At a pivotal moment for the impact investing sector, an engaged group of philanthropic leaders, impact investors, and social entrepreneurs gathered in New York City for a lunchtime summit, “Meeting the Moment through Impact Investing.” Organized by ImpactAssets in collaboration with the Woodcock Foundation and Propel Capital, this event comes at a crucial juncture — against a backdrop of increased scrutiny and political headwinds facing progressive institutions advocating for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) principles.​

The panel brought together perspectives on how impact investing is evolving, highlighting critical themes of resilience, innovation, and collaboration. Panelists discussed their institutions’ journeys from initial explorations of impact investing to sophisticated strategic frameworks that blend traditional philanthropy, nonprofit support, advocacy, and policy engagement. Central to these strategies was the deployment of catalytic capital tools — recoverable grants, guarantees, and Program-Related Investments (PRIs) — with the aim of aligning the entirety of their institutional assets toward creating impact that effectively balances social outcomes with financial sustainability.

Is this the moment to reframe the story of impact investing?

Throughout the event, panelists underscored the iterative and experimental nature of their work, emphasizing that the most meaningful lessons emerge from actively engaging with real-world projects. Attendees heard how hybrid organizational structures are breaking down barriers between grant-making, advocacy, and direct investment, enabling philanthropies and foundations to act nimbly and responsively to emerging social challenges.

A key part of the conversation revolved around a timely and compelling question from attendees: Is this the moment to reframe the story of impact investing, particularly in response to the polarized political climate intensified by the “Trump II” era? Panelists acknowledged the necessity of clear and resilient narratives that can transcend partisan divides, offering several actionable recommendations:

• Inclusivity and Expansion: There was consensus around the urgency of widening the impact investing community. By engaging traditionally underrepresented groups — including family foundations, family offices, financial advisors, grassroots nonprofits, and frontline social enterprises — impact investing can become more robust, innovative, and equitable.
• This is a Moment to Act: We are at an inflection point – for the planet; for technology; for accurate, truthful information; and for democracy globally. Building the future that we want will require action in many ways. For philanthropists, this could mean activating more than 5% of the capital that they are fortunate to have access to.
• Mobilizing All Assets: Panelists advocated boldly exploring underutilized tools and leverage points, such as direct shareholder activism and targeted policy advocacy, to maximize the influence and efficiency of capital. While there are many entry points to impact investing, the path to 100% mission alignment is to start with identifying your impact goals, assessing the type of capital you seek to invest (including asset class and financial return expectations), and identifying the best partner or advisor to help execute the strategy.
• Complementing Public Sector Initiatives: While cautioning that impact investing should not and cannot substitute for robust public financing, panelists highlighted a critical ecosystem-building role. By fostering collaborative, multi-sectoral partnerships, impact investors can catalyze systemic change, helping fill gaps and strengthen complementary public initiatives.
• Breaking Silos: Recognizing the tendency for silos within the sector, the discussion highlighted the transformational potential of cross-sector synergies. For instance, initiatives focused on economic security naturally intersect with democracy-strengthening efforts, multiplying impact outcomes beyond original projections.

What emerged most powerfully from the summit was a sense of determined optimism. Rather than succumbing to political headwinds or becoming overwhelmed by the daunting complexity of systemic challenges, panelists shared a collective resolve fueled by solidarity, strategic partnership-building, and increasing interest from younger generations of impact-minded investors and philanthropists.

Attendees heard how hybrid organizational structures are breaking down barriers between grant-making, advocacy, and direct investment.

The summit concluded with a powerful reflection on the essential role impact investing must play in addressing profoundly inequitable systems, particularly highlighting the agriculture and food sectors. “At a moment when philanthropy is very much needed to help address social and environmental crises, one panelist observed, “we have the potential to significantly increase the amount of capital being activated to address these crises and support innovation.”

Indeed, events such as this summit hosted by ImpactAssets point to the potential for deeper engagement, clearer narratives, and more strategic alliances that can continue to elevate the entire field of impact investing.

Learn more about ImpactAssets: impactassets.org

Learn more about the Woodcock Foundation: woodcockfdn.org

Learn more about Propel Capital: propelcapital.org