Impact Investing for the Next Generation

This program is specifically designed for next-generation wealth holders interested in sustainable and impact investing. We bring together a small, diverse group of principals from around the world who want to deepen their knowledge, network and confidence in this field.

Program Overview & Experience: Established in 2015, our program is now welcoming its 12th cohort. Our participants typically manage their wealth through single or multi-family offices, equivalent structures, or private banks.

Experience & Background: No prior finance or investment background is required. Our alumni come from diverse fields including art, engineering, law and finance. For those new to investing, we offer an optional one-day introductory training before Module 1.

Flexibility: Our flexible curriculum accommodates all experience levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Most participants have intermediate knowledge, with a healthy mix of newcomers and experienced investors in each cohort.

Demographics: Our program attracts a diverse age range, typically from mid-20s to mid-50s, with an average age of 33. This generational diversity enriches the learning experience for all participants.

Global Reach: While most participants come from Europe (Switzerland, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Nordic countries) and the United States (primarily New York and California), we're seeing growing representation from:

- Latin America (Brazil, Chile, Argentina)

- Asia (Singapore, China, Japan)

- Middle East (Dubai, Qatar, Jordan)

This seven-month program combines intensive in-person training with flexible online learning. The program begins with Module 1 in October and concludes with Module 2 in April. During these in-person modules, participants engage in comprehensive lectures, workshops, and networking from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily, with optional evening networking dinners featuring program alumni and industry experts.

Between modules, participants dedicate approximately half a day per week to online activities, including group coursework on Fund Due Diligence, an individual Impact Investment Policy Statement assignment, and optional monthly webinars.

Preparation begins three weeks before the program start date, with approximately 10 hours of pre-reading materials and preliminary work. Upon completion, participants receive both a physical certificate and a digital badge for professional networks, along with free lifetime access to our alumni community and ongoing support.

The 2026-2027 iteration of the program is scheduled as follows:

Module 1: October 20-23, 2026 in Zurich/ University of St.Gallen (HSG)

Center for Sustainable Finance & Private Wealth,

Zurich/ University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland

Module 2: April 14-16, 2027 in Boston

MIT Sloan School of Management

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Cambridge, Massachusetts USA
 

Our program creates a confidential learning environment where participants can openly share experiences and learn from peers and industry experts. We carefully limit group size to ensure meaningful interactions and build lasting relationships. The program focuses exclusively on principals, allowing candid discussions about shared challenges and opportunities in impact investing.

​​Premier dual-campus experience: Immerse yourself in world-class learning at MIT Sloan (Boston) and in Zurich, with certification from prestigious institutions.

Exclusive next-gen community: Join an intimate cohort of 20-30 UHNW peers and connect with our thriving alumni network of over 270 global wealth holders.

Safe learning environment: Experience a carefully curated, confidential space where Next Gens can openly discuss challenges and opportunities in impact investing.

Personalized impact journey: Navigate your unique path in sustainable investing through customized learning experiences, from beginner to advanced levels.

Hybrid learning excellence: Combine two dynamic in-person modules with flexible online coursework, designed to fit your schedule over a six-month period.

Expert-led and action-oriented: Gain direct access to global thought leaders while developing practical skills in impact fund due diligence and investment policy creation.

Family-friendly pricing: Special rates available for family members attending together, making it easier to align your family's impact vision.

• The big picture around sustainable and impact investing
• Sustainable investing approaches
• How to have impact as an investor
• Building your sustainable portfolios
• Impact fund due diligence (with group coursework)
• Key elements of an IPS as they relate to sustainable investing (with individual coursework)
• Impact through active ownership
• The advisor and wealth manager landscape
• Family dynamics/ How to get buy-in
• Impact measurement and management
• Alumni and practitioner stories Online Sessions that took place during the previous cohort
• Understanding ESG Integration
• Introduction to strategic philanthropy
• Impact Investment Policy Statement
• Investing in climate
• Introduction to innovative finance for social impact

