A community for up-and-coming Acumen donors and social change leaders.
Just Start
Acumen is building a movement to tackle poverty and create a more equitable world. For twenty years, we’ve used the power of philanthropy to support entrepreneurial solutions to poverty, changing the way business works along the way. Our mission is more urgent than ever, and it will take support from leaders in every corner. Join our movement by joining Acumen Next.
ACUMEN NEXT DETAILS
Commit to Financial Support
Help create a more equitable world through a USD 1200 OR GBP 900 donation in 2021 that will support Acumen’s charitable mission to change the way the world tackles poverty.
Deepen Your Knowledge
Deepen your knowledge of social impact through 3 virtual, Acumen-led sessions discussing Acumen’s impact investing, impact measurement, and moral leadership activities.
Join a Community
Build a bench of allies committed to social impact in your Acumen Next cohort and connect with Acumen’s global community through exclusive events for our supporters.
Become a Leader
In addition to spearheading awareness-building events within your community, there are also opportunities to take on leadership roles within your Acumen Next cohort.
Want to Learn More?
Join one of our upcoming virtual happy hours for a special sneak peak session to learn more about Acumen, hear from current Nexters, and ask your questions live.
Ready to Commit?
If Acumen Next sounds like your next step for social change, we’re thrilled to have you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up?
Fill out the registration form and we’ll be in touch in a few days!
When will Acumen Next 2021 start?
You’ll join the Acumen community and receive real-time updates on your impact as soon as you make your donation. Your first Acumen-led session and official introduction to your cohort will be in February 2021.
Where does my donation go?
Your donation will be designated as unrestricted flexible capital which will allow Acumen to deploy the funds at its discretion according to need, whether that is investment in social enterprises, program development, or general operating expenses that allow us to keep our team up and running. You can read our financial overview here.
Can I donate more than USD 1200/GBP 900 for the year?
Yes! We encourage you to donate as much as you are able, whether directly or through activating other members of your community to support Acumen.
How can I make my donation?
If directly, you can donate in one installment or with a monthly donation over the course of 2021. Many corporations also offer matching of nonprofit donations. You can also host a crowdfunding campaign to meet the total. US donations can be made here.
What regions offer Acumen Next?
While our cohorts are open to anyone, anywhere, we are currently slated to host official virtual sessions during after-work hours in 3 different timezones: UK, East Coast US, and West Coast US.
Who else will be part of my cohort?
In our 2020 pilot cohort, we had 25 pioneering Nexters based in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area. In their day jobs, these Nexters are Associates, Senior Associates, Chiefs of Staff, Managers, and more at large tech companies, financial institutions, and consulting firms. In their own words, they joined in order to: “Learn about impact investing to bring back to [their] own firm;” “Empower social entrepreneurs;” “Connect with other leaders;” “Give back to the world.”
What are responsibilities of an Acumen Nexter?
In addition to supporting our work by donating and joining 3 official sessions, we encourage you to share our mission and ethos with your networks – through tools we’ll provide, like facilitated discussion guides and other materials that describe Acumen’s work.
What will leadership opportunities look like?
Each cohort will choose lead Ambassadors to build community and coordinate optional meeting and events for the cohort.
What happens after my first year?
Year one is just the entry point. Beyond the first year, Acumen Next is about continued learning, and especially doing. We want you to be that agent of change in your company, organization, and community. The experience will become more driven by you and your cohort, with continued support from the Acumen team. Key differences will include more flexibility on session choice, opportunities to collaborate with Acumen on global Next events, and deepened opportunities to roll up your sleeves and connect with Acumen Fellows.
How much time will this require?
Each official session lasts around 2 hours and includes short pre-work and follow-up. Beyond that, each cohort decides its optional meetings and engagement.
What did this year’s cohort accomplish?
In 2020, our pilot cohort came together in 4 official sessions; rallied over 100 friends for a book event on moral leadership with our CEO, Jacqueline Novogratz; hosted their own impact career conversations and Acumen circles; mentored Acumen Fellows; and raised $43,000 for Acumen’s work that allowed us to pivot quickly and support our Fellows and entrepreneurs through COVID-19.