The Case for Durable Investments

Philanthropy has long prioritized short-term, restrictive funding while marginalized communities and nonprofits struggle to secure the capital needed for sustained impact.

Just as we invest in entrepreneurs through venture capital and trust veterans to build their futures through the GI Bill, we must extend that same trust to communities and social sector leaders by providing durable capital—long-term, flexible investments that drive systemic change. The individuals and organizations closest to these challenges understand their needs best and are best positioned to create lasting solutions when given the resources to do so.

This session, led by UpTogether, a national systems-change organization that directly invests in people, the Center for Effective Philanthropy, and the Schott Foundation for Public Education will explore how unrestricted cash transfers, multi-year funding, and trust-based philanthropic models serve as durable investments in economic mobility. Participants will gain insights and strategies to shift from transactional giving to investments that build long-term community wealth and power.