Inspired Investing

At the intersection of HBCUs and venture capital lies HBCUvc—a nonprofit dedicated to reimagining the venture capital ecosystem by expanding access to more Black and Brown investors. Jaisa Minor, Head of Partnerships at HBCUvc, joins James in conversation today with HBCUvc benefactors Brantly Fulton, Lab Fund recipient and CEO of Lamar IoT, and Trea'jure Dahl, Spelman College junior and HBCUvc fel...

As organizations do more to align mission, vision, and values, many are looking more closely at the "G" in "ESG". How can you ensure your board is following best practices when it comes to governance? Senior Portfolio Manager Valerie Grant developed a proprietary metric to evaluate public company boards while managing responsible investing strategies. Now she applies those same principles to board...

Was 2020 as catastrophic for giving as many feared? The short answer is no. Surveying the landscape, an array of recent reports points to some surprisingly good news. While not all organizations benefited equally, the overall story was one of incredible generosity—despite the pandemic. In today's episode, we highlight some of the bright spots, including online giving, the democratization of philan...

The NACUBO Study of Endowments is considered the definitive benchmarking report for the nonprofit sector. But the average endowment size for respondents is close to $1 billion. In today's episode, we distill the findings for small- to mid-size mission-driven organizations. Rather than wading through hundreds of pages, Bernstein Senior Investment Strategist Greg Young joins Clare to get to the "so...

Many organizations with a mission to support underserved populations are striving to better reflect the communities they're meant to serve. They're on a journey towards a more inclusive culture, and open to change. How can they address the dynamics of power and privilege to close the leadership gap among their senior Board and Executive ranks? Ashlee Davis, Senior Diversity and Inclusion Manager f...

How do you keep enough cash to avoid forced selling—but not so much that it drags on returns? That's the top question for nonprofits and foundations today. Our experts offer investment committees strategic advice for calibrating cash, one of the most overlooked parts of an organization's portfolio. For more on the blog mentioned in today's episode, visit https://blog.alliancebernstein.com/library/...

Two Bernstein professionals overseeing tax planning and giving strategies share the conversations that are resonating with donors this year. How is the CARES Act creating a once-in-a-lifetime giving opportunity in 2020? Why are bequests gaining traction right now? And what makes gifting appreciated securities extra appealing amid today's narrow stock market? We offer prescriptive, compelling angle...

A decade ago, fiduciaries wondered, "Will considering ESG investments violate my fiduciary duty?" Today, that question has been turned on its head. Decision-makers now ask, "Will I breach my fiduciary duty by not investing responsibly?" Bernstein professionals Travis Allen and Chris Clarkson join Clare to discuss next steps for investment committees considering responsible investing, as well as th...

As a tumultuous year unfolds, have the giving strategies of wealthy families changed? That's the question Bernstein colleagues Anne Bucciarelli and Heather George wrote about in the latest issue of Trust & Estates magazine. In their article " Philanthropy in a Pandemic " they reveal five key themes that have emerged from recent discussions with large family foundations and family offices with long...

The pandemic is prompting many mission-driven organizations to step up their online game. Most already have a web site. But far fewer have fundamentally changed the way they operate and build their brand in this increasingly online world. That must change. Nonprofits offer a vital pathway to action for those who feel compelled to respond to today's unfolding crises. But what's the best way to get...

Many nonprofits feel under siege and don't know where to turn. Who better to offer advice than peers from other local, national, and global nonprofit organizations? Here are the best ideas gleaned from our Looking Forward, Giving Back webinar series—which featured proven leaders from both the social sector and the arts—discussing their biggest challenges, innovative responses, and what the post-pa...

The pandemic's burden is falling disproportionately on vulnerable populations. At the same time, many are grappling with ways to keep local businesses afloat. Could the power of collective action—channeling the nonprofits community's tremendous purchasing power—serve as a strategic solution to both? Whether through inclusive procurement or intentionally approaching a large capital spend, supplier...

