Impact Investing Learning and Action Cohort Overview
The Impact Investing Learning and Action Cohort is designed for family foundations 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 foundation’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 steps needed to activate total resources—leveraging all financial tools 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
Submit your application by April 6
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 foundation’s unique structure
In-person components
May 12, 2025 (optional)
Gather with your fellow cohort members over dinner in Washington, DC.
May 13, 2025
Attend a day-long program: Values-Setting: Mapping Your Impact Goals.
Our in-person content will include:
- Analyzing expectations about risk versus reward
- Charting organization-wide strengths and limitations
- Taking inventory of all the assets you have to deploy
- How to build a team / find support
- Codifying your strategy into a roadmap that outlines your impact investing plan
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 one week 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
Who: Decision-makers at family philanthropies, including executive leaders and board members. This program is best suited for those who understand impact investing strategies and are committed to using their foundation’s resources for impact, but who may not be responsible for direct portfolio management. Applicants should also:
- Have an understanding of the fundamental principles of impact investing
- Be committed to impact investing individually and as an organization (if you have to build a case to encourage other leaders at your organization about the value of impact investing then this program is not for you.)
- Be interested in advancing your knowledge of the practice of impact investing and ready to put what you learn into action.
Participants should be interested in building their practitioner skill set, moving toward designing and executing an impact investing strategy. Based on our experience running similar programs, we encourage pairs of board members and executive staff members to apply. Learning together is an effective way to jointly prepare for sustained action in your organization.
Unsure if this program would be a good 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 6 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 a 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 executive staff members to apply. 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.