Investing in Hope: Philanthropy for What’s Next

Americans’ hope for the future has fallen to a new low. In 2025, just 59 percent said they expected their lives to be better five years in the future, the lowest level recorded in nearly two decades of polling. At a moment marked by retreating public funding, geopolitical instability, and deepening inequality, confidence in the future is fraying. Philanthropy cannot afford business as usual and must step in to help build a prosperous future. This conversation convenes leaders from institutional philanthropy, corporate foundations, impact investing, venture philanthropy, and purpose-driven companies to discern how capital must evolve and align to meet this moment. If hope is declining, how can philanthropy help rebuild it?