Chicago Foundation Redefines Philanthropy as Financial Engine

Irene Pritzker's new book 'The School in the Market' outlines how investing in small enterprises can drive sustainable change.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:17am

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Philanthropist and IDP Foundation co-founder Irene Pritzker is challenging traditional charity-based philanthropy with a new model that treats low-fee private schools in Ghana and Kenya as small enterprises. By providing microloans and business training, Pritzker's Rising Schools and Ongoza programs have supported over 2,600 schools, reached 619,000 students, and demonstrated the viability of lending in communities long excluded from formal finance.

Why it matters

Pritzker's approach represents a shift from donor-driven charity to localized, market-based development that aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. By centering local actors and blending business fundamentals with global impact, this model offers a blueprint for improving social outcomes at scale through inclusive, collaborative investing.

The details

The IDP Foundation's programs provide low-fee private school owners in Ghana and Kenya with access to microloans from local financial institutions and consistent business training. This transforms the schools from dependent aid recipients to self-sustaining small enterprises. The collective impact includes supporting over 2,600 schools, reaching 619,000 students, disbursing 5,100+ loans, and demonstrating the viability of lending in underserved communities.

  • The Rising Schools Program launched in Ghana in 2022.
  • The Ongoza Program expanded the model to Kenya in 2022.
  • As of December 2025, the collective impact data was reported.

The players

Irene Pritzker

Philanthropist and co-founder of the IDP Foundation, Inc., who is redefining philanthropy through market-based development programs.

IDP Foundation, Inc.

A Chicago-based foundation that has developed the Rising Schools and Ongoza programs to support low-fee private schools in Ghana and Kenya as small enterprises.

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What they’re saying

“By centering local actors, Irene Pritzker and the IDP Foundation are leading a movement to challenge conventional thinking about philanthropy and development. The School in the Market is not only a compelling read—it is a powerful call to adopt inclusive, collaborative models that align with the interconnected goals of the SDGs. This is investing for impact in action!”

— Amir Dossal, former executive director, United Nations Office for Partnerships; founder and president, Global Partnerships Forum

What’s next

The School in the Market book by Irene Pritzker is available through Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and Amplify Publishing.

The takeaway

Pritzker's innovative approach to philanthropy demonstrates how investing in small enterprises, rather than traditional charity, can drive sustainable change and social impact at scale. This model offers a blueprint for other organizations seeking to align their work with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals through inclusive, market-based development.