Impact Investing Learning and Action Cohort Overview
The Impact Investing Learning and Action Cohort is designed for family philanthropies that want to move from conversation to implementation of impact investing strategies—whether they actively manage investments or rely on outsourced chief investment officers or advisors to do so.
This cohort will help participants build the knowledge and capacity to integrate impact investing principles into their philanthropy’s broader impact strategy and work effectively with investment professionals to align their portfolio with mission-driven goals.
What to Expect
Through a combination of in-person and virtual learning, the cohort will focus on the practical strategies required to unlock the full potential of your philanthropy’s resources—prioritizing investments in addition to grants, partnerships, and influence—to drive mission-aligned impact. Participants will gain the resources, language, and frameworks necessary to guide investment decision-making, collaborate effectively with advisors, and ensure that impact goals are integrated across all assets.
Sessions will include:
- Workshops that focus on the practical elements of impact investing capacity building, including developing a total portfolio approach, designing impact measurement and management (IMM) frameworks, and learning how to engage effectively with outsourced advisors or investment officers.
- Presentations from a range of guest speakers with expertise in strategy development, execution, portfolio management and IMM.
- Peer networking opportunities to share experiences, gain insights, and learn from other family philanthropy leaders who are navigating similar challenges.
Curriculum Overview & Agenda
The curriculum, developed in partnership with Rehana Nathoo, founder and CEO of Spectrum Impact, will provide participants with strategies that can be applied within their philanthropy’s unique structure.
In-person components
May 12, 2025 (optional)
Gather with your fellow cohort members over dinner in Washington, DC.
May 13, 2025 (8:30 am–4 pm)
Values-Setting: Mapping Your Impact Goals.
Join us for an engaging, action-oriented day designed to help family philanthropies align their values with their financial resources and build a roadmap for meaningful impact. Whether you actively manage investments, work with advisors, or are just beginning to execute impact investing, this session will give you the tools and confidence to take the next step.
Throughout the day, we’ll focus on practical strategies to unlock the full potential of your philanthropy’s resources. We will cover:
- Clarifying your impact priorities – Define what impact means for your philanthropy and explore ways to align all financial tools with your mission.
- Balancing risk, return & impact – Discuss different approaches to achieving impact without getting lost in financial jargon. Learn how to communicate effectively with investment advisors while staying true to your values.
- Taking inventory of your resources – Go beyond your investment portfolio—identify all the assets at your disposal, from grantmaking and investments to social capital and convening power.
- Building the right support team – Understand the key roles needed to implement impact investing successfully, whether within your philanthropy or through external partners such as advisors, outsourced chief investment officers (OCIO), and peer networks.
- Creating your impact investing roadmap – Develop a personalized strategy that outlines next steps for activating total resources, ensuring your philanthropy is prepared to take action in a way that fits your structure and goals.
This hands-on, interactive day is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and practical—providing family philanthropy leaders with clear, actionable steps to move forward confidently in their impact investing journey.
Virtual components
Convene with your fellow cohort members virtually to hear from experts, work through various development tools, and network with your peers. Topics will be tailored to the needs and interests of the participants, but virtual session topics will likely include:
- Building a total impact portfolio approach
- Codifying your values in an investment policy statement
- Setting up an impact governance process
- Building an IMM framework
Tentative* dates for virtual meetings are:
- May 6, 2025 (Informal meet and greet)
- July 15, 2025
- September 16, 2025
- November 18, 2025
- January 13, 2026
* Dates and times to be confirmed after the cohort is formed.
Expectations of Participants
Cohort participants are expected to participate in the in-person workshop in Washington, DC and four virtual workshops. A virtual meet and greet will take place prior to the in-person meeting to introduce cohort participants and the facilitator.
Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their travel and lodging for the Washington, DC kick-off dinner and workshop on May 12 and 13.
Eligibility
This program is designed for leaders in family philanthropy—both board and staff members. Whether you actively manage investments, work with advisors or OCIOs, or play a strategic role in guiding your philanthropy’s financial decisions, this cohort is designed for you. You do not need to be an investment professional to participate.
The Impact Investing Learning and Action Cohort is best suited for those who:
- Understand the fundamental principles of impact investing and want to build their capacity to integrate these principles into their philanthropy’s strategy.
- Are committed to impact investing—both personally and at the organizational level. While participants may need to engage colleagues in discussions about implementation, this program is intended for those whose organizations already recognize the value of impact investing and are ready to act.
- Are eager to deepen their knowledge of impact investing practices and move from theory to execution.
- Want to develop practical skills in designing, implementing, and overseeing an impact investing strategy—whether directly or in collaboration with investment professionals.
Because learning together supports long-term action, we encourage pairs of board members and senior staff to apply together. This structure fosters shared understanding and strengthens an organization’s ability to implement impact investing strategies effectively.
Unsure if this program is the right fit for you? Email Sokol Shtylla to discuss.
Application Process
Registration is a two-step process:
- If you are interested in joining this cohort please complete an application. This will allow us to verify eligibility and address any questions you may have on your application.
- Upon notification of acceptance you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the program and pay the program fee.
Applications are due by April 8 and applicants will be notified of their acceptance by April 11.
Applicant payment is due by April 16.
Additional Details
Program Fee
- $2,000 for NCFP members
- $3,000 for non-members
Payment includes dinner on May 12, a full-day workshop on May 13, and four virtual workshops.
If you are not an NCFP member, consider joining the community. In addition to a discounted rate for this program and others, you’ll join an engaged network of peer funders and have access to programs, resources, and support to help you be a more impactful donor.
What should I expect in the evaluation of my application?
Applications are used to affirm applicants’ eligibility, understand their goals and interests, and answer questions that they may have.
May I apply as part of a group from my family/foundation?
Yes! Based on our experience running similar programs, we encourage pairs of board members and senior staff members to apply together. Learning together is an effective way to jointly prepare for sustained action in your organization.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations will not be accepted for this program. Eligible substitutions will be accepted through May 5.
If you are a family philanthropy board member or executive who is already actively pursuing an impact investing strategy, consider joining our Impact Investing for Advanced Practitioners Peer Network.