In partnership with [Roots of Impact](http://www.roots-of-impact.org/) and the [Center for Sustainable Finance and Private Wealth (CSP)](https://www.csp.uzh.ch/en.html) at the University of Zurich this is an actionable, practice-driven executive program.

The program aims at empowering public, philanthropic and private sector funders to collaborate effectively to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. A special ingredient are solutions that demonstrate how to enable high-impact enterprises with market-based solutions to scale and deliver positive impact in a sustainable way – a bottom-up approach. Our more than 160 IIBF alumni to date come from major organisations across the globe, e.g. UNDP, USAID, SDC/DEZA, GIZ, Global Affairs Canada, IFC, SECO, FAO as well as renowned foundations or NGOs such as UNICEF, Shell Foundation, Aqua for All, SOS Children’s Villages, and Refugee Investment Network.

IIBF runs as an open program (based upon application) at its home base at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. It builds on the extensive academic and practical expertise of Roots of Impact, Convergence and the Center for Sustainable Finance and Private Wealth (CSP).

Impact Investment & Blended Finance Executive Program 2023

This actionable, practice-driven executive program aims at empowering public, philanthropic and private sector funders to collaborate effectively to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Executive program for impact investment and blended finance

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__Wednesday, June 28th, 2023, from 9:00 am-10:00am SGT__

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We invite you to join us virtually for the launch of the [Asia Climate Solutions (ACS) Design Grant](https://www.convergence.finance/design-funding/open-window/Asia-climate-solutions-design-grant). The ACS Grant will award feasibility study and proof of concept grants for the design and launch of innovative blended finance solutions that mobilize private capital to sectors critical for climate transition and resilience in developing markets in Asia including nature-based solutions (NbS), clean energy transition, and sustainable cities and infrastructure. 

Register for the webinar to:
- Learn about Convergence’s Design Funding Program and the ACS Design Grant
- Find out more about the ACS Design Grant anchor donors
- Gain insight into how to apply, grant eligibility, and evaluation criteria
- Get your questions answered, and more

The anchor donors of the ACS Design Grant are the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia, Olayan Group, and UBS Optimus Foundation.

*The ACS Design Grant is now open and the first deadline to submit concept notes is coming up on July 16, 2023. Visit the [ACS Design Grant page](https://www.convergence.finance/design-funding/open-window/Asia-climate-solutions-design-grant) to learn more and apply.*

Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant: Info Session (Asia/West Coast)

Join us virtually for the launch of the new Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant

Learn about the new Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant

__Tuesday, June 27th, 2023, from 9:00 am-10:00am EST__

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We invite you to join us virtually for the launch of the [Asia Climate Solutions (ACS) Design Grant](https://www.convergence.finance/design-funding/open-window/Asia-climate-solutions-design-grant). The ACS Grant will award feasibility study and proof of concept grants for the design and launch of innovative blended finance solutions that mobilize private capital to sectors critical for climate transition and resilience in developing markets in Asia including nature-based solutions (NbS), clean energy transition, and sustainable cities and infrastructure. 

Register for the webinar to:
- Learn about Convergence’s Design Funding Program and the ACS Design Grant
- Find out more about the ACS Design Grant anchor donors
- Gain insight into how to apply, grant eligibility, and evaluation criteria
- Get your questions answered, and more

The anchor donors of the ACS Design Grant are the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia, Olayan Group, and UBS Optimus Foundation.

*The ACS Design Grant is now open and the first deadline to submit concept notes is coming up on July 16, 2023. Visit the [ACS Design Grant page](https://www.convergence.finance/design-funding/open-window/Asia-climate-solutions-design-grant) to learn more and apply.*

Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant: Info Session (Europe/East Coast)

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Join the virtual launch and panel discussion of Convergence's recent report, Best Practices for Donor Governments Engaging in Blended Finance. 

This report, produced in partnership with [Global Affairs Canada](https://www.international.gc.ca/global-affairs-affaires-mondiales/home-accueil.aspx?lang=eng), explores how select donor countries (member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC)) have designed and operated their blended finance programs. It considers the factors that have guided their decision-making and explores the best practices underpinning efficient resource allocation, optimal development, and climate impact outcomes. 

This report was constructed through direct engagement with nine donor countries, who provided insights on the varied institutional configurations covering a variety of blended instruments and approaches. 

Stay tuned for more information.

