Bettering Human Lives Foundation
Bettering Human Lives Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2024 by Liberty Energy that provides catalytic loans to local African entrepreneurs distributing LPG clean cooking fuels to low-income households and schools in Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2024
- HeadquartersDenver, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Bettering Human Lives Foundation does
Bettering Human Lives Foundation (BHLF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in January 2024 by Liberty Energy Inc. (NYSE: LBRT) and headquartered in Denver, Colorado. It addresses energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa by providing catalytic below-market-rate loans to local clean cooking entrepreneurs who distribute liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, stoves, and refill services to low-income households and schools in Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia. The foundation does not sell products directly to consumers; instead it channels philanthropic capital into existing local businesses that hold the last-mile distribution networks, gas-station cylinder exchange cages, and community relationships required to drive adoption.
BHLF's product surface spans four interlocking components: (1) a revolving catalytic loan fund that has disbursed over $1.3 million across 14 loans to 10 partners; (2) LPG clean cooking solutions channeled through partner-operated retail outlets, cylinder cages, and last-mile delivery; (3) a school kitchen conversion program funding the transition of government boarding schools from firewood to LPG; and (4) flexible repayment plans, including SmartGas 2.0 electronic pay-as-you-go metering co-developed with Envirofit, that reduce the upfront cost barrier for end consumers. The West African LPG stove manufacturing facility in Accra (Envirofit, with BHLF support) is the first of its kind in the region.
The foundation is funded primarily through Liberty Energy's pledged $1 million per year contribution and accepts additional donations via its website, wire and stock transfers, and checks. Governance is anchored by a 14-member Advisory Board composed of executives from Williams Companies, Chevron, Occidental Petroleum, Expand Energy, Helmerich & Payne, ChampionX, Encino Energy, Quantum Capital Group, and Momentum Midstream, with Liberty Energy CEO Ron Gusek serving as Chairman. Operational footprint is currently limited to 1-10 employees and three African countries, with reported partner outcomes including 600% LPG sales volume growth (Henos Energy), 820 first-time LPG users (Kisac Enterprises), and a pipeline of 23,500 households (120,000 people) via Cleanergy's micro-refill stations.
Bettering Human Lives Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Bettering Human Lives Foundation
- Legal name
- Bettering Human Lives Foundation
- Website
- https://betteringhumanlives.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2024
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Bettering Human Lives Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2024 by Liberty Energy that provides catalytic loans to local African entrepreneurs distributing LPG clean cooking fuels to low-income households and schools in Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Bettering Human Lives Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Nonprofit Clean Cooking Foundation / Development Finance
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Capacity Building & Nonprofit Infrastructure Funders (BPAGAKAO), Climate / Clean Tech & Decarbonization Funds (FSANAJAA), Climate Finance, Carbon Markets & MRV Systems (BPADALAB)
Keywords
Where Bettering Human Lives Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Denver
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Bettering Human Lives Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations
Revenue model
- Donations and Philanthropic Contributions: BHLF operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN# 93-1889794) funded by donations. Liberty Energy pledged $1 million per year to fuel the foundation's efforts. Additional donations are solicited via the website, wire/stock transfers, and check payments.
- Catalytic Loan Program (Revolving): BHLF provides low-interest or catalytic loans to local clean cooking entrepreneurs and small businesses in Africa. Repaid loans are reinvested into new loans, creating a self-sustaining revolving credit model that compounds impact over time. BHLF has provided over $1.3 million in loans across 10 partners.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | One-time or recurring donations accepted | Charitable donation to support clean cooking access |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels8 records
Bettering Human Lives Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Bettering Human Lives Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that increases access to clean cooking fuels in sub-Saharan Africa by providing catalytic loans and funding to local entrepreneurs and small businesses in the clean cooking value chain across Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia. Its core mechanism is a revolving catalytic-lending program—repaid loans are reinvested into new loans—combined with direct program support for school kitchen conversions, last-mile LPG distribution, and pay-as-you-go metering technology.
Product overview
The Bettering Human Lives Foundation (BHLF) is a non-profit organization that operates as a catalytic funding mechanism rather than a traditional product company. Its core offering is providing loans and financial support to local small businesses and entrepreneurs across the clean cooking value chain in Africa (Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia). The foundation's products include: (1) Catalytic Funding and Loans Program that provides working capital to entrepreneurs who cannot access commercial bank financing due to 25-40% interest rates, (2) LPG Clean Cooking Solutions that expand access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas as a clean fuel alternative to firewood and charcoal, (3) School Kitchen Conversion Program that funds the transition of school kitchens from firewood to LPG, and (4) Flexible Repayment Plans that enable low-income families to purchase LPG cylinders and stoves through installment payments. The foundation's impact model focuses on economic development through local entrepreneurs who build sustainable businesses that organically expand propane access in their regions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Catalytic Funding and Loans Program Low-interest revolving loans and catalytic funding provided to small businesses and entrepreneurs working across the clean cooking value chain in Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia. Replaces inaccessible commercial bank financing (25-40% interest) with affordable working capital for cylinder inventory, retail outlets, delivery vehicles, and operations. Loans are repaid and reinvested into new loans, creating a self-sustaining cycle. Over $1.3 million has been deployed across 14 loans to 10 partners.
