The Livable Future Investing Workshop is a virtual, 4-week collaborative workshop that inspires and resources asset stewards to become protagonists of transformation, particularly by integrating their faith and values with the finances of their institution.
Embracing a moment of opportunity
A growing number of faith-based asset holders are reckoning with the injustices perpetrated by our dominant investment paradigms.
The Livable Future Investing Workshop creates a space (1) to dialogue about how the limited options afforded by conventional finance constrain our ability to live our faith, and (2) to dream about what we must build in order to truly bring about “faith-first” finance. We seek a “disruption” of “finance as usual” that helps restore reciprocity and solidarity in the realm of business and finance.
We draw upon something old (the wisdom embodied in Catholic Social Tradition) in order to create something new. Our effort roots principally in Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to hear the “cry of the earth” and the “cry of the poor.”
This initiative is not a Catholics-only effort – nor is it denominational. We believe the principles of Catholic Social Teaching offer a universal framework to help guide our efforts to build the solidarity economy, and ultimately a livable future for people and planet.
“A mind-blowing, visionary experience that opens up your mind, heart, and soul to mission-driven/impact investing.”
Jeff Rauenhorst
Board Member, Better Way Foundation
Not your typical workshop
You have likely heard from our alumni that this workshop is different from any other professional experience. Our workshop model combines the spiritual nourishment of a retreat, the intellectual insight of a committed classroom, the warmth of a faith community, the practical tools of a community organizing training, and the graced energy of a prophetic sermon.
We are not aware of anything else quite like it.
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have. Email Kelli (kelli@francescocollaborative.org) to schedule a one-on-one.
Livable Future Investing Workshop – Important Dates
Workshop cohorts will run during the following dates:
- January 20 – February 20, 2024 (Deadline to Apply: December 8, 2023)
- April 6 – May 7, 2024 (Deadline to Apply: February 23, 2024)
- July 13 – August 13, 2024 (Deadline to Apply: Friday, May 31, 2024)
- September 28 – October 29, 2024 (Deadline to Apply: Friday, August 16, 2024)
Apply to join a cohort here or learn more by signing up for a 1-hour Q&A session here.
What do recent participants say?
“In a world that is polarized and fractured, the Livable Future Investing workshop offers a community that is kind and affirming, it is the nursery of fruitfulness.”
— Alex Tee – Managing Director, Beneficial Returns
“I’m filled with a renewed sense of hope, resolve and possibility. I have also gained more clarity about my role in the broader and expanding ecosystem of faith-consistent investing. As the movement grows, so many want to start this journey and just don’t know how or where to begin or have gotten stuck or lost along the way. If I can be a resource to those who seek to invest from their mission and values while pursuing financial objectives take the next step (or help others to see that there is a way to invest from mission and values while pursuing financial objectives and take the first step), then I’ll be doing my most important work.”
— Victoria Carrion – Impact Advisory, Portocolom Agencia de Valores
“Exceptionally informative, thought provoking… provides spiritual and practical ways to align faith, mission, values, purpose with our day to day responsibilities and goals.”
— Mike Wolohan – President, Wolohan Family Foundation
“…this workshop has inspired me to think about ways to create (or join) a group of thinkers, who are interested in grappling with big questions/problems (and big out-of-the-box solutions). A place where ideas can be screened, developed, and shared with people who might take tangible next steps.”
— Michael Nagy – Managing Director, Catholic Investment Services
“This workshop was an opportunity to experience multiple perspectives on a subject that is critical to the mission of Catholic Social Teaching. Its inclusive approach allowed me to fully participate despite having little or no prior exposure to the subject matter.”
— Fred Egler – Trustee, Mary J. Donnelly Foundation
“What I am keenly aware of is that this course with all its various components, leaders and participants has imbued me with an energy and excitement I have not felt in a long while. I am also aware of a personal conversion seeing a much broader understanding of the institutional Church. This has lifted a long-standing burden of ecclesial despair.”
— October 2022 Workshop participant
Why have others joined in the past?
Faith-first investing. Challenging mainstream economic paradigms isn’t easy. Bold investment changes grounded in faith teachings (like Catholic Social Teaching) can be even harder. Who are the others, like you, who seek to embrace and lead this hard work? How do you show up to make your contribution in light of what so many others are doing? We’ll wrestle these questions together in the workshop.
Journeying with others. How do you meet others interested in this kind of work? How do you get feedback on your own ideas? How do you build buy-in and support from peer institutions for shared work? A growing group of leaders are creating a culture of ideas worth spreading, and collaborative actions worth doing together. This culture is at the center of the workshop experience.
Leadership. Are you seeking to grow as a leader, especially in your most important work? The workshop process will challenge you to regularly “ship” projects, give generous feedback, write, and learn from others – creating multiple opportunities for you to level up your leadership.
What should I expect during the workshop?
Imagine you’re embarking on a mix of a spiritually-enriching retreat and an intellectually and organizationally-energizing conference. We encourage you to come with an open mind. The majority of participants balance busy work and family lives in addition to participating in the workshop, but it does take a commitment and a real desire to invest in your own leadership.
While the synchronous time occurs over two meetings per week (Tuesdays & Thursdays in a time zone that works for you), we encourage you to plan for about 10 hours per week.
Who are recent workshop alumni?
- Ascension Investment Management
- CommonSpirit Health
- Daughters of Charity
- Mercy Investment Services
- GHR Foundation
- Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities
- Open Society Foundation
- Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
- Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Franciscan Sisters of Mary
- Racine Dominicans
- Sisters of St Joseph of Peace
- Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa
- Mission Investors Exchange
- Seventh Generation Interfaith
- Global Impact Investing Network
- Cambridge Associates
- CapShift
- Dana Investment Management
- … and more than 100 others
Workshop participants come from different roles and backgrounds:
- staff, family, and board members from family foundations and family offices
- CIOs from >$30 billion investment offices
- CFOs of >$10 million Catholic nonprofits and community foundations
- treasurers and CFOs of religious congregations and dioceses
- investment advisors and managers
What is the cost of tuition?
The cost of facilitation, coaching, books and materials for this workshop is $1,500.
And we never want cost to be a barrier to participation – we invite you to pay what you can at a cost that is reflective of your economic realities and the value you gain from the connections and perspective inspired by the workshop.
What are the next steps?
Interested in learning more? Sign up for a 1-hour Q&A call here.
Review the workshop overview.