This article is part of a partnership between ImpactAlpha and Mission Investors Exchange (MIE) to present new ideas and perspectives in impact investing. The MIE 2024 National Conference takes place May 7-9 in Los Angeles. If you are a foundation or other philanthropic asset owner, learn more about MIE and the National Conference here. Other articles in this series include:

• “The climate transition and investment opportunities for family offices,” by Bruce McNamer of Builders Vision
• “Changing how capital flows through communities to improve health,” by Zoila Jennings of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
• “Investment manager diversity matters when investing for health equity,” by Rochelle Witharana of California Wellness Foundation
• “Lessons from the Kellogg Foundation’s $310 million in mission-driven investments,” by Cynthia Muller of W.K. Kellogg Foundation
• “Addressing the broken child care system with impact investments,” by Essma Bengabsia of Annie E. Casey Foundation
• “The brilliant case for impact investing in America’s HBCUs,” by Erika Brice of Kresge Foundation

There has never been a more crucial moment to bring together the leading impact investors into one city and one room.

As we collectively drive social and environmental change, we have the opportunity – indeed, responsibility – to deepen our impact. That’s why I’m so thrilled to be kicking off the Mission Investors Exchange 2024 National Conference this week, May 7-9, in Los Angeles, where we will explore innovative best practices and help create new strategies to build a more equitable and sustainable future.

As the leading impact investing network for foundations, philanthropic asset owners and their partners, MIE is dedicated to empowering our members to deploy more capital for social and environmental good. Our biennial National Conference is the pre-eminent event in philanthropy and impact investing, where we will be exploring four critical themes:

• Activating for equity: How can we intentionally incorporate equity into all aspects of investing and operations in a rapidly evolving world?
• Building community and environmental sustainability: As we confront the realities of climate change and environmental injustice, how can we foster resilient and sustainable communities?
• Utilizing the entire endowment: What strategies can we employ to unlock mission-aligned capital and harness the full power of our endowments and other assets for good?
• Leveraging capital and partnerships: In an era of collaboration and convergence, how can we design partnerships with aligned institutions to better leverage public and private capital?

This year’s conference will once again bring together a who’s who in philanthropy, impact investing, and the broader ecosystem. Our main stage plenaries will feature foundation presidents such as La June Montgomery Tabron of W.K. Kellogg Foundation, John Palfrey of John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Tonya Allen of McKnight Foundation, and Nicole Taylor of Silicon Valley Community Foundation. 

We will also have public and private sector leaders including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments, and Jay Brown, co-founder and vice chairman of Roc Nation and co-founder of Marcy Venture Partners. And we will be joined by cutting-edge creators and entrepreneurs such as the award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay, whose latest film, Origin, was developed through an innovative new model for Hollywood that disrupts the typical financing structure while giving power to the filmmaker and artists. 

We will kick off the conference with ‘Impact in Action’ offsite sessions in communities across L.A. From inclusive entrepreneurship to clean technology, these immersive experiences will showcase the transformative power of impact investing in real-world settings. Our Impact in Action partners will showcase L.A.’s renowned impact investing ecosystem, which is tackling social and environmental challenges confronting communities nationwide. 

Our offside partners include Everytable, a social enterprise whose mission is to make fresh, nutritious meals affordable for everyone; Genesis LA, one of the city’s largest community development financial institutions; the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world; and Slauson & Co., a Black-owned, L.A.-based early stage venture capital firm rooted in economic inclusion and backed by some of the world’s most influential tech companies. 

For more Conference content, follow #MissionInvest2024 on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn throughout the week, and stay plugged in to ImpactAlpha and The Brief for additional coverage.

Matt Onek is president and CEO of Mission Investors Exchange.