Systems Thinking for Impact Investing
The Systems Thinking for Impact Investing project equips investors with practical ways to integrate systems thinking across strategy, implementation, and impact measurement.
Through emerging research and real-world examples, this work:
- Bridges conceptual ideas to practical actions that impact investors can take
- Provides accessible entry points, regardless of where you are on your systems journey
- Offers concrete tools and strategies for starting, deepening, and enhancing your practice
This initiative is designed for impact-first investors — particularly foundations, family offices, and impact-oriented funds. Whether you’re seeking a first step or aiming to embed systems thinking more fully, our resources are designed to meet you where you are.
- If you’re beginning to explore systems approaches, we recommend starting with the Impact Investing Handbook – see Chapters 1-3 in particular.
- If you’d like to review additional materials, take a look at the comments section of this LinkedIn post that lists some relevant guides and articles.
- If you’d like to stay connected, share feedback, or express interest in upcoming learning and collaboration opportunities – use the form below or this link.
Primer: Systems Thinking for Impact Investing
The Primer introduces how systems thinking can reshape impact investing strategy and practice, through:
- The relevance of systems perspectives for investors
An integrative framework featuring six key shifts - Practical strategies, examples, and pathways for application
- Case examples from six diverse organizations putting systems thinking into action
Playbook: Integrating Systems Thinking into Impact Investing
The Playbook builds on the Primer by offering a flexible set of tools to help investors and advisors move from mindset to practice, including:
- Diagnostics, prompts, and practical worksheets
- Tools to integrate systems thinking across strategy, due diligence, portfolio construction, IMM, and governance
- Options for starting, deepening, and enhancing your systems approach over time
Engagement Opportunities
Webinars and Presentations
- May 2025: Webinar (Part 2) on May 29th with Saïd Business School — Register here
- April 2025: Webinar (Part 1) with Saïd Business School — Recording
- April 2025: AVPN Conference — Presentation materials
- April 2024: Skoll World Forum — Slides and event summary
Learning Cohort
Launching this fall, our virtual learning cohort will bring together a small group of asset owners, foundations, and family offices to:
- Work through the Primer and Playbook tools in a structured, interactive manner
- Share experiences with peer investors and field leaders in a small group setting
- Develop practical plans for integrating systems thinking into your own strategies
- Build a community of practice committed to systems change for impact investing
→ Express Interest in the Learning Cohort using the form here.
Connect With Us
Sign up here to stay connected, share feedback, or express interest in upcoming learning and collaboration opportunities.