THE PILOT FUND • 2022-2026
Three years of
building, and what
we learned.
Before the Tepal Fund, Orchid moved more than $2M into the ecosystem to test integrated, reparative capital. Flexible resources helped organizations secure property, retire high-cost debt, and bridge reimbursement gaps. Every investment and every lesson shaped the design of Tepal.
The pilot, by the numbers
OUR IMPACT
$1.27M+
In direct investment
$150K
average check size
$430K+
In portfolio support & technical assistance
100%
community care centers
$744K
allocated to real estate
85%
Black- or Native-led
LESSONS LEARNED
Community-rooted care works,
and it remains overlooked.
01
Financial sustainability requires diversification.
Every partner does more than birthing or reproductive care. Holistic care needs diverse capital, and economic models that go beyond clinical reimbursement.
HOW IT
SHAPED TEPAL
Three focus areas (real estate, workforce, care innovation) and four capital tools, including revenue-based financing.
02
Time is a key capital tool.
Organizations have worked for years without capital. Reparative capital gave them room to build collectively, without a clock running.
HOW IT
SHAPED TEPAL
Three focus areas (real estate, workforce, care innovation) and four capital tools, including revenue-based financing.
03
Co-investment is an important catalyst.
Every pilot investment was made alongside other capital to fill key gaps. Funders have to move together. No single check is enough.
HOW IT
SHAPED TEPAL
Three focus areas (real estate, workforce, care innovation) and four capital tools, including revenue-based financing.
04
Technical assistance de-risks investments.
Support beyond the check is essential. Growth capital without capacity building can't sustain an investment.
HOW IT
SHAPED TEPAL
Three focus areas (real estate, workforce, care innovation) and four capital tools, including revenue-based financing.
A shared, community-owned space that brings stability to a community with poor overall health outcomes.
CAPITAL IN PRACTICE
A Black-led midwifery & workforce network
South Florida • Partner since 2022 • Grant + TA • $252.5K
For over a decade, this organization has expanded access to culturally grounded midwifery care in South Florida, and it leads a national Black midwifery network. It fills the gaps in a city that has closed several labor and delivery units in recent years.
Capital that adapts. When an initial deal fell through, funds were redirected to buy a new mobile unit and expand care access. This is trust-based capital in practice.
Co-investment that unlocks ownership. Orchid's capital helped build an $840K+ blended stack of foundation, individual, and municipal money to purchase and renovate a commercial building, owned jointly with another local birth center.
Support beyond the check. Orchid brought on a technical assistance partner to support the building purchase, fundraising, and the local political relationships that matter for zoning and municipal funds.
THE OUTCOME
HOW WE MEASURE IMPACT
Success is thriving communities,
not just repaid loans.
We measure investments against three connected pillars. Investors
get reports that pair financial updates with stories of impact.
Self-determination
Restoring decision-making power to individuals, families, and communities.
e.g. community-led governance and accountability; strong operating norms
Economic Power
Redirecting capital to fuel sustainable, community-driven solutions and build collective resources.
e.g. community ownership; financial readiness and revenue potential
Care Impact
Measuring success through lived experience, community well-being, and generational healing.
e.g. care rooted in care deserts; measurable disruption of health inequities
“[Pilot partner quote: one or two sentences on what patient, flexible capital made possible.]”
— [Name, title, organization, or “A community care partner”]
The pilot proved it. Tepal makes it last.
See how the fund turns these lessons into a lasting, evergreen structure.