- LPG Clean Cooking Access Program Funding and partner support to expand access to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas / propane) as a clean cooking fuel, replacing open fires and polluting stoves. Supports LPG distribution networks, cylinder exchange cages at gas stations, last-mile delivery, retail outlet expansion, and micro-refill stations serving urban and peri-urban communities.
- School Kitchen Conversion Program Funding and partner support to convert school and institutional kitchens from firewood to LPG, including procurement of cylinders and stoves, smart meter systems that allow schools to manage and pay for LPG usage, and kitchen fit-outs. Active conversions include 9 high schools in Ghana (each serving 3,000+ meals per day) and 12+ schools across 15 counties in Kenya (12,000+ students and staff).
- Flexible Repayment Plans for Households Partner-enabled installment payment plans and revolving household credit that allow low-income families to purchase LPG cylinders and stoves on credit and repay over time, including through community savings groups ('chamas') and table banking structures. Reduces the upfront cost barrier that prevents adoption of clean cooking fuels.
Quantifiable outcome
- 600% growth in LPG sales volume for Henos Energy
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Bettering Human Lives Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Bettering Human Lives Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Bettering Human Lives Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Energy CorpscoreEnergy Corps, a U.S.-based nonprofit founded by Toby Rice and Dr. Scott Tinker, launched with a mission to accelerate global access to affordable, reliable energy. BHLF is one of Energy Corps' grantee partners across Africa, working to test and scale energy solutions including clean cooking. Energy Corps has a 50-50-50 goal targeting approximately 50 MWh of energy per person to help enable $50,000 in global GDP per capita within 50 years.
- Henos EnergycoreHenos Energy's mission is to make LPG accessible for households and businesses in Ghana. BHLF provides catalytic loans to Henos Energy to double cylinder exchange cages from 25 to 50 and to convert 9 high school kitchens from firewood to LPG. Henos achieved 600% growth in LPG sales volume with BHLF support.
- Envirofit InternationalcoreEnvirofit creates smart energy products and services, including the SmartGas electronic meter for pay-as-you-go LPG. BHLF supports Envirofit in building a manufacturing facility for LPG cookstoves in Accra, Ghana — the first such facility in West Africa — and in developing SmartGas 2.0 at a lower production cost for widescale adoption.
- MamaGascoreMamaGas is a last-mile LPG distribution company managing distribution for Shell Afrigas in Nairobi, Kenya. BHLF supports MamaGas in converting school kitchens from firewood to LPG and expanding into tea-growing regions (Kericho and Bomet counties) with cylinder exchange points near tea factories, enabling tea picker households to access LPG through repayment plans.
- Kisac EnterprisescoreKisac Enterprises in Kisii County, Kenya, expanded from a handicrafts business in 2013 to LPG distribution, serving wholesalers, retailers, and end consumers. BHLF supports Kisac in offering LPG cylinders and stoves to families through existing savings and loans groups ('chamas'). Kisac facilitated 820 first-time LPG users.
- Mitanna GasescoreMitanna Gases is a leading LPG and reticulation services company based in Nairobi, Kenya, founded in 2010. It serves 15 counties in Kenya under brands including Total, Vivo Energy, Ola Energy, and Rubis Energy. BHLF loan supports Mitanna in converting at least 12 schools to LPG, benefiting at least 12,000 students and staff.
- LipaGasminorLipaGas is an LPG distribution company described as the 'Uber' of LPG, aiming to eliminate accessibility barriers to LPG uptake in Nairobi, Kenya. It converts schools from firewood to LPG using an innovative smart meter system allowing schools to manage and pay for LPG usage cost-effectively.
- NamuuminorNamuu is a Kenyan social enterprise based in Kakuma Town, Turkana County, supplying LPG cylinders and stoves to households and small businesses across both the town and the Kakuma Refugee Camp. BHLF loan enables Namuu to double the number of cylinders in circulation and purchase a truck for cost-effective transportation.
- Mama Doing GoodminorMama Doing Good is a nonprofit organization catalyzing socio-economic transformation through women's economic empowerment, environment/climate action, and faith diplomacy. BHLF funds a revolving credit fund to help 1,000 table banking members purchase their first LPG cylinder and stove on credit, repaying over time.
- Shell AfrigasminorShell Afrigas is the parent brand for MamaGas's last-mile LPG distribution operations in Nairobi, Kenya. MamaGas manages last-mile delivery for Shell Afrigas, delivering trusted cooking gas to homes.
