Philanthropy & the Impact Investing Capital Spectrum, co-hosted by Acumen and Lebec Consulting, will explore how trust based philanthropy—funding that is patient, flexible, risk-tolerant, and anchored in equity and partnership —is uniquely positioned to catalyze social innovation, reverse the tides of inequality, and encourage more action from risk averse governments and financial markets. We’ll explore this topic from different angles and unpack the barriers that are holding back our full potential to redefine philanthropy as we know it.
The key takeaways have been compiled for each Imagine Dignity daytime session from statements made by a diverse group of speakers with unique backgrounds and experiences. Acumen hosted these sessions to provide a forum for conversation and debate. The takeaways are for informational purposes only; they do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Acumen nor constitute an endorsement by Acumen.
Only 2% of philanthropy goes to fund climate change mitigation, yet climate change persists as the #1 problem. Corporations, foundations and philanthropists need to move the billions of dollars that are tied up and put it to use, urgently. This philanthropy will catalyze other players. Philanthropy is the capital to take risks, it’s capital that embraces learning from failure.
Corporations need to move away from being performative and should take the lead in acting as role models. Social impact starts in the boardroom and only when it’s on par with profitability.
Caregiving is a cause of poverty - unpaid labor must be valued [as part of GDP], across cultures. Equity in ownership of assets and household tasks is imperative if we are to change the power dynamic between men and women and close the gap on poverty.
Those who are in power can no longer take it all on and be trusted to make the right decisions for everyone. Those closest to the challenges should be at the table and empowered to make decisions, The existing power structure must be upset. Local voices, local leaders must be positioned as future leaders.
Alix Lebec is the Founder & CEO of Lebec Consulting, a women-led firm that advises corporations, foundations, high-net-worth individuals, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs on how to achieve their greatest social impact through philanthropy, impact investing, and ESG investing. Alix has spent two decades pioneering, structuring, and leading successful entrepreneurial, philanthropic, and impact investment efforts at the World Bank, Water.org, and WaterEquity.
Jen Fisher is the US Chief Well-being Officer at Deloitte LLP, where she drives strategy and innovation around work-life, health, and wellness. She is a leading voice on workplace well-being and creating human-centered organizational cultures. Jen is the host of WorkWell, a podcast series on the latest work-life trends and the author of Work Better Together: How to Cultivate Strong Relationships to Maximize Well-Being and Boost Bottom Lines.
Emily Green is the Director of Private Wealth at Ellevest, a financial services company by women, for women. With more than a decade of experience in private and corporate investment banking, most recently at J.P. Morgan, Emily is dedicated to helping women achieve financial strength and independence. Emily is on the board of Plan International USA and a steering committee member of Alvin Ailey’s Young Patron Circle.
Eve Rodsky is the New York Times bestselling author of Fair Play, which has elevated the cultural conversation around the value of unpaid labor and care. In her follow-up book Find Your Unicorn Space, Eve explores the cross-section between the science of creativity, productivity, and resilience. Eve’s work is backed by Hello Sunshine—Reese Witherspoon’s media company whose mission is to change the narrative for women through storytelling. Eve is also the founder of the Philanthropy Advisory Group.
Peter Yao is the Chief Impact Officer and a Director of the Thankyou Charitable Trust, an Australian-based social enterprise that offers consumer products for the sole purpose of helping end extreme poverty. In addition to overseeing Thankyou’s funding to change-makers helping advance the organization’s mission, Pete leads the Responsible Business team, which implements Thankyou’s environmental and social impact strategy across the organization’s operations.
Yasmina Zaidman is the Chief Development and Partnerships Officer at Acumen, where she leads the organization’s efforts to engage with partners and funders who share Acumen’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurial approaches to tackling poverty. She has worked in the arenas of international development, corporate sustainability, and social entrepreneurship for over 25 years.
