On this week’s episode, Alex is joined by George Ashton III, Managing Director of Strategic Investments at Local Initiatives Support Corporation or LISC. George recently helped launch LISC's Black Economic Development Fund. Targeting up to $250mm and initially seeded by $25mm investments from both Netflix and Costco, the Black Economic Development Fund will work to close the racial wealth gap through both a direct and indirect investment strategy: directly through investments in black-led businesses and anchor institutions, and indirectly through working with black-led financial institutions. Our conversation covers the growth of CDFIs, their role in community development, the economic incentive for corporations to help close the racial wealth gap, and how more corporations can unlock their balance sheets for impact.

Unlocking Corporate Treasuries for Racial Equity with George Ashton of LISC

Money + Meaning highlights the stories of innovators in our community who are leveraging the power of capital markets to create a more just and sustainable economy. We expand the conversation around impact investing and explore strategies to finance and support social change.

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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.

Supporting the Frontlines of Climate Justice: Funding Early and Funding Big

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.

Driving Impact with Meaningful Measurement

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.

All About SOCAP Open

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.

Innovative Funding Models for Entrepreneurs

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.

Unlocking Corporate Treasuries for Racial Equity with George Ashton of LISC

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