The Unconventional Climate Capital Salon
"You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete." Buckminster Fuller
About The Unconventional Climate Capital Salon
Join Velvet Frame and BRAC USA for The Unconventional Climate Capital Salon, an evening exploring creative funding models, unconventional partnerships, and innovative investment approaches with the potential to solve the most complex, intersectional challenges required for bold climate action — breaking through the silos that have traditionally separated philanthropy from impact investing. It highlights what is possible when the two work together, and what each still does best alone.
5:30-6:00pm: Arrival & Welcome
Come at 5:30pm to settle in and meet your fellow attendees over delicious bites and a drink.
6:00-7:15pm: Founder Showcase & Funder Roundtable
The formal program begins at 6:00pm with a showcase of interactive presentations from climate founders at different stages of organizational growth that are made possible by creative collaborations between philanthropy and impact investing.
Following the showcase, engage with a group of funders and capital stewards envisioning and building new collaborative funding models for resourcing climate entrepreneurs, grassroots organizations, and institutions.
7:15-8:00pm: Networking Reception
Continue the conversation through the evening with curated networking and connections.
About Velvet Frame & BRAC USA
Velvet Frame® is a bespoke impact philanthropy advisory founded by Lauren E. Graham, IPA for next-gen philanthropists ready to transform their giving with clarity, courage, and care. We are built for philanthropists at an early or pivotal moment in their giving journey — ready to learn, dream, and build. We help them design their signature giving thesis, curate a circle of experts and thought leaders, and fund organizations aligned with their vision for systemic change.
BRAC USA is is a global leader in pioneering and scaling proven poverty solutions. Founded in 1972 in post-war Bangladesh as a small relief effort, we are now the world’s largest Global South-led development organization. We equip vulnerable people with the tools, opportunities, and skills to lift themselves out of poverty and reach their potential. Our holistic, entrepreneurial approaches operate across Asia and Africa, and have reached over 145 million people.
About The PhotoBridge Project
The PhotoBridge Project creates collaborative photo‑storytelling portfolios that reveal the people, systems, and context behind local action — crafted with award‑winning photojournalists driven by curiosity and integrity. Every year, billions in philanthropy bypass the people doing the hardest work, because their realities aren’t seen. This Invisibility has a cost: in a $600 B U.S. philanthropic system, local responders receive only 1-3% of funding. We exist to change that.
Attendance is free. A suggested donation of $20 is appreciated to support hosting costs. Registration approval is not contingent on a donation.
By attending, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed for use in any and all media, in perpetuity, of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose in connection with the event.