A community for up-and-coming Acumen donors and social change leaders.
Just Start
For 20 years, Acumen has used the power of philanthropy to tackle poverty, investing in groundbreaking business models that disrupt the status quo. The pandemic, increasing effects of climate change, and heightened turmoil across the globe have made our mission even more urgent. Join us for a year-long experience where you can amplify your impact and support Acumen as you learn about impact investing and our approach to it, connect with a global community of fellow emerging leaders, and have fun!
ACUMEN NEXT DETAILS
Commit to Financial Support
Donate $1200/£900 to support Acumen’s work uplifting millions of lives through its investments in innovative solutions to the challenges of poverty.
Deepen Your Knowledge
Learn about everything from Acumen’s approach to investing in companies that prioritize impact, to the principles of moral leadership through five virtual sessions, with additional opportunities to engage.
Join a Community
Connect with a diverse global community of allies working in fields ranging from finance and tech to community engagement and philanthropy through programming and cohort-led engagements.
Become a Leader
Lead awareness-building and inspirational events within your community or take on a leadership role within your Acumen Next cohort!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up?
Registration is closed for the 2022 cohort, please fill out the “Stay in the Loop” form above!
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?
There are many ways to raise and donate funds. You can donate directly in one installment or with a monthly contribution over the course of 2022. You can also host a crowdfunding campaign to meet the total, donate stocks, or donate through a donor-advised fund. Many corporations also offer to match employee donations to nonprofits. U.S. donations can be made here. U.K. donations can be made here.
What regions offer Acumen Next?
While our cohorts are open to anyone, anywhere, we currently host official virtual sessions slated for three time zones: Europe, U.S. East Coast, and U.S. West Coast.
Who else will be part of my cohort?
In 2021 we had about 70 Nexters, as we call them, primarily based in the U.S. East and West Coasts, as well as the U.K. and Europe, and we would love to have members from regions beyond! In their day jobs, Nexters are Associates, Senior Associates, Chiefs of Staff, VPs, Founders, and Managers, and hail from the tech, finance, philanthropy, marketing, community engagement, and consulting sectors. In their own words, they joined in order to: “Learn about impact investing to bring it back to [their] own firm;” “Empower social entrepreneurs;” “Connect with other leaders;” and “Give back to the world.”
What are responsibilities of an Acumen Nexter?
In addition to financially supporting our work and actively participating in the community, we expect you to attend the five official programs throughout the year and encourage you to share our mission and ethos with your networks. We will provide tools like facilitated discussion guides and other materials that describe and reflect Acumen’s work.
What will leadership opportunities look like?
Leadership opportunities include Acumen Active in which you will help energize the community via bike rides, runs, walks, or other athletic endeavors to bring together fellow Nexters for fun, or to help with fundraising. Additional opportunities include hosting Acumen Circle discussions with fellow Nexters and your network, writing for our blog, hosting socials, and other ways you might think of to engage and amplify the Next community!
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 of the five programs includes two sessions which take place over the period of two weeks. Each session is about an hour and 15 minutes and includes suggested materials to read or watch beforehand and as a follow-up. Altogether you can expect to devote about 15 – 20 hours, which includes a kick-off call and an optional Investment 101 session at the beginning of the year. Beyond that, each cohort decides its own calendar of additional engagement as a group and on the individual level.