__AGENDA__

8:00-8:05: Opening remarks

8:05-8:20: Report highlights

8:20-8:40: Panel Discussion 

8:40-9:25: Q & A

9:25-9:30: Closing Remarks

Virtual Report Launch: Best Practices for Donor Governments Engaging in Blended Finance

Join the virtual launch and panel discussion of Convergence's recent report, Best Practices for Donor Governments Engaging in Blended Finance.

Blended Finance Best Practices for Donor Governments

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Convergence's "Inside the Deal" webinar series provides a unique opportunity for members to gain insight into the intricate workings of real blended finance transactions. In each quarterly webinar, we showcase a deal that has achieved at least one financial close and invite the deal sponsor and other relevant stakeholders to candidly share their experiences in structuring the transaction.

In the upcoming webinar, we will focus on the AGRI3 Fund, a collaboration between UNEP, Rabobank, FMO, and IDH. The fund aims to mobilize capital by providing credit enhancement tools and technical assistance to promote sustainable practices in agricultural value chains and prevent deforestation. The fund’s model works through partner-banks, to mobilise financing by de-risking and catalysing transactions.

During the hour-long webinar, the AGRI3 team will provide an overview of the fund's design and fundraising experience. Additionally, Convergence will conduct an in-depth interview with key stakeholders involved in the transaction, highlighting valuable lessons learned. The webinar will conclude with an open Q&A session.

*This webinar is open to Convergence members only.*

Inside the Deal: AGRI3 Fund

Join us for this webinar exploring the AGRI3 Fund, a collaboration between UNEP, Rabobank, FMO, and IDH.

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__Convergence Member Networking in Singapore, Thursday, June 8th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm SGT__

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Join us for drinks and snacks with Convergence members and partners in Singapore on June 8th. Chat with impact investors, institutional investors, philanthropic donors, government agencies, development banks, and sponsors of blended finance deals. This event will be an opportunity to connect with fellow members, make new contacts, exchange ideas, and more.

Please find details of the event below. Registration is open on a first come first served basis, with a maximum of two representatives per organization. Kindly RSVP by __June 5th__ to secure your spot.  

Convergence Member Drinks (Singapore)

Join us for drinks and networking in Singapore.

Networking Drinks in Singapore

Convergence Eventbrite

You're invited on June 7th for a virtual presentation of Convergence's recent report, [Evaluating the Impact of Blended Finance: Convergence's Case Study Portfolio Revisited](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/evaluating-the-impact-of-blended-finance-convergences-case-study-portfolio/view).

Since 2015, Convergence has written 28 case studies on blended finance transactions, detailing the journey of blended finance practitioners when structuring, fundraising, and launching blended finance deals.

Evaluating the Impact of Blended explores the ex-post financial and impact performance of blended finance deals, by revisiting our case study portfolio to document achieved returns, target beneficiaries, and reporting practices, amongst other key issues. 

The presentation will include a panel discussion with past case study sponsors where they will share their perspectives on what they have achieved through blended finance as well as their thoughts on the trajectory of the market going forward.

Stay tuned for more information. 

__AGENDA__

10:00-10:10AM - Opening Remarks

10:10-10:25AM - Report highlights, Convergence Content Team

10:25-10:30AM - Q&A

10:30-11:00AM - Panel discussion with Case Study Partners

11:00- 11:15AM - Q&A

11:15AM - Closing remarks

Virtual Presentation: Evaluating the Impact of Blended Finance Report

Join us for a virtual presentation of Convergence's recent report, Evaluating the Impact of Blended Finance: Convergence's Case Study Portfolio Revisited.

Evaluating the Impact of Blended Finance Report

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__Convergence Member Networking in London, Wednesday, May 31st, 5:30pm - 7:30pm BST__

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Join us for drinks and snacks with Convergence members and partners at Dalberg Advisor’s offices. Chat with impact investors, institutional investors, donors, development banks, and sponsors of blended finance deals. This event will be an opportunity to connect with fellow members, make new contacts, exchange ideas, and more.

Registration is open on a first come first served basis, with a maximum of two representatives per organization.

Convergence Member Drinks (London)

Join us for drinks and networking at Dalberg Advisor’s offices in London.

Networking Drinks in London

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__Member Training: Leverage Ratios Across Fund Structures, May 31st, 9am – 10:15am EDT (GMT-4)__

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This seminar is the second instalment in a new series of online trainings aimed at providing practical knowledge on blended finance based on our members' most frequent questions. Over 1.25 hours (75 minutes), this interactive seminar will look at the critical question of how to determine the right leverage ratio based on various factors including fund structure, sector and geographic focus. Convergence along with expert practitioners will weigh in on this important topic and share examples of calculations and considerations that helped determine the appropriate leverage ratio for their blended investment vehicle. 