With the world of philanthropy turned upside down, Henry Berman, CEO of Exponent Philanthropy, suggests creative ways lean funders can shine. He joins Clare Golla to discuss peer-to-peer learning, fast-tracking funding, and whether now is the time to spend more. For further insights, visit Fulfilling Your Mission https://bit.ly/fulfillingyourmission Note to All Readers:  The information contained...

This new decade is bringing great uncertainty for nonprofits and foundations. Whether it's the expectation for lower investment returns, a potential decline in giving from individuals, or the COVID-19 crisis, which is increasing the likelihood of a recession, how can nonprofits navigate these mounting challenges? To read more of our insights, visit Fulfilling Your Mission https://bit.ly/fulfilling...

How can you enhance your strategic asset allocation to navigate the return environment ahead? One solution: Alternatives. Clare speaks with Janette Burke, partner at Cordia Partners and Alex Chaloff, Bernstein's Head of Alternative Asset Strategies, about the investment landscape, asset allocation, and alternative investments.  Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the view...

Each day in America, there are 28 hate crimes perpetrated with a gun. How can we change the narrative to positivity and hope? Jonathan Greenblatt, from the Anti-Defamation League, and Marlon Chamberlain, of Readi Chicago, join moderator Dan Protess, from WTTW offer solutions. Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sou...

A few charitable organizations raised more money last year, but most have seen a fall-off. Clare talks with CCS Fundraising's Greg Hagin to understand how these select few are attracting that capital. To read more about the issues facing nonprofits, click bit.ly/efblogs. | Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources...

Activist investing gets a lot of attention because it tends to play out in the media, but a subtler approach is often more successful. Shareholder engagement represents a fundamental part of being an active owner and can lead to lasting improvements in corporate behavior. Oftentimes patience and two-way dialogue end up being the ultimate push that spurs action. To learn how we engage companies on...

Shifts in generational demographics, declines in religious affiliation, and changes to tax laws are driving declines in giving, while the cost to maintain real estate are often outpacing those donation dollars. In this episode Clare Golla and members of the Council of Church Advisors, Fran Brown and Kim Davis, put these challenges in perspective and offer advice on what religious organizations can...

Whether you're a nonprofit raising funds to support your mission, or you're a funder providing philanthropic support, disruption is afoot!  In this episode, Clare provides highlights from a recent event featuring GiveMN's, Jake Blumberg, and Andrew Dayton, founder and CEO of Constellation Fund,on how technology can enhance fundraising and asset deployment. For more nonprofit strategies, read our b...

Do you feel passionate about protecting the environment? Investors can be part of the solution by helping to stave off looming climate risks. For more on climate-proofing your portfolio, read our post, http://bit.ly/climate-proofing-equity-portfolio Note to All Readers: The information presented and opinions expressed are solely the views of the podcast host commentator and their guest speaker(s)....

Employees who serve their organizations' mission are falling behind on securing their own long-term financial wellbeing. How can nonprofits help? This podcast was recorded at an event hosted by Bernstein and the Back Office Cooperative for nonprofit board and committee members. To learn more, read "Mission First, People Always" http://bit.ly/missionfirstpeoplealways Note to All Readers: The inform...

Not long ago, investors assumed that responsible investing meant settling for lower returns. Today we know you can seek purpose and profits using a wide range of approaches. Here's how to invest through a responsible lens. http://bit.ly/PurposeinaPortfolio Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are...

Access to safe drinking water. Improving nutrition for poor children. Encouraging diversity in the boardroom. These are values that many of us can support. Now there's a way to ensure your investments reflect them.  http://bit.ly/2W0JODS Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the...

Uncertain policy and expectations for lower market returns are forcing nonprofits to think about alternative resources to support their missions. Building a social enterprise can be just the answer. On this episode, The Resurrection Project's COO, Julian Posada, walks through the keys to their successful formation of social enterprise LiftUp.  Note to All Readers: The information contained here re...