The MAI Collective was built around a simple but powerful idea: foundations can go
further together.
After the success of our MAI Cohort and during the progression of the second MAI
Cohort, we launched the Collective to deepen learning, spark collaboration, and
catalyze action across our network. Designed for foundations ready to take the next
step on their MAI journey, the Collective offers a flexible, peer-driven structure that
prioritizes shared learning and action—our hope is that the Collective not only makes it
easier to do mission-aligned investing but puts us in position to better serve our
communities and drive positive change in the Philadelphia region.
One of the unique features of the MAI Collective is its working group structure, which
responds directly to member interests. We began with three groups—Financial Literacy,
Strategic Partnerships, and Racial Equity—because that’s where members’ energy and
curiosity were. These aren’t permanent pillars—they’re launching pads. As interests
shift, so will the focus of the working groups, making the Collective a living, breathing
container for ongoing learning and action.
Here is a description of what each group is up to:
Financial Literacy Working Group: Investment Education Series
The Financial Literacy group has partnered with Zenith Wealth Partners to organize a
three-part series that makes technical investing concepts approachable and actionable:
- Session 1 (April 29): Beyond the Jargon – Demystifying the Investment Policy Statement (IPS)
A safe space to understand the IPS and its key components—no expertise required. - Session 2 (May 22): Thinking Local – Exploring Private Market Approaches
A deep dive into how private investments can support place-based impact. - Session 3 (June 9): Along the Road to 100% Mission Alignment
Featuring Rochelle Witharana, CFO/CIO of the California Wellness Foundation, sharing their mission-aligned journey.
These sessions are open and have been attended by board and staff of Collective
members as well as non-Collective members.
CDFI Working Group: Laying the Groundwork for Strategic Partnership
Over the past few months, the CDFI Working Group has taken a deep dive into a core
question: If and how can foundations partner with CDFIs to better support community
development? The group has spoken to several local CDFI’s and through group discussions and shared research, it is becoming clear that there are multiple ways to
collaborate. The group will be summarizing the key findings and sharing them among
their peers soon.
Racial Equity Working Group: Laying the Groundwork
The Racial Equity Working Group began by exploring a core question: What does it mean to invest with a racial equity lens?
The group started off by compiling and synthesizing leading resources, tools, and case
studies. We are now designing a half day workshop to better understand what it means
to invest with a racial equity lens. Our hope is that each foundation starts to understand
what equity means to their organizations and identify opportunities to move this work
forward.
We look forward to building on this work in the months ahead.
The MAI Collective is more than just the next phase of the Cohort—it’s setting a new
standard for mission-aligned investing in our region. We're achieving this through peer
learning, active collaboration, shared action, and a commitment to mutual accountability.
We’ll reconvene this fall to reflect on what’s been built, what’s been learned, and where
we go next. Until then, this spring’s working group sessions are helping us learn what’s
possible when we invest in shared infrastructure—and in each other.
We’re also excited to partner with ImpactPHL and Lunch with Barra to help surface
investable, mission-aligned opportunities in the region. ImpactPHL curates a regular
newsletter highlighting deals and hosts events focused on impact investing—including
the recent Total Impact Summit. The Lunch with Barra series, open to all, offers a
platform for organizations to share opportunities that align with local values and
community needs. Together, these efforts complement the work of the Collective and
provide actionable pathways for those ready to invest locally.
Stay tuned, stay engaged, and please join us at one of the upcoming sessions.
Let’s keep building.
~ Andorra and Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia