Catalytic Capital: Unleashing Philanthropy for Systems Change

Elizabeth Yee; Deepali Khanna

doi:10.1017/9781009606813

Catalytic Capital

Unleashing Philanthropy for Systems Change

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How can philanthropy catalyse systemic change in an era of global crisis? As the world grapples with escalating climate risks, widening inequality, and shifting global power dynamics, traditional approaches to development finance are becoming insufficient. This book explores how philanthropy, as risk capital, can de-risk investments, unlock private capital, and drive transformative, multi-sector partnerships to tackle the most pressing global challenges. Bringing together real-world case studies and expert insights, it highlights blended finance models, climate adaptation strategies, and innovative approaches to sustainable development. The authors reveal how emerging markets are leading in catalytic finance, how philanthropy can scale green investments, and why collaboration is the only path to meaningful impact. A must-read for philanthropists, investors, policymakers, and development leaders, Catalytic Capital offers practical frameworks to harness the power of finance for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable global economy. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

‘This book is a must-read for all those seeking to understand the role that philanthropy can and should play in an era of multiple, overlapping global crises. With highly respected editors and thirty expert contributors, this volume provides an essential guide for everyone interested in the tools and ideas needed to shape a better world.'

Beth Breeze - Director of the Centre for Philanthropy, University of Kent

‘Philanthropy's greatest potential lies in its ability to take risks, and catalytic capital is an effective way to scale solutions and drive real impact. True transformation comes from bold, high-risk moonshot bets that look to create disruptive impact. This is essential reading for anyone seeking to harness their resources as a force for social and economic transformation.'

James Chen - Philanthropist

‘This book is the needed wake-up call for philanthropic giving to look at how redefining philanthropy can drive resilience worldwide. Thanks to this kind of catalytic philanthropic giving our Center devised and implemented first-of-its-kind, pioneering solutions for climate resilience that directly benefit people and communities.'

Jorge Gastelumendi - Senior Director of the Atlantic Council's Climate Resilience Center

‘We are in an unprecedented period of instability and insecurity, which demands bold action. And philanthropy – specifically, catalytic capital – can help. Sharing the experiences of leading practioners around the world, this book offers tangible examples of how philanthropy can unlock the trillions needed to address our deepening climate crisis while keeping people at the centre. I hope these vignettes continue to inspire and activate more catalytic funders – donors, family offices, corporate social investors, and more – to step up.'

Leslie Anne Johnston - CEO, Laudes Foundation and Chair, Impact Europe

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Contents

Catalytic Capital
pp i-ii
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Catalytic Capital - Title page
pp iii-iii
Unleashing Philanthropy for Systems Change
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Copyright page
pp iv-iv
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Contents
pp v-vii
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Figures
pp viii-viii
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Tables
pp ix-ix
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Contributors
pp x-x
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Foreword
pp xi-xiii
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Acknowledgments
pp xiv-xvi
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Introduction
pp 1-20
- By Clare Woodcraft, Nitya Mohan Khemka
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Part I - Mobilizing Catalytic Finance
pp 21-112
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1 - The Role of Philanthropy in Mobilizing Private Finance for Sustainable Development
pp 23-47
- By Haje Schutte
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2 - The Opportunity of Pooled Funds for Amplifying Impact
pp 48-67
- By Facundo Etchebehere, Attilio Tardani, Emmanuel Marchant
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3 - Unlocking Catalytic Capital
pp 68-87
Private-Sector Innovation and Partnerships
- By Sophie Faujour, Kehinde Sonuga
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4 - Overcoming Market Barriers to Unlock Health Capital for the Global South
pp 88-112
- By Neha Agarwal, Nikolaj Gilbert
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Part II - Capacity Building
pp 113-188
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5 - Philanthropy for Capacity Building
pp 115-133
The Case of Tienda Cerca – Financial and Digital Inclusion for SMEs
- By Catalina Garcia, Tom Achoki, William Ernest, Fermin Vivanco
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6 - Regulatory Reforms and the Rise of the Saudi Impact Sector
pp 134-149
- By Nouf bint Muhammad bin Abdullah Al Saud
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7 - Radical Collaboration for System Change
pp 150-170
The LAWFP as a Model for Scaling and the Role of Philanthropic Capital as a Catalyst
- By Carlos A. Hurtado Aguilar, Ana Laura Elizondo, Lorena Guillé-Laris
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8 - Regulatory Reform to Unlock the Potential of the Arab Third Sector
pp 171-188
Bab Amal and Poverty Alleviation in Egypt
- By Abdelrahman Nagy, Noura Selim
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Part III - Equitable Climate Transition
pp 189-284
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9 - Philanthropy as a Catalyst for Private Finance of Climate Solutions
pp 191-211
The Green Development Investment Accelerator
- By Uday Khemka, Aaran Patel
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10 - Building Climate Resilience
pp 212-232
The Role of Philanthropy in Advancing Conservation and Nature-Based Solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean
- By Catalina Herrera, Manuela Jiménez López
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11 - Adaptation Finance for the Global South
pp 233-262
Can Philanthropy Bridge the Yawning Gap?
- By Nilanjan Ghosh
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12 - Philanthropy as a De-risking Tool for SDG Finance
pp 263-284
- By Allie Hollowell, Frank Aswani
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Epilogue
pp 285-297
- By Clare Woodcraft, Nitya Mohan Khemka
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Index
pp 298-306
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Unleashing Philanthropy for Systems Change

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