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| ICYMI: Where Capital Meets Opportunity |
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The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, a Sustaining Member of Mission Investors Exchange (MIE), has been a leader in bringing impact investors together to explore how to strengthen local economies and expand opportunity in rural communities and the U.S. South. With nine of the 15 fastest-growing U.S. cities located in the South, impact investors have a critical role to play in ensuring that this momentum leads to broad-based prosperity. For MIE’s Member Insights, Kenya Davenport (Southern Bancorp Community Partners), Javon Dobbs (W.K. Kellogg Foundation), and Justin Fier (Timberland Investment Resources) explored what wealth creation can look like among rural and Southern communities:
"Unlike other parts of the country, the prospect of the Deep South is one that provides organizations a unique opportunity to invest for both profit and purpose. To do good and do well – a priceless enterprise as each generation becomes more socially conscious with whom they do business."
As MIE continues to support our members in driving meaningful impact, we’ll host both our 2025 Mission Investing Institute and 2026 National Conference in Atlanta. The city will be a symbolic place to explore these issues and more at a pivotal moment for the South and our sector.
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The Power of CDFIs: Advancing Mission-Driven Investments in Changing Times
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Join us for a members-only Special Conversation exploring strategies for philanthropic asset owners to support and invest in CDFIs. Panelists will share examples of CDFIs’ work in communities, discuss current needs and priorities given the evolving and uncertain funding environment, and share strategies for foundations and asset owners who want to support main street lending. This will be followed by substantial time for open discussion and Q&A.
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Bridge Loans: Short-Term Financing, Long-Term Impact
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In an ever-evolving financial and political landscape, foundations and philanthropists are increasingly seeking innovative ways to ensure their mission-driven work is both sustainable and impactful. When used appropriately, bridge loans — a tool for short-term financial flexibility — can offer a unique solution to help foundations fill funding gaps, seize timely opportunities, and provide nimble and adaptable support.
This session will provide an overview of bridge loans and offer an in-depth look at how foundations can strategically use these loans to support critical infrastructure in their communities. We will explore real-world examples, dig into key considerations, debunk common myths, and explore how bridge loans can align with your broader philanthropic goals.
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Join Us for Upcoming Member Gatherings
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Our gatherings provide space for MIE members and invited guests to build community, share perspectives, and explore innovative practices in an informal, interactive setting.
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MIE members should log in to register for the events above. If you have questions or challenges with registration, topic suggestions, or if you are not an MIE member but would like to inquire about membership and attending, please contact Madeline Moerk.
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Kicking Off MIE's 2025 Mission Investing Institute
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We’re excited to kick off a sold-out 2025 Mission Investing Institute at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in May in Atlanta. As MIE’s signature introductory learning program, our Institute helps philanthropy professionals get started in impact investing or advance their practice. Special thanks to our Impact in Action site host, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, our amazing speakers, and our generous sponsors.
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS:
- Tina Castro, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Avivar Capital
- Mark Constantine, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Community Investment, Dogwood Health Trust
- Flozell Daniels, Jr., CEO, Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation
- Sydney England, Executive Director, Georgia Social Impact Collaborative
- Frank Fernandez, President & CEO, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
- Bert Feuss, Senior Advisor, Community Capital Advisors
- Rodney Foxworth, Co-Founder, Worthmore
- Meredith Freeman, Director of Alignment and Impact Investing, Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
- Sydney Hulebak, Impact Investment Manager, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
- Tomer Inbar, Partner, Morgan Lewis
- Tracy Kartye, Director, Impact Investments, Annie E. Casey Foundation
- Cynthia Muller, Director, Mission Investments, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
- Jane Reisman, Ph.D., impact measurement expert
- Erika Seth Davies, CEO, Rhia Ventures
- Danielle Torain, Founder & Principal, Torain Advisory
- Megan Walsh Thompson, Mission Investments Officer, Ford Foundation
- Janelle Williams, Ph.D., Co-Founder & CEO, Kindred Futures
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
PREMIER SPONSORS:
- The Annie E. Casey Foundation
- The Kresge Foundation
FEATURED SPONSOR:
SUPPORTING SPONSORS:
- Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
- Morgan Lewis
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Stay connected with the MIE team as we travel to various meetings and conferences across the country. We’d love to see you in person, learn more about your work, and explore new collaborations. Mark your calendar, and reach out to Zineb Touzani to set up a meeting.
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Member Resource Spotlight:
Bush Foundation Learning Report
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| Over the past 17 years, the Bush Foundation has strategically integrated impact investing into its endowment and programmatic efforts to benefit society while maintaining financial returns. With 36 regional investments in areas including affordable homeownership, Native energy sovereignty, and small business growth — alongside nine external investments — the foundation balances Mission-Related Investments (MRIs), “Adjusted-Risk Investments” (ARIs), and Program-Related Investments (PRIs) with grant funding. Guided by three key objectives — equity (expanding capital access), place (strengthening local economies), and sustainability (supporting climate-friendly innovation) — the staff’s approach highlights the importance of board leadership, flexible financing, and an integrated approval process for grants and PRIs. They engage fund managers in developmental conversations while setting goals to measure progress. |
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Select Member & Field News
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Bridging School Support Staff Gaps to Strengthen Communities
Sorenson Impact Foundation
March 5, Banking Finance
Skoll Foundation Announces Leadership Transition
March 7, Skoll
Aligned Climate Capital Closes $85M Climate Fund 2
March 11, Citybiz
GEM 2024 Impact Report
March 11, Gem Investments
North Sky Capital Celebrates 25 Years of Investment Leadership and Impact
March 17, AP
Open Road Raises $14 Million to Bridge Funding Gaps for High-Impact USAID Projects
March 31, ImpactAlpha
How Impact Debt is Filling a Capital Gap to Expand Educational Opportunities
Gates Foundation, Walton Family Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Maycomb Capital
April 2, ImpactAlpha
Ford Foundation, RIIF Launch $5 Million Initiative to Empower Next Generation of Appalachian Investors
April 3, Elizabethton Star
Impact in Listed Equities Can Deliver Competitive Returns, Report
Schroders
April 7, Impact Investor
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The Colorado Trust
Advancing the health and well-being of the people of Colorado. |
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LIGHTS, CAMERA, IMPACT – MIE IS ON YOUTUBE!
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| Check out our latest "Impact Amplified" video series where MIE talks to professionals across our sector about the latest trends and best practices in impact investing! Subscribe to our channel @MissionInvestors for updates. We look forward to continuing to connect with our community on this platform. |
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