Meridian Institute

“So, what do you do?” It’s a question we all get asked, but for Meridianites it’s a question without an easy answer. Every project at Meridian is unique, and while we believe there’s strength in our unique approach to the work, it also makes it hard to sum up what we do in an elevator pitch (especially if that elevator is only going a couple of floors!). We often say, “We are a mission-driven, nonprofit consultancy,” but what does that mean? To us, it means we’re committed to helping our partners improve lives, the environment, and the economy. For over 25 years, individuals, businesses, government entities, NGOs, and more have relied on us to help them tackle complex environmental and social issues. We bring a fresh approach to our partnerships—whether we’re providing strategic advice, incubating a new organization, facilitating contentious dialogue, or designing a multi-year collaborative. We co-create spaces where participants feel heard and invested in finding solutions and crafting a shared vision. We want there to be enough buy-in on that final vision that the people at the tables we’re facilitating feel empowered and motivated to execute that vision in the real world. Learn more about our unique approach to the work by visiting our website: https://lnkd.in/dpnQPmyD. And hear from some of our colleagues below, as they share more about what makes Meridian Institute unique. #facilitation #convening #consultancy #sustainability #ESG #systemsthinking #systemschange #innovation

Each year, the UN Climate Change Conference offers an exciting opportunity to convene to turn vision into action. This year, at #COP29Azerbaijan, our Meridian Institute team was busy as usual – focused on ensuring a #JustTransition, mobilizing #climatefinance, and prioritizing and supporting #IndigenousPeoples and #LocalCommunities.?? ? Beyond the daily sessions, side conversations, and negotiations, one output we are most proud of is the Food Systems Call to Action report, put out by Just Rural Transition (a Meridian project), in collaboration with Ambition Loop, @Race to Resilience, and @Race to Zero. You can read it here:?https://lnkd.in/dqAcyTki.?? ? In addition to our amazing co-collaborators, this report would not have been possible without all of the #farmers, #IndigenousPeoples, and other frontline actor representatives who have participated in our dialogues, consultations, and meetings throughout this year, generously sharing their knowledge, expertise, and calls to action for the community.? ? The report clearly lays out action steps across key priority areas, including frontline community support and rights, #foodsecurity and #nutrition, a #JustTransition, and – in true Meridian Institute fashion – promoting "multi-stakeholder collaboration".?? ? #COP29 Just Rural Transition Regen10?? Melissa Pinfield Tara Shyam Holly Anne Foster Valentina Toledo @Ali Eddy Todd Barker??

?? Check your inbox, the November edition of The Compass newsletter hit this morning! You can also read it here (and hit subscribe if you haven’t already) ?? https://lnkd.in/gx9CWNpk The theme of this month’s issue is regenerative agriculture. With deep roots in food and ag, founder Jason W. Ingle recaps a couple of recent events that the Third Nature team participated in – a Systems-Based Investing Field Lab event hosted by the Meridian Institute, Builders Vision, and the McKnight Foundation focused on row crop diversification in the Midwest; and the Regenerative Food Systems Investment Forum in Denver – and offers a few pieces of advice to his fellow investors about what it will take for regenerative ag to truly scale. “The shift to regenerative practices is still young and demands capital to gain traction, build success stories, and set a foundation for scale. Early investments in this space involve risk – but they also enable experimentation and inspire larger, institutional capital to follow.“ Happy reading! Todd Barker Vanessa Kulick Alexis Rife

Always love an opportunity to talk about #CropInsurance and #Conservation. Meridian Institute did a great job of facilitating this panel with experts from RMA and Dr. Rob Myers.

?? We're thrilled to see the Food Systems Call to Action report published today at UNFCCC #COP29, showcasing global progress in transforming food systems while highlighting the critical gaps that remain. Farmers, businesses, civil society, financial institutions, and many others are already implementing solutions such as sustainable, regenerative, agroecological approaches, innovative financing, and sustainable consumption models. Yet, with food systems contributing to a third of global emissions and over 3 billion people unable to afford healthy diets, the need for action is more urgent than ever. The report emphasizes centering efforts on frontline food actors - particularly farmers, women, and youth - promoting a just transition, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration. With COP29 as a backdrop, this call serves as a rallying point to accelerate change and ensure food systems deliver for people, nature, and climate. It’s not just about meeting goals, it’s about rethinking food systems for a resilient, equitable future for all. ?? Read more: https://lnkd.in/dqAcyTki High-Level Climate Champions Ambition Loop Meridian Institute

We're proud to support this work enhancing the #technicalassistance system for #farmers, #ranchers, and #forest owners. Heather Lair | Deborah Atwood | Tori Anderson | Carina Isbell | Juan Lazo Bautista | Laurie Ristino National Fish and Wildlife Foundation | PepsiCo

Some reflections from Meridian Board Member, Jason W. Ingle, on our recent #SystemicInvesting Field Lab. Learn more about our Field Labs here: https://lnkd.in/edMeMw4q

Check out this great story from CBS News featuring a partnership between Meridian Institute and BEEODIVERSITY, a powerful environmental data collection and monitoring service.?BEEODIVERSITY?provides practical data analysis services that can help companies, governments, and communities manage local environmental and health risks.? ? Though this work, beehives are collecting billions of environmental data samples!? ? Watch the 3-minute clip and learn more about this work:?https://lnkd.in/gM7xGfnh

Last week, our Builders Initiative agriculture team sponsored a three-day Systems-Based Investing Field Lab in collaboration with Meridian Institute and McKnight Foundation in Minneapolis. Meridian Institute is hosting a series of these field labs aimed at bringing a polycapital approach to systems change work on specific topics. Last week's event explored how to allocate more diverse forms of capital to Midwest row-crop diversification, bringing together around 30 crop diversification leaders, including investors, businesses, nonprofits, and farmers. Attendees had the opportunity to visit two local farms making strides in crop diversity, including Organic Compound, which collaborates with Tree Range Farms to raise chickens under a hazelnut canopy. They also visited Kimber Contours, a highly diversified farm growing kernza, a perennial wheatgrass with impressive 10-foot roots that help capture carbon. Kimber Contours also incorporates cover crops, oilseeds, and oats alongside prairie strips, enhancing biodiversity by supporting over 38 different species. Seeing farmers explore alternatives to traditional corn and soy systems is encouraging, and this kind of innovation and creativity will help build a more resilient agricultural system. The event also highlighted the critical role of investors and wealth owners in leveraging their capital to support the sector, emphasizing how embracing diverse investment approaches can drive systemic goals in food and agriculture. Shout out to Haley Burns, Wil Crombie, Kurt Kimber, and all of our partners and attendees for their invaluable leadership and contributions in making this a successful event. #SustainableAgriculture #RowCropDiversification #Biodiversity #foodsystems #ag #agriculture #SBI #systemschange