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Greetings! 
The past year has been notable for the wide-ranging mission investments (including both PRIs and MRIs) by foundations of all types and sizes. Some of the ones we have highlighted are Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's investment in Green House homes for seniors; K.L. Felicitas Foundation's investment in health care and clean water in India; and the Community Foundation for Muskegon County's (MI) investment in community development. New investments by the Kellogg Foundation in fresh food systems, and the Kresge Foundation in CDFIs are described below. In view of where we aspire to be, we take heart from the creativity and commitment of our members and colleagues as they work to ensure a better future. Happy New Year to all!
Peter Berliner, Managing Director, PRI Makers Network |
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 Improving the Social Utility of Philanthropic Investments in Responsive Philanthropy is an effort to think out loud about the challenge of mission investing - the reasons that it might be seen as daunting, or a stretch. We as advocates have to take these issues seriously - it's very tempting, but not so productive to think that our solutions are obvious and easy.
It's also a preliminary effort to think about how to move the conversation about mission investing forward. As challenging for new entrants as mission investing may be, we've only begun to think about how foundations can most effectively shape private markets to serve public purpose. While we spread the word, we should also advance the field. We'd love to hear your thoughts on how to do this most effectively.
David Wood, Director, More for Mission |
 In the News | |
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation will provide capital for financing retail, production, processing and distribution of fresh food to reach lower-income communities in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans. The capital will be made available through the foundation's mission-driven investment work in partnership with a community development financial institution (CDFI), NCB Capital Impact.
The Kresge Foundation will provide its largest loan ever to a loan fund that makes financing available to underserved communities through the NEXT Awards for Opportunity Finance, a program recognizing performance and potential for CDFIs. |
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Upcoming Network Events |
Investing for Impact:
2012 National Conference
May 8 - 10, 2012
Seattle Waterfront Marriott Hotel
Join us in Seattle for our 2012 National Conference. Early-bird registration is now open - Network members save $150 by registering early! Sponsorship opportunities are also available; please contact us if you are interested.
Expanding the Philanthropic Toolbox Webinar Series Archives Available
If you are new to PRIs and want to learn the basics prior to our national conference in May, check out the archived introduction to PRIs webinar series! Learn step by step from experienced practitioners in this four part series. A pre-conference session on May 8, "PRI Fundamentals" will also provide you with practical and basic information about PRIs.
All webinar programs hosted by the PRI Makers Network are recorded and available on our website. |
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New at the Network | |
Welcome New Members!
Forty-seven organizations have joined the Network in 2011. Please join us in welcoming our most recent new members:
Fields Pond Foundation of Waltham, MA provides financial assistance to community-based nature and land conservation organizations that serve to increase local environmental awareness.
Third Generation of the Hunt Alternative Fund of Cambridge, MA funds in the areas of mental health, the environment, youth and arts, and civic engagement in Colorado. |
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Articles of Interest | |
Leveraging New Investments
Debra Schwartz, director of Program-Related Investments at The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and a Network steering committee member, is featured in the Kellogg School of Management newsletter describing the role that below-market PRIs can play when crafting a deal with parties who require a market rate of return.
Rebooting Philanthropy in Silicon Valley
Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen, founder of SV2, is featured in the New York Times on encouraging tech titans to be active philanthropists in Silicon Valley. Known for its entrepreneurs, engineers and investors, Silicon Valley is well positioned to use its entrepreneurial activities and strategies to be equally famous for making and giving away money. Network members the Omidyar Network and the Skoll Foundation are also highlighted. |
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| Events of Interest |
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Paul Feldman, Ellen Stearns, Shiho Fuyuki, Peter Berliner
(not pictured) Katie Grace, David Wood |
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Peter Berliner, Managing Director, PRI Makers Network
David Wood, Director, More for Mission
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