*The training has limited space to ensure an intensive and practice-driven learning experience. Each Convergence member organization has two complimentary seats in each training. To claim these seats select 'Register' above and you will be directed to Eventbrite. Once there, choose 'Tickets' and enter the __promo code__ you received by email __above__ 'General Admission' for free access. Non-members can register for a fee of USD100.*

Member Training: Leverage Ratios Across Fund Structures

Convergence along with expert practitioners will weigh in on this important topic and share examples of calculations and considerations that helped determine the appropriate leverage ratio for their blended investment vehicle.

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__Tuesday, May 30th, 2023, from 10:00 am-11:00am EST__

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We invite you to join us virtually for the launch of [the new Catalytic Climate Finance Facility (CC Facility)](https://www.convergence.finance/design-funding/open-window/ccfacility),  which is focused on scaling sustainable climate finance by providing market acceleration services to early-stage and market-ready blended financial vehicles in under-financed areas and sectors in developing countries. 
The CC Facility is a partnership between Convergence and Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), two global leaders in blended and climate finance. 

Register for the webinar to:
- Learn about the CC Facility and what makes it unique
- Hear from Convergence and CPI on why we decided to partner on the CC Facility
- Gain insights into how to apply and eligibility and evaluation criteria
- Get your questions about the CC Facility answered

With funding from three anchor donors, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Global Affairs Canada, and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the CC Facility targets one of the main barriers  in the development process of a climate blended finance idea: the acceleration stage, when solutions face critical barriers and stagnation due to a lack of support. 

*The CC Facility is now open and the first deadline to submit concept notes is coming up on June 9, 2023. Visit [the CC Facility page](https://www.convergence.finance/design-funding/open-window/ccfacility) to learn more and apply.*

__Agenda__
- 10:00-10:10 AM ET - Opening remarks and introduction to the CC Facility
- 10:10-10:20 AM ET - Why Convergence and CPI have partnered to launch the CC Facility - including brief introductions to Convergence’s Design Funding Program and CPI’s Global Innovation Lab for Blended Finance 
- 10:20-10:40 AM ET - How to apply to the CC Facility and eligibility and evaluation criteria
- 10:40-11:00 AM ET - Q&A and conclusion 


The Catalytic Climate Finance Facility: Info Session

Join us virtually for the launch of the new Catalytic Climate Finance Facility

Learn about the new Catalytic Climate Finance Facility

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__Financing Nature-based Solutions in Southeast Asia, Friday, May 26th, 8:30am - 2:00pm SST__

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There is a growing need for a new generation of products and systems to accelerate and enhance the scale of NbS investments that will serve Southeast Asia’s green commodity and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) markets. [Palladium](https://thepalladiumgroup.com/) and [Convergence](https://www.convergence.finance/) are organizing a half-day knowledge-sharing and networking event in Singapore on May 26, 2023 to build relationships among project developers, investors, and donors with an interest in scaling financing for NbS.

This knowledge exchange and networking event will increase the visibility of project financing needs, investor requirements and viewpoints, and showcase solutions for effectively deploying capital for nature-based solutions (NbS) in SEA leading to new collaboration opportunities and innovation for scaling up NbS models.

The event will take place in the central business district of Singapore from 9 AM to 2 PM and include a light breakfast and lunch. The draft agenda is available on the registration page.

Please contact Steve Bosak, partner at DTG, at steve@designthinkersgroup.us with any questions.

Financing Nature-based Solutions in Southeast Asia

Join Palladium and Convergence for a half-day knowledge-sharing and networking event in Singapore.

Join us for this informative webinar where we will be connecting you to investment opportunities in the climate space in emerging markets. In the webinar, Convergence members who have a deal posted on our live deal database, will be sharing details of their investment opportunity. This is a great opportunity to learn about new and unique climate transactions and learn from practitioners in the field.

Whether you are an experienced investor or just starting out, this webinar is tailored to anyone looking to learn more about promising new ventures in the climate space.

The webinar will take place on May 24, 2023, from 9-10am EST and will feature three deals from our live deals database:
- Eco Business Fund by Finance in Motion,
- Climate Finance Blending Facility by Infracredit Nigeria,
- Asia Climate Strategy by responsAbility.

*This webinar series is exclusive to investors registered on the Convergence platform.*

Deal Connect

Join us for an exciting and informative webinar where we will be connecting you to investment opportunities in the climate space focused on the global south.