Global Philanthropy Forum

Attracted by the prospect of achieving the combination of market-rate returns and social benefit, traditional investors have begun to respond to the emerging asset class of impact investments. While there is good reason for their growing interest in impact investing, the number of investment-ready social enterprises will be constrained so long as supporters and would-be investors stay on the sidelines until the enterprise is ready to scale. Philanthropic grants and patient capital are needed for the planning and proof of concept phases of enterprise development. How can philanthropists most effectively use their grant dollars to propel inclusive business models forward?Special address: Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder, The Acumen Fund