Bridging Philanthropy & Finance: A New Era for Community Investment
On May 12, 2025, the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s Board of Associates hosted a transformative event, “Bridging Philanthropy & Finance: A New Era for Community Investment,” drawing local leaders, fundholders, and changemakers to explore how strategic philanthropy and impact investing can create lasting solutions for regional challenges. Sponsored by PNC, the gathering underscored LVCF’s continued leadership in catalyzing financial innovation for community betterment.
The afternoon began with a warm welcome from Linda Sheftel, Chair of the Board of Associates Executive Committee, followed by remarks from Terrence A. McMahon of PNC Institutional Asset Management. LVCF President and CEO Erika Riddle Petrozelli then provided updates on the Foundation’s strategic priorities and community engagement efforts.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Stephanie Gripne, Founder and CEO of the Impact Finance Center, whose presentation captivated the audience with bold insights and actionable strategies. Dr. Gripne revealed that it would take just 0.2% of the Lehigh Valley’s estimated $295 billion in private wealth to finance 9,000 much-needed housing units—an achievable $3 billion goal with only $600 million required from local investors, as 80% could be financed through banks.
Her compelling message emphasized that the region has more than enough resources to solve its own problems if philanthropic and investment strategies are aligned. Dr. Gripne introduced the concept of Full Spectrum Capital, outlining a roadmap for community foundations, donor-advised funds, and individuals to activate capital across the entire continuum—from grants and recoverable investments to market-rate equity and debt instruments.
She also shared real-world case studies from across the country, illustrating how tools like the Philanthropic Opportunity Scan have helped foundations identify impact investment opportunities within their own grantee networks. One standout example came from Essex County, where a scan led to the discovery of 128 investable projects that previously went unrecognized.
Interactive segments, including role-play exercises and thought-provoking questions, encouraged attendees to consider how even modest reallocation of financial assets—“treasure”—alongside “time” and “talent,” can drive systemic change. Dr. Gripne’s message was clear: building a caring economy requires not only compassion but also strategic financial action.
The event concluded with a cocktail reception, where attendees networked and continued discussions on how to move from insight to action. As LVCF looks ahead to its Fall 2025 meeting, this spring gathering served as a powerful call to harness the power of finance for good—right here in the Lehigh Valley.
About Stephanie Gripne, Ph.D.
Dr. Gripne is the Founder and CEO of Impact Finance Center (IFC) and the driving force behind the National Impact Investing Marketplace. IFC’s goal is to catalyze $1 trillion in investment capital into social ventures by replicating and scaling infrastructure piloted in Colorado. Stephanie’s vision is informed by over 20 years of experience as an applied academic, investor, and practitioner. She holds a Ph.D. from the Boone and Crockett Wildlife Conservation Program at the University of Montana. (more)
