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We are thrilled about your interest in Foundation House
Foundation House: Your Center for Positive Impact​

Located on a peaceful, biodiverse estate in Greenwich, CT, Foundation House is a Center for Impact committed to driving systemic change across environmental, community, and mental health initiatives. We unite a diverse community of impact investors, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders.

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Here, you'll find opportunities to:

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  • Gain Insights: Learn directly from industry experts.

  • Engage in Discussions: Share knowledge and explore innovative solutions.

  • Network: Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations.

  • Make a Difference: Discover impactful initiatives to support.​​​​

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Join our Community

Receive exclusive invitations to inspiring events. These gatherings offer a rare opportunity to learn from experts, engage in meaningful discussions, expand your network, and explore ways to support high-impact projects. View upcoming events.

 

 

 

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Propose a Convening

Consider hosting an event at Foundation House or partnering with us to co-host a gathering aligned with our mission. 

 

 

 

 

​​​​Be a Speaker

Are you passionate about environmental, community, or mental health topics? Share your expertise with our audience of impact-driven leaders and amplify your message.

 

 

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We look forward to welcoming you into the Foundation House community and collaborating to create lasting impact.

Upcoming Events

Foundation House hosts engaging events to raise awareness and focus on positive solutions about important social and environmental issues in the CT region and beyond.  These gatherings are a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights from leading experts, engage in thought-provoking discussions, network with other like-minded people, and discover ways to support catalytic initiatives.

 

In 2025, Foundation House will focus on Climate Justice and Mental Health as well as go deeper in environmental and social themes such as Climate Change, Water and Oceans, Nature-based Solutions, Regenerative Systems, and Affordable Housing. 

No events at the moment

Past Events

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Thur | 12/12/24

Second Annual Cocktails & COP-tales Holiday Celebration

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We reflected on key outcomes from COP16 and COP29, while looking ahead to COP30 in Brazil. Discussions highlighted the need for blended finance to close funding gaps, the inclusion of indigenous voices in global frameworks, and the importance of scalable, nature-based solutions. With optimism for systemic change, we explored pathways to align private capital and policy coherence for a sustainable future.​

Sun | 9/29/24

Third Annual Climate & Conflict Convening

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The Peace Department's third annual Climate & Conflict Convening, supported by Foundation House, brought together innovators to explore sustainable solutions at the intersection of climate action and peacebuilding. The gathering focused on investing in refugee women, economic resilience for migration mitigation, regenerative agriculture, and biomimetic urban planning. Key insights emerged around place-based solutions, women's leadership in community collaboration, and the strategic use of blended finance to scale impact. The convening reinforced how cross-sector partnerships can help crisis-affected communities build lasting resilience while advancing the SDGs.

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Fri | 9/9/24

Northeast Forest Bioregional Regeneration Forum

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Foundation House convened practitioners in the Northeast Forest bioregion who are committed leaders of regenerative initiatives in the need of scaling along with funders interested in supporting non-traditional, nature-focused finance models.  Together, the attendees had the opportunity to collaborate on an initiative that mobilizes our local communities and protects and restores natural resources. 

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The forum, intended to progress into a series, seeks to convene these regional actors, aimed to create coherence and a pre-competitive space in which to maximize collaborative impact.​

Thurs | 6/20/24

Foundation House and Gratitude Railroad ‘Unlocking the Next Trillion’ Summit

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The Summit took a “Systems to Solutions” approach and included stimulating workshops, speakers, and conversations to unlock the next trillion in impact investing which will shape a positive future.  The conference brought together approximately 100 change makers across sectors who are committed to leveraging their social, intellectual and financial capital to drive change.

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Speakers - Systems

  • Thinking in Systems that Support Life - John Fullerton 

  • Role of Intermediaries - Jeff Gitterman 

  • Post-investment Support for Fund managers and Entrepreneurs - Regina Green 

  • Bridging Private Assets with Government - Max Frankel 

  • Role of Philanthropic or Blended Capital - Paige MacLean, Jaideep Khanna 

  • Driving Capital to Next Gen and Underrepresented Fund Managers - Jenna Bussman-Wise, Roraj Pradhananga 

  • Scaling Solutions Beyond the Lab - Chante Harris, Tim Woodcock 


Speakers - Founders 

  • Tiya Gordon, It’sElectric

  • Rebecca Egger, Little Otter

  • Lauren Salz, Sealed

  • (Moderator) Thomas Knowles, Gratitude Railroad 


Speakers - Solutions

  • Reduce Greenhouse Gasses - Sarah Sclarsic, Voyager VC

  • Protect Ecological Integrity - Alex Armstrong, Mighty Earth, Craig Cogut, Global Fund for Coral Reef

  • Educate for the Future: Reskilling / Upskilling - Ashley Bittner, Kalos Ventures

  • Educate for the Future: K-12 - Mora Segal, A Street

  • Advance Health Equity - Lenore Beirne Champagne, Bright Ventures, Elana Berkowitz, Springbank VC

  • Bridge the Wealth Gap - Adrianna Samaniego, Cherryrock Capital, Liz Luckett - The Social Entrepreneurs’ Fund

  • Heal Food Systems - Julia Paino, Desert Bloom, Jack Algiere, Blue Hill at Stone Barns

  • Champion Climate Justice - 1 - Rebekah Saul Butler, Gratitude Railroad

  • Champion Climate Justice - 2 - Roman Torres, The Schmidt Family Foundation

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Fri | 4/26/24

Connecticut Food System Transformation: Pathways To Equity & Resilience

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Foundation House, in partnership with The Foodshed Network, hosted an engaging discussion on food system transformation in Connecticut, exploring community-based initiatives as pathways toward a more just, resilient, and regenerative food system in the state.  Attendees included community organizers, farmers, food policy experts, farmland advocates, bridge builders, and food system and changemakers. Also in attendance were Impact investors, philanthropists, entrepreneurs and interested local citizens. 

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Speakers​

  • Ali Ghiorse: Co-founder, Foodshed Forum (Keynote)

Panel #1 Farmland Access + Resilience:

  • Richard Zimmerman: Executive Director, Foundation House (Moderator)

  • Denise Savageau: CT Council on Soil & Water Conservation

  • Elisabeth Moore: Connecticut Farmland Trust

  • Jonathon Savage: Gather New Haven

Panel #2 Food Security + Equity:

  • Ali Ghiorse: Co-founder, Foodshed Forum

  • Christine Caruso: College of the Environment, Wesleyan University

  • Chef Raquel Rivera: A Pinch of Salt

  • Rob Moore: Greenwich United Way

  • Vetiveah: CitySeed

Fri