Groundswell
“Can a modern DAF-as-a-benefit platform replace legacy CSR software by making charitable giving as fast and frictionless as a payroll deduction?”
Founded2021
HQEl Segundo, CA
Total raised$3M
Latest roundSeed
IndustryVertical SaaS / Corporate Social Responsibility
The story
Founded in 2021, Groundswell reframed corporate philanthropy as an employee financial benefit by wrapping donor-advised fund (DAF) mechanics into a SaaS platform businesses can deploy as a workplace perk. The company positions itself against legacy CSR platforms by promising 24-hour nonprofit fund delivery (vs. 30–120 days industry norm), enabled by payment infrastructure partnerships. The embedded-finance angle is primarily on the disbursement side — moving charitable dollars quickly to nonprofits — rather than traditional fintech products like lending or cards.
Product timeline
2021
Groundswell Giving, Inc. founded as a corporate philanthropy platform turning donor-advised funds into employee benefits.· pivot
2023
Launched enterprise DPA and subprocessor transparency program, indicating scaling enterprise sales motion.· banking
2025
Partnered with Chariot for U.S. domestic donation disbursement to nonprofits, replacing slower legacy distribution rails.· banking
The stack
1 layer disclosed in Groundswell’s embedded-finance stack
FX & payouts
CAF America
Accounting gap: minor