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3Jun

Philanthropy and the impact economy

Hosted by the Marshall Institute
In-person and online public event (Old Theatre, Old Building)
Wednesday 3 June 2026 6.30pm - 8pm

As the global impact economy grows in scale and influence, so too does the need for deeper reflection on its purpose and future direction. LSE’s Impact Economy Project convenes leading thinkers and practitioners to examine the ideas, capital and institutions shaping this evolving field.

This dialogue will examine the evolving role of philanthropy within the global impact economy. What roles can — and should — philanthropy play as private action for public benefit becomes more prominent? Where does it add distinctive value, and where are its limits? And who decides what matters? Join us to explore how philanthropy shapes markets, governments and places, at a moment of growing scale and scrutiny of its reach and ambitions

Meet our speaker and chair

Jacqueline Novogratz is the founder and CEO of Acumen, a global organization that fights poverty and builds dignity through patient investment in companies and leaders. She pioneered the concept of patient capital and, through Acumen, has impacted more than 700 million lives across Africa, South Asia, Latin America and the United States. Under her leadership, Acumen manages over $500 million in investments and has trained 2,000 social innovators through Acumen Academy.

Stephan Chambers is the inaugural director of the Marshall Institute. He is also Professor in Practice at the Department of Management at LSE and Course Director for the Executive MSc in Social Business and Entrepreneurship. He was the founding Director of Oxford University's Executive MBA programme. Before joining LSE, Stephan was the Co-Founder of the Skoll World Forum, Chair of the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and Director of International Strategy at Saїd Business School.

More about this event

Join us on campus or register to watch the event online at LSE Live. LSE Live is the home for our live streams, allowing you to tune in and join the global debate at LSE, wherever you are in the world. If you can't attend live, a video will be made available shortly afterwards on LSE's YouTube channel.

The Marshall Institute works to improve the impact and effectiveness of private action for public benefit through research, teaching and convening.

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