients including investors, donors and social entrepreneurs working in food & agriculture, education & the arts, climate & environment, and other related fields. Since 1984, RSF has made over $600 million in loans, grants and investments, placing us in the top tier of social finance organizations worldwide. Today, RSF offers investing, lending and giving services to those who are committed to improving society and the environment. We currently have over 1,900 clients who are creating enormous positive impact by helping us redirect the flow of money in local markets, and heal an economy often damaged by exploitation and resource depletion. Together, we’re creating a shift from financial transactions that are complex, opaque and anonymous to those that are direct, transparent and personal. Every decision we make is based on long-term relationships, not short-term outcomes. To view a 30-year timeline of RSF from 1984 to 2014, click here.