Common Future

In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to reaffirm our commitments and strengthen collective action and collaboration in the equitable economy space. That’s why Common Future's Advocacy Team is launching its first-ever coalition—dedicated to Systems Change and supporting organizations entering and navigating the policy space. https://lnkd.in/gAxKExUE

We’re excited to share that our Community Credit Lab (CCL) Fund has been recognized as an Emerging Impact Manager in the ImpactAssets 50 for 2025! The ImpactAssets 50 recognizes fund managers who are dedicated to driving meaningful social change through their investments. This recognition speaks to the power of investing in community-led solutions and why we do this work here at Common Future. The CCL Fund is committed to investing in emergent economic models and practices that advance racial and economic equity and are led by Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color with a deep understanding of the challenges of our current economic system. Our current economic system is designed to accumulate wealth and power in the hands of a few. We’re working to change that by investing catalytic capital in community leaders and building a more just and inclusive economy. We’re grateful to work alongside partners and allies in transforming impact investing. Find our #IA50EIM profile here: https://lnkd.in/eftDKVQg Learn more about how we're investing $35M into creating a more equitable economy: https://lnkd.in/gPCKkzTm

Just returning from the Global Philanthropy Forum, I’m feeling energized and inspired by the incredible conversations with thought leaders from around the world. The discussions centered on how philanthropy must adapt, evolve, and meet the moment—rethinking how we invest in the future. In that same spirit, I’m excited to share a piece I wrote on how philanthropy has to be bolder and braver in how we invest. Philanthropy has the power to challenge the status quo—but only if we are willing to reimagine risk, fund movements at scale, and stand firmly on the side of justice. Shout out to Ford Foundation, RWJF Surdna Foundation, among others that are helping lead this charge with us. #Philanthropy #RacialJustice #ImpactInvesting #ReparativeEconomy

Over ten years ago in Hong Kong, I discovered the ImpactAssets 50 list and dreamed of working with an impact investment fund addressing intractable social or environmental challenges. This week, Community Credit Lab (CCL), which Sandhya Nakhasi and I co-founded over 5 years ago in Seattle, made the 2025 list. The fund was acquired by Common Future over two years ago, now advancing economic justice and racial equity across the country at a time when these issues could not matter more. We started small - just three people funding our first investment product. Sometimes a few people believing in a collective vision is all it takes. Now CCL has grown into a fund of funds, investing up to $1mm in emerging diverse impact investment managers across the United States. These investments create significant impact through affordable and accessible terms for nascent fund managers and small businesses. Congratulations to Sandhya Nakhasi, Agnetha Jaime Gloshay, Chelsea A. McDaniel, Roselle Croitoru, Yaye Maguette Ndiaye, MBA, and Sagried Slater, MSNPA for leading this work as it continues to grow and for deserving this recognition alongside so many other pioneering funds working to shift how capital flows in national and global economic systems. While recognition is nice, I know we’re all aligned that real impact lies in supporting partners and investees effectively. May this selection also bring more resources and partnerships to advance your mission and growth. Thank you as well to all those who support the growth of mission driven leaders and new initiatives to build a better future together. Continue to be bold with this support as it is profound, rare, and greatly needed in this moment.

“This piece is for those in philanthropy who believe in us…philanthropy has a real chance to flip the script and fight for democracy by investing boldly and finding new, creative ways to sustain this work.” — Maureen Silva What would it mean for philanthropy to invest boldly at this moment? We don’t have to speculate, as conservative funders now demonstrate the audacity and unity our sector requires. Now is the time to step up and step in for progress—Maureen, our Director of Philanthropic Partnerships, tells us how: https://lnkd.in/eg-qeKFT

No matter what happens, we will always need each other. In our latest Redefining Risk webinar, Angela Glover Blackwell describes transformative solidarity as this; "Your freedom is my freedom. Your injustice is injustice to me. We have to embrace it all and stand in transformative solidarity. That means refusing to denigrate one another or diminish each other’s futures. Instead, we must uplift, support, and be ready to show up with everything when the time comes." Dive into the wisdom shared by our incredible panelists,?Karla Monterroso,?Angela Glover Blackwell, and our co-CEO,?Jennifer Swayne Njuguna, Esq., in a conversation moderated by Allison Jones, VP of Brand and Storytelling. https://lnkd.in/eQRFp3NC

Today at noon, at Startup Hall, join Ken Horenstein of Pack Ventures, Jack K.(Knellinger) of Revoluity, Sandhya Nakhasi of Common Future and Allison Parker, CAP? of Peake Impact will present a high-level primer on impact investing--an approach that marries financial returns with meaningful social and environmental impact. Register: https://bit.ly/F4SU_Panel. Watch the live stream: bit.ly/CoMotionLive

The past year's erosion of progress and the oligarchy in place in our government is enough to make many of us reconsider our work, fearful of what we can or can't do in such a hostile environment. The key is continuing to move forward together, building coalitions across race and class. In 2025 and beyond, how can we strategically take on risk as we fight for justice? Join us today at 1PM ET/10AM PT for our first webinar of the year, in which we will discuss these questions and more. Moderated by: Allison Jones, VP of Brand and Storytelling at Common Future Featuring panelists: Jennifer Swayne Njuguna, Esq.—Co-CEO,?Common Future Angela Glover Blackwell—Founder-in-Residence,?PolicyLink Karla Monterroso—Founder and Managing Partner, Brava Leaders https://lnkd.in/gjY5FGGN

"We’ve had over a year to prepare for the potential entrenchment and backlash and are well aware of what we’re facing. Coordinated attacks require both coordinated responses and offensive strategies. That’s why philanthropy should expand its thinking to provide multi-year general operating dollars that help the whole sector act in concert, not just keep individual organizations afloat." Read our Co-CEOs Jennifer Swayne Njuguna, Esq., Sandhya Nakhasi, and Jess Yupanqui Feingold's Letter to the Editor ↓

The BLIS Collective is thrilled to kick off the year with our first webinar: "The Fabric of Repair: Braiding Narratives of Liberation for Black and Indigenous Movements." ?? When: February 19th, 3:00 - 4:30 PM ET ?? Where: Virtual This webinar goes beyond conversation—it’s an opportunity to: ?? Share updates on our ongoing research efforts. ?? Dive into our agenda for advancing reparative and redistributive policies. ?? Collectively build cultural consensus around justice, repair, and liberation. Our Esteemed Panelists Include: Camilla Griffiths, PhD, BLIS Collective Savannah Romero, BLIS Collective Nick Tilsen, NDN Collective Kavon Ward, Where Is My Land Garrison Hayes, Mother Jones Together, we’ll dive into how Black and Indigenous movements can advance narratives of liberation and repair in a time when solidarity is more critical than ever. ?? RSVP today to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/ek_snfE3