Learning Sessions and Action Cohorts

Please note the dates and times are subject to change and will be confirmed in the coming months. Each Learning Session and Action Cohort is expected to run for approximately 1.5-2 hours midday for most time zones (e.g., 12:30-2:30 PM ET). Action Cohorts will meet on the day following each Learning Session, or shortly thereafter.

Week 1: October 19-20, 2021

Fundamentals of Impact Investing: In this kick-off session, get to know your peers as we embark on a collective six-month journey. Learn about the fundamentals of impact investing, including terms and definitions, the different types of capital that may be at your disposal, and an overview of asset classes and potential uses. Work with peers to explore aspirations for yourself and your organization at the onset of the Institute.

Week 2: November 16-17, 2021

Investing with a Racial Equity Lens: How do you build and implement an impact investing program with a racial equity lens? Learn how to shape your impact investing program to include inclusive policies and practices, such as utilization of diverse fund managers. Explore how to invest in a way that advances equitable outcomes. Learn about key principles that will carry through the rest of the Institute.

Week 3: December 7-8, 2021

Designing Your Investment Program: Discover practical tools to help design your program. Explore staffing and governance questions to understand what will best meet the needs of your foundation. Work with peers to begin building an impact thesis to define your goals, taking into account the realities of existing assets, mission, and capacity.

Week 4: January 25-26, 2022

Investment Program Strategy: Learn how to use different asset classes and investment tools to create a portfolio that supports your foundation’s goals. Hear from seasoned investors on how they developed their impact investing strategy, including what they hope to achieve and how they are organizing their capital.

Week 5: February 15-16, 2022

Operationalizing Your Impact Investing Program: Learn how to translate your program strategy into action. Discuss the iterative process and considerations of deal sourcing, due diligence, portfolio management, impact measurement, managing to change, and evaluation of your impact investing program.

Week 6: March 15-16, 2022

Impact Activation: What next steps do you need to take to activate your strategy? Discuss legal considerations, internal dynamics, and other practical considerations as you embark on starting, changing, or expanding your program.