- Rubis EnergyminorRubis Energy is a downstream energy company in Africa. Cleanergy operates its micro-refill LPG stations (PimisaGas brand) in partnership with Rubis Energy, which supplies LPG products.
- Falcon Gas ZambiacoreFalcon Gas Zambia is a clean energy company reducing charcoal use by providing access to LPG as a clean cooking alternative. BHLF loan enables Falcon Gas to open 10 new retail outlets across Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces in Zambia, each equipped with refilling machines and staffed by 20 employees (2 per unit).
- Tranquility Energy ResourcescoreTranquility Energy Resources, established in 2019, distributes LPG, gas stoves, and clean cooking accessories in Lusaka, Zambia. BHLF loan enables them to open another distribution outlet, bringing their total to eleven, and offer mobile delivery points for targeted populations.
- Cleanergy / PimisaGascoreCleanergy is a Zambian clean energy company accelerating clean cooking adoption through its micro-refill LPG brand PimisaGas, using strategically located refill stations with a digitized and automated service platform. BHLF loan enables Cleanergy, in partnership with Rubis Energy, to secure, equip, and market 10 new refilling stations, growing to over 23,500 households (120k people).
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights12 records
Bettering Human Lives Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Solar Cookers International: Nonprofit promoting solar and other clean cooking technologies in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Comparable donor-funded mission to advance clean cooking adoption for low-income households.
- BURN Manufacturing: Kenya-based manufacturer and distributor of clean-burning biomass and gas cookstoves serving East African households. Comparable last-mile distribution model and target customer base.
- KOKO Networks: Kenya-based clean cooking technology company operating bioethanol cooking fuel via smart dispenser vending machines in urban Nairobi. Comparable mission of displacing firewood/charcoal and tech-enabled clean cooking distribution.
- Sistema.bio: Mexico- and Kenya-headquartered social enterprise providing biogas and clean cooking solutions to smallholder farmers across Africa and Latin America. Comparable distribution-driven model for clean cooking technology in emerging markets.
Broad incumbents
- Greenlight Planet / Sun King: Global pay-as-you-go distributed solar energy company with deep sub-Saharan Africa distribution. Adjacent energy-access mission and overlapping distribution model for off-grid clean energy products.
- World LPG Association: Global industry association representing the LPG value chain worldwide. Comparable in advocating for LPG as a clean cooking fuel and engaging policymakers on energy access.
Others
- Energy Savings Trust: Charitable organization promoting energy efficiency and clean energy adoption. Less direct overlap but comparable nonprofit/grantmaking structure for advancing clean energy access.
Direct peers
- Clean Cooking Alliance: Global nonprofit housed within the UN Foundation that works to accelerate adoption of clean cooking solutions in developing countries. Directly comparable mission, donor-funded model, and sub-Saharan Africa focus.
- Envirofit International: BHLF partner organization manufacturing SmartGas electronic LPG meters and clean cookstoves. Both are focused on pay-as-you-go LPG access for low-income African households with overlapping product portfolios.
- Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS): UK government (FCDO)-funded research and innovation program working on modern energy cooking, with strong sub-Saharan Africa focus. Comparable mission and donor-funded catalytic model targeting LPG and electric cooking transitions.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Bettering Human Lives Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceBettering Human Lives Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Bettering Human Lives Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Bettering Human Lives Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Bettering Human Lives Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Bettering Human Lives Foundation
What does Bettering Human Lives Foundation do?
Bettering Human Lives Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that increases access to clean cooking fuels in sub-Saharan Africa by providing catalytic loans and funding to local entrepreneurs and small businesses in the clean cooking value chain across Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia. Its core mechanism is a revolving catalytic-lending program—repaid loans are reinvested into new loans—combined with direct program support for school kitchen conversions, last-mile LPG distribution, and pay-as-you-go metering technology.
Is Bettering Human Lives Foundation a public or private company?
Bettering Human Lives Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Bettering Human Lives Foundation founded?
Bettering Human Lives Foundation was founded in 2024. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Bettering Human Lives Foundation based?
Bettering Human Lives Foundation is headquartered in Denver, United States, in the North America region.
How does Bettering Human Lives Foundation make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Donations and Philanthropic Contributions are the primary driver. The others are catalytic Loan Program (Revolving).
Who are Bettering Human Lives Foundation's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Solar Cookers International, BURN Manufacturing, KOKO Networks and Sistema.bio. Broad incumbents are Greenlight Planet / Sun King and World LPG Association. Energy Savings Trust is listed as an others. Direct peers are Clean Cooking Alliance, Envirofit International and Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS).
Does Bettering Human Lives Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Bettering Human Lives Foundation.
What industry is Bettering Human Lives Foundation in?
Bettering Human Lives Foundation's product category is Nonprofit Clean Cooking Foundation / Development Finance. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAM, Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations, with a secondary code of BPAGAKAO, Capacity Building & Nonprofit Infrastructure Funders. Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 8300.