Innovative Finance for Nonprofits: New Models for Sustainable Growth

​Event Description

Traditional nonprofit funding models are under increasing strain. Short-term grants and fragmented funding streams often limit organizations’ ability to plan, grow, and deliver long-term impact. At the same time, a new wave of innovative financing approaches is emerging, offering alternative pathways to sustainability.

This discussion explores how nonprofits and social ventures can move beyond conventional funding toward more flexible, blended, and sustainable models. What does it take to combine grants, debt, and equity in ways that support early-stage growth while preserving mission? How can instruments like impact-linked financing, development impact bonds, and hybrid capital unlock new opportunities?

We will also examine how financing models can be designed to support inclusive economic growth, particularly for underserved populations and “missing middle” enterprises. The session will explore how philanthropic capital can be better aligned with domestic resource mobilization and long-term system sustainability.

Grounded in real examples, this conversation will focus on practical approaches to building financial models that enable organizations not just to survive, but to grow, adapt, and sustain impact over time.

​Speakers

• ​Chad Sterbenz is Chief Investment Officer at Malengo, with a background in impact investing, financial innovation, and leadership across global social enterprises.

• ​Elfid Torres is Co Founder at Fundamental, building impact ventures that bridge philanthropy and capital to drive sustainable growth in Latin America.

• ​Dicky Hasian Zulkarnain is Sustainable Business Manager at Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari, working on sustainability and regional development initiatives.

• ​Katie Alesbury is Senior Strategic Initiatives Lead at Value for Women, advancing gender equity through strategy and partnerships.

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Discussion Questions
What are the most promising innovative financing models for nonprofits and early-stage social ventures?
How can organizations effectively combine grants, debt, and equity while maintaining mission alignment?
How can financing approaches better support inclusive growth and underserved populations?
What role can philanthropy play in catalyzing more sustainable and scalable financing pathways?