Learning Sessions Overview & Schedule
The Institute included two interactive sessions each month (1 Learning Session and 1 Action Cohort) from October 2021 through March 2022. Learning Sessions included presentations from experts in the field, an opportunity for Q&A, and interactive break-out sessions. Continue reading below to view details on each Learning Session.
Learning Session 1: Fundamentals of Impact Investing
October 19, 2021, 12:30-2:30PM ET
This kick-off session offered an introduction to Institute peers as they embarked on a collective six-month journey. We learned about the fundamentals of impact investing, including terms and definitions, the different types of capital that may be at our disposal, and an overview of asset classes and potential uses. Participants also worked with peers to explore aspirations for themselves and their organization at the onset of the Institute.
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? This Learning Session explored the past, present and future of using capital to address justice through financial inclusion. Participants had the opportunity to look inside a foundation’s journey of moving its endowments into mission-aligned investments as well as implementing a racial equity framework into its practices, and learned key principles that carried through the rest of the Institute.
Learning Session 3: Designing Your Investment Program
December 7, 2021, 12:30-2:30PM ET
This Learning Session offered practical tools to help design an impact investing program. We explored staffing and governance questions to understand what will best meet the needs of your foundation. We also worked with peers to begin building an impact thesis to define participants' goals, taking into account the realities of existing assets, mission, and capacity.
Learning Session 4: Investment Program Strategy
January 25, 2022, 12:30-2:30PM ET
In this Learning Session participants learned how to use different asset classes and investment tools to create a portfolio that supports their foundation’s goals. We heard from seasoned investors on how they developed their impact investing strategy, including what they hope to achieve and how they are organizing their capital.
Learning Session 5: Operationalizing Your Impact Investing Program
February 15, 2022, 12:30-2:30PM ET
In this Learning Session participants learned how to translate their program strategy into action. We discussed the iterative process and considerations of deal sourcing, due diligence, portfolio management, impact measurement, managing to change, and evaluation of an impact investing program.
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? This Learning Session discussed legal considerations, internal dynamics, and other practical considerations as you embark on starting, changing, or expanding your program.
