I’m Dorian Dickinson and I founded FundingHope with the mission of connecting investors to entrepreneurs and SMEs in economically disadvantaged communities to help achieve UN SDG targets and to grow a stronger planet. For over a decade, I have worked on economic development and sustainability projects in rural America, conflict zones and developing countries.

Dorian Dickinson is Co-Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Strategy Officer of FundingHope, LLC. Mr. Dickinson’s career began with the Connecticut State Police before he established himself as a leader in the development of innovative business strategies for leading retailers and consumer goods companies.

For the past 15-years, Mr. Dickinson has dedicated his career to creating and building economic development activity, sustainability programs, and improved health and sanitation initiatives in rural and economically challenged communities in the US, Mexico, South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Mr. Dickinson worked with the leadership team that developed the first commercial poultry farming operation in Afghanistan in over 40-years.

He has developed rural development programs that aim to disrupt drug cartel routes in Mexico and Central America, and he has introduced renewable energy and improved sanitation to drought-stricken areas of Kenya and Palestine.

Closer to home, the American Farm Bureau Federation recognized Mr. Dickinson as the architect of the first comprehensive agribusiness-focused economic development program for rural communities. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration contracted with Mr. Dickinson to create Make It Right, the city’s first all-encompassing crime prevention, youth engagement and community development project.

Mr. Dickinson is a commissioned Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky, as recognition of his noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to community, state, nation and planet. He was twice named Illinois Agribusiness Leader of the Year, was a charter board member of the Council of the Great Lakes Region, and has been recognized by Canada’s Governor General, the Right Honourable David Johnston, as a cross-border economic development leader.

Throughout his career, Mr. Dickinson has built a proven record of success as a skilled strategist, out-of-the-box innovator and passionate entrepreneur collaborating with governments, companies and internationally recognized organizations in primary, secondary, and tertiary industries. Mr. Dickinson holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut.

I’m Dr. John Johanson and my experience as a physician and missionary has led me to co-found FundingHope as a bridge between access to capital and a healthy and sustainable future in economically challenged and disadvantaged communities.

Dr. John Johanson is Co-Founder and Chief Global Health & Development Officer of FundingHope, LLC. Dr. Johanson completed his undergraduate education at Wheaton College and subsequently earned his MD degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Dr. Johanson began his medical career as an academically focused private practice gastroenterologist. In addition to providing compassionate patient care, he is an accomplished author of clinical research studies, publishing more than 200 articles in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Johanson has also lectured extensively both nationally and internationally within his areas of expertise.