Blue Haven Initiative

The Business And Economic Case For Academic Freedom Academic freedom fuels U.S. innovation and economic growth. Political interference risks undermining our universities—and America's global competitive edge.

"Attacks on university research put at risk one of government's highest-return investments."

In this op-ed, SSN Board Member Ian Simmons writes about the governments recent involvement in #HigherEd and how academic freedom is crucial for long-term economic growth.

Read more in @forbes.com. ⤵️

Good news! Duke’s resources on raising capital for impact are now free for all: bit.ly/4mu2mVJ #impinv

Philanthropists find new ways to give in the face of Trump’s opposition Responses include financial support for democracy programmes and building alliances

In times of uncertainty, collaboration is key for impact investors, philanthropists. So is finding ways to get things done, like backing local + state initiatives. Grateful for the partners leaning in!

Liesel Pritzker Simmons shares her insights via @financialtimes.com: bit.ly/44izglJ

Fantastic Q&A with Liesel Pritzker Simmons on the state of impact investing, the unique role family offices can play at this time, deploying capital for the long term and the crucial role of public policy. @bluehaveninit.bsky.social @impactalpha.com #impinv impactalpha.com/blue-havens-...

Issue 4 - Summer 2025 Progress in the United States has often come from unlikely coalitions brought together around shared values and goals. In challenging times, we believe it's crucial to identify ideas with broad suppor...

Our principals believe it’s important to identify ideas with broad support and build alliances that can result in positive change. They share their thoughts in our latest newsletter, where you can also read about initiatives we’re supporting and investments we’re making: bit.ly/3ZYK0TN #impinv

Let’s face it: It has never been more important for impact investors to communicate with clarity and without jargon. Recently we were asked, “what is catalytic capital?” It’s important to be able to describe it well, as we think the Catalytic Capital Consortium does well here: bit.ly/4ec1HFn

There’s a new VC focused on fintech startups supporting financial health ResilienceVC, a fintech venture firm, backs innovation that delivers strong financial returns while creating lasting social impact.

Pleased to see the ResilienceVC founding team and its debut fintech fund featured in this piece in @forbes.com. The firm focuses on seed-stage companies that assist low-to-moderate income Americans and underserved small businesses. bit.ly/3HvPMGe

Why we need 'revolutionary' cooling tech - BBC News Cooling systems that avoid the use of polluting refrigerants are being launched.

Temperatures are rising, and the cooling market is growing. What is solid-state cooling? RMI, which has identified between 10 and 20 startups working in this space, explains it in this BBC piece: bit.ly/4jCmEKO

Investing in the future: How better mental health benefits everyone Mental and substance use disorders, along with other NCDs, are on the rise. Investing in mental health can reduce the global burden of NCDs and mental health.

With improving mental health access an area of focus for us, this McKinsey & Co. report caught our eye. Not only does treatment improve the lives of individuals, it’s good for the global economy. #MentalHealthAwareness Month. bit.ly/3ZB69Hu

Why Catalytic Capital Needs a Better Definition (SSIR) The decline and fall of ESG offers a cautionary tale for social impact financing and highlights the need for the sector to sharpen its understanding of catalytic capital. We propose a potential defini...

While the impact investing market continues to grow, this piece points out that only a fraction of capital goes into catalytic investing, which can help support early-stage ventures. These authors wonder: Will a better definition of this form of more flexible financing help?
bit.ly/3SMtzFY

Does civics education make more engaged citizens? Over the past two decades, civics education in the U.S. quietly faded into the background as schools shifted focus to STEM and reading. In this episode, host Katie Dunn Tenpas and guest Rachel Perera,...

Civics education is vital in shaping the next generation of engaged citizens. It's not just about memorizing facts—it's about teaching students to think critically and to participate meaningfully in democracy, especially within their local communities. bit.ly/4mi7DjH

Innovative Finance Initiative IFI brings together funders, builders, thinkers, and doers who believe the future of finance should serve real-world impact. These are the navigators mapping tomorrow's financial systems.

Exciting news: Blue Haven Initiative is a Cornerstone Funder of the Innovative Finance Initiative — a 5-year effort to scale what works & unlock what’s next in finance for impact. We're backing bold ideas to reshape how capital flows. Learn more: www.innovative.finance

Ford, Sorenson Impact, and Surdna foundations join the Catalytic Capital Consortium Learn how the Catalytic Capital Consortium is shaping investments to tackle social and environmental challenges through collaboration.

Proud to be in good company as we welcome the Ford, Sorenson Impact, and Surdna foundations to the Catalytic Capital Consortium (C3). Great to see momentum around this community committed to expanding opportunity and economic growth for all. bit.ly/42XIRhn

What is systemic investing, and why are impact investors taking notice? | MIT Sloan Systemic investing offers a route to sustainably realizing financial and eco-social value. The key is understanding and embracing the complexity of systems.

In our view, systemic investing is impact investing done right. Whatever words are used, we’re pleased to see more people becoming interested in investing for transformative change. It has never been more important! bit.ly/3RJ5qQj

The History of Earth Day - Earth Day Discover Earth Day's 50-Year Legacy, Uniting Billions Annually on April 22. Explore the Movement's History.

Earth Day began in 1970, timed to spark student action. 🌍 Now it drives global change. Climate investors continue to be part of that legacy by pushing for a more sustainable future. Learn about the history behind today: www.earthday.org/history/

A Citizen’s Guide To The Musk-Bannon Tax Showdown With Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from 2017 set to expire this year, both are now speaking out in advance of what is shaping up to be a massive fight over taxes.

For @forbes.com, our co-founder Ian Simmons weighs in on the emerging Musk-Bannon rift in Trump’s inner circle—and what it means for America’s tax future. The outcome of this debate could shape the nation’s tax policy for years to come. bit.ly/4jbgbaj

Issue 3 - Spring 2025 More than a century ago, German sociologist Max Weber introduced the concept of "patrimonialism," a style of autocratic governing driven by loyalty, favors, and cronyism. As Jonathan Rauch writes in T...

Hello, Bluesky! We're thrilled to be here. Our spring issue of The Blue Haven Brief is out now! 🌱 In our latest newsletter, we share how our in-house portfolio, with a focus on climate, fintech, and mental health, is evolving. We also touch on the issues our team is watching.