• Understand key approaches in sustainable investing, how to have impact as an investor, the building blocks of a sustainable investment portfolio, and how to scan the market
• Conduct hands-on due diligence on real impact funds in groups, with the support of global experts and the actual fund managers
• Use a framework to develop your sustainability- and impact-focused Investment Policy Statement (IPS)
• Learn how to evaluate the capabilities of your wealth managers and how to ask challenging questions
• Understand how to use your Investment Policy Statement (IPS) as a communication tool with your family and wealth managers
• Map your family and wider ecosystem, identify allies, and outline a plan to engage them
• Learn different arguments when making the case for impact investing and understand which one to use with whom
• Become deeply embedded in our global network of impact investors, including our 270+ alumni
• Join our alumni-only and regular social and educational events organized exclusively for our international community of impact-focused wealth holders.
• Connect with global experts in the field of sustainable and impact investing.

Our intimate cohorts of up to 30 participants ensure personalized attention from our distinguished faculty, expert speakers, mentors, and alumni. A dedicated program manager provides comprehensive support throughout your journey, from registration through completion, fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment.

Director of Programs: Marietta Chatzinota from CSP

Core Faculty:

- Dr. Falko Paetzold from CSP (program co-founder)

- Dr. James Gifford from CSP (program co-founder)

- Temple Fennell from Keller Enterprises Single Family Office (program co-founder)

- Dr. Jason Jay from MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative

- Philip Walker, CSP Senior Collaborator and Independent Consultant

- Nancy Reid, CTFA Independent Advisor and CSP Senior Collaborator

Examples of speakers in the 2024-25 program iteration:

- Britta Gruenig, Professional Certified Coach

- Aunnie Patton Power, expert on innovative financing mechanisms

- Sam Bonsey, expert on Impact IPS and Program Alumnus

- Silvia Bastante, independent philanthropy advisor

- Dr. Daniel Matross, expert in climate investing research

- Neil Brown, expert in ESG integration

Due Diligence experts from firms such as Align Impact, Cambridge Associates, Kieger and Baseline Wealth support students in their impact fund due diligence exercise.

The entire program is designed to support you in developing an individual action plan at the end of module 2. Exercises feeding into this plan include: 

• Mapping your family, wider ecosystem and your spheres of influence, and putting together an engagement plan based on getting or maximising buy-in
• Understanding where you would like to focus your energy according to levels of influence and access
• Creating an action plan that considers all types of capital at your disposal, going beyond economic capital
• Mapping the networks and resources available to you to continue your education. 

Following the program, you have lifetime access to our alumni community, providing ongoing access to valuable networking opportunities, collaborative projects, and knowledge-sharing forums. This tailored follow-up support is designed to help participants maintain momentum and refine their impact strategies over time.

For information about the registration deadline, please reach out to Marietta Chatzinota, Director of Programs, [email protected].

Please note that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis following individual interviews.

To maintain our community's exceptional quality, all candidates participate in a personalized 30-minute introductory call to assess their eligibility and fit, and discuss their goals and the program curriculum. The program primarily welcomes participants through recommendations from our alumni and partner community. Upon determining a good fit by both parties, the registration form is issued. A seat in the program is confirmed upon receiving payment of the program fee.

For further information, please contact Marietta Chatzinota, Director of Programs

Each cohort convenes up to 30 wealth holders, typically between 20 and 55 years old, with a 50-50 gender split. We encourage siblings, cousins, couples and spouses to take the program together for a transformative experience.

Yes, optional activities include the following:

•  Introduction to Finance: a one-day course covering the fundamentals of finance and investing: CHF 1,000 (includes meals, excludes accommodation and transportation—fee subject to change).
• Personal Development Module: four online one-to-one sessions with Britta Gruenig, CSP Fellow and impact coach: CHF 2,280 (fee subject to change).
• Community Days: one-day gatherings open to all 270+ alumni from around the world, following Module 1 and/or 2. Subject to a separate fee.
• Internships: CSP can facilitate internship opportunities at impact funds or other impact-related organizations.

After the course, 92% of the participants reported an increase in one or more engagement activities, such as conversations, amendments in their Investment Policy Statement, guideline amendments, and impact-related opportunities considered and approved.