Like many foundations around the world, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation is on a journey to make better use of our investment assets. As with our £50 million of annual grant-making, we want our £1.2 billion endowment to make the most positive impact for people and planet. It is a challenging journey; not because it is technically difficult but because of ingrained norms and beliefs that create cultural and ideological barriers to change. Here are three fallacies …

Philanthropists’ interest in incorportating impact investing, both in grantmaking and their endowment, is growing, according to two philanthropic support organisations. Impact Europe and Philea (Philanthropy Europe Association) have released new guidance for philathropists looking to diversify. They say they’ve had incresing interest from philathropic organisations wanting to know more about how best to invest for impact with both grantmaking and endownment. The organisations’ new joint report Philanthropic Organisations Using the Entire Toolbox for More Impact also talks …

For the first time in U.S. history, the Corporate Transparency Act (‘CTA’) imposes broad ownership disclosure obligations on any entity formed or doing business in the United States.  Substantial civil and criminal penalties may be imposed for the failure to comply with CTA reporting obligations, with potential personal liability for officers and directors. Who is required to file a ‘beneficial ownership interest report’ under the CTA?   Absent an exemption, any entity formed or registered to do business …

At the 2024 Skoll World Forum Marmalade Festival, Spring Impact, Global Innovation Fund and Grand Challenges Canada co-hosted a side event to unpack key lessons for mission-driven organisations scaling with government. We were joined by guest speakers from Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre, Fresh Life, Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) and Ilifa Labantwana, as well as a fantastic audience.  Here, we distil the key lessons shared on the day, relevant particularly for mission-driven …