Learning Sessions Overview & Schedule

The Institute will include two interactive sessions each month (1 Learning Session and 1 Action Cohort) from October 2021 through March 2022. Learning Sessions will include learning presentations from experts in the field, an opportunity for Q&A and interactive break-out sessions. Continue reading below to view Learning Session dates, meeting times, topics, and speakers. Each Learning Session is expected to run for approximately 1.5-2 hours midday for most time zones, Action Cohorts will meet on the day following each Learning Session, or shortly thereafter.

Learning Session 1: Fundamentals of Impact Investing

October 19, 2021, 12:30-2:30PM ET

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. Action Cohort to follow on October 20, 2021.

Learning Session 2: Investing with a Racial Equity Lens

November 16, 2021, 12:30-2:30PM ET

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. Action Cohort to follow on November 17, 2021.

Learning Session 3: Designing Your Investment Program

December 7, 2021, 12:30-2:30PM ET

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. Action Cohort to follow on December 8, 2021.

Learning Session 4: Investment Program Strategy

January 25, 2022, 12:30-2:30PM ET 

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. Action Cohort to follow on January 26, 2022.

Learning Session 5: Operationalizing Your Impact Investing Program

February 15, 2022, 12:30-2:30PM ET

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. Action Cohort to follow on February 16, 2022.

Learning Session 6: Impact Activation

March 15, 2022, 12:30-2:30PM ET

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. Action Cohort to follow on March 16, 2022.