For more information on Ecologi as an organisation, and our decision to operate as a social-enterprise
Ecologi is not a charity - it's a social enterprise. This means we’re not registered as a non-profit, and purchases made through our platform aren’t classified as donations, so they don’t qualify for tax relief schemes like Gift Aid.
Why We Chose This Model
Before Ecologi launched in early 2019, we initially planned to structure the organisation as a non-profit. It aligned perfectly with our mission, and at the time, it felt like the right path.
However, as our ambitions grew, so did the scale of funding we needed to make a real impact. Most companies can afford slow, steady growth—starting small, building revenue, and expanding gradually. But with the urgency of the climate crisis, time isn’t a luxury we have.
The Challenge with Non-Profit Funding
Non-profits and charities rely on grants and tax incentives, but these funding sources often fall short of the scale needed for rapid, high-impact growth. While charities might secure grants in the tens or hundreds of thousands, high-growth companies can attract multi-million-pound investments. And because non-profits don’t offer returns to investors, securing that kind of funding is incredibly difficult.
This was our challenge before launching: how could we ensure Ecologi stays true to its mission while also scaling at the pace the planet needs?
Our Commitment to Impact & Transparency
Though Ecologi was founded as a for-profit company, transparency remains at our core. Our public impact ledger openly shares our revenue data, impact stats, supplier receipts, and even board meeting minutes - putting us on par with some of the most transparent charities.
In 2021, we also became a certified B Corp, after a rigorous evaluation process that measures social and environmental performance. This certification legally binds us to operate with a positive impact on people and the planet—not just profits.
Community-Owned & Driven
In addition to our impact-driven structure, we’ve made community ownership central to our mission. Following a successful crowdfund with Crowdcube, Ecologi is now partially owned by our community of investors and ambassadors, empowering them to take an active role in our mission to reverse climate change.
Scaling Impact at Pace
Our model has enabled us—and our customers—to fund the planting of millions of trees and the prevention of carbon emissions. With continued support and engagement from our community, we can accelerate our impact and drive meaningful change at the speed the planet demands.