Money And Meaning

Shifts in policy and public sentiment are creating headwinds for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in various sectors. However, some mission-driven allocators are staying the course on their commitments to a diverse investing future. By continuing these investments, allocators address the funding equity gap for founders who are people of color, women, or both. They also pursue financial returns and a more vibrant, sustainable economy.  This episode features a SOCAP24 session that spotlights allocators who offer examples for other investors seeking diverse funding opportunities and stronger financial performance.

Mental health issues affect about one in five Americans, but accessing appropriate services remains a challenge for many. These challenges layer atop issues including a fragmented mental health care ecosystem and a shortage of providers. In this episode of Money + Meaning, investors and mental health services professionals share their thoughts and ideas on creating a more integrated and equitable mental health care system.

Collaborators who launched the Inclusive Capital Exchange (ICX) at SOCAP24 are preparing for its second year of enhancing the flow of capital between impact funders and founders at SOCAP25. As they incorporate lessons from the initial experience, the ICX team sees broader opportunities to drive effective deal-making and “help investors get off their assets” at SOCAP25.

An initiative launched to connect more entrepreneurs and communities with capital for impact is making an urgent call for additional funders and organizations. An influx of catalytic capital — investments that acknowledge the risk involved — is needed to address global social and environmental challenges and realize the full potential of impact investing.  Partners in the Catalytic Capital Consortium (C3) provide a look at their progress and plans for building this patient, flexible, and risk-tolerant investment field in this Money + Meaning podcast, recorded at SOCAP24.

This episode of Money + Meaning features leaders from World Education Services, a global social enterprise committed to 100% mission-aligned investing. Tune in to hear lessons learned, milestones, and how the bold decision aims to reinforce the organization’s approach to impact.

Recorded at SOCAP24, this discussion features leaders in the field who offer a comprehensive overview of the climate capital landscape and share how they are working to transform economic systems to be in harmony with the planet.

This episode of Money + Meaning showcases the potential that shared business ownership holds to benefit stakeholders and drive systems change. Recorded at SOCAP24, the conversation features experts in the field who discuss the role that investors can play in supporting employee ownership models and how shared ownership helps build more resilient, equitable, and profitable businesses.

What can you expect at SOCAP24? Three full days of networking and learning infused with the spirit of community, the power of connection, and the magic of serendipity—all with the goal of facilitating capital flow for impact. In a new episode of the Money + Meaning podcast, members of the SOCAP Global team share a look at what’s in store at SOCAP24!

Philanthropic funding can serve as a tool to reduce risks in blended finance projects and attract more private investment for sustainable development. As part of a collaborative approach, grants and project financing help innovative opportunities become investment-ready and take steps toward impact at scale.     A new episode of Money and Meaning features a conversation recorded at SOCAP23 that highlights specific, actionable examples of private capital used to catalyze market-driven solutions.  This podcast episode features: Belinda Morris, Co-Founder of Colibri Catalyst Daniel Uribe, Executive Director of Fundación Corona  Liesel Pritzker Simmons, Co-Founder and Principal of Blue Haven Initiative Kunle Apampa, Head of Client Solutions & Partnerships at Capricorn Investment Group, Moderator

Explore the advantages of centering community voices in the investment decision process. In this conversation, learn about new models of participatory investment that are helping to build a more inclusive and effective impact investing community. By giving entrepreneurs and grassroots communities a voice and vote in investment decisions, practitioners are centering community voices in their investment decision processes. 

A new Money + Meaning episode features leaders in healthcare and finance who discuss the widespread housing crisis and how they’re partnering and innovating to expand the housing stock and provide wraparound services for social and financial impact.

By shifting to a more just and inclusive approach to philanthropy, funders can help support the development and scaling of more sustainable social enterprises and build long-term impact. It’s an approach that reimages philanthropy by developing trust-based relationships that better center the experiences of community groups on the frontlines of social and environmental challenges. This conversation features three practitioners who discuss the role of trust-based philanthropy in the impact ecosystem. They demonstrate how relationship-building can help address the inherent power imbalance between funders and communities seeking resources to achieve their goals.

SOCAP’s annual convening serves as a springboard for ongoing collaboration and conversation, and partnerships are integral to amplifying the event’s impact and reach. In a new Money + Meaning podcast, Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter and Tova Lobatz of SOCAP Global discuss the pivotal role of SOCAP partnerships, their contribution to event content, and how SOCAP works with partners to amplify their impact.

By re-examining traditional methods of investing and funding, foundations and endowments are working with partners to connect capital with communities most affected by the climate crisis. This path helps center the voices of people in frontline communities who are most familiar with the challenges and addresses social and environmental impacts, from pollution to health inequity to systemic racism. Leaders from social justice organizations and foundations discuss how they are reshaping their work to support community wealth creation and strategies to mitigate climate change in a new Money and Meaning podcast recorded at SOCAP23.

In this episode of Money + Meaning, Advantage Capital Managing Director Ryan Brennan discusses how the firm continues to evolve its practices and expand its reach. His conversation with Nzinga Broussard of Sorenson Impact Institute was recorded live at SOCAP23. With a portfolio that includes more than $4 billion invested over more than 30 years, Advantage Capital demonstrates how investing can create waves of positive impact across communities and sectors. The firm’s unique investment approach prioritizes meaningful impact measurement and dynamic partnerships. 

As the global impact community evolves and expands, so does SOCAP Global’s annual flagship conference. One key element is SOCAP Open, which invites the impact community to submit session proposals and brings new voices and differing perspectives to SOCAP. SOCAP Open offers individuals and organizations the chance to showcase innovative ideas, delve into impactful solutions, and open conversations about pressing issues on the SOCAP stage. Two members of the SOCAP team sat down for a Money + Meaning podcast conversation on guidelines and updates for this year’s process. 

A new Money + Meaning podcast episode features a SOCAP23 session exploring innovative funding models that go beyond equity and debt. Three fund managers share their capital solutions designed to better meet the financial needs of many entrepreneurs, especially founders, who often are overlooked in traditional funding markets. 

A Canadian social finance firm is demonstrating the value of a community-driven outcomes tool for positive impact. With a focus on revitalizing Indigenous economies, Raven Indigenous Capital Partners is partnering with communities to address social and environmental challenges and expand access to capital. Their innovative financial projects and products include Raven’s Indigenous Outcomes Fund and Community-Driven Outcomes Contracts, which address priority issues in Indigenous communities such as health, climate, and workforce development.

This Money + Meaning podcast features a SOCAP23 panel moderated by Enable Ventures Founder Regina Kline. During the “Closing the Disability Wealth Gap” dialogue, Kline spoke with entrepreneurs from four catalytic, impactful, high-growth startups who are leading the charge in technical innovations specifically for the disability sector. In this conversation, they are joined by customers and end users of their products to discuss how these innovative solutions are changing the world.

On the final day of SOCAP23, three Content Curation Council members gathered to discuss highlights and insights from the event and take a look at what’s ahead. Matthew Bishop, Senior Fellow at Sorenson Impact Institute, moderated the discussion with social impact leaders Andia Chakava of Afrishela, Morgan Simon of Candide Group, and María Carolina Suarez Visbal of Latimpacto. As Content Curation Council members, the three helped select and shape sessions and speakers under the event’s overarching theme, Facing Urgency: Impact at the Speed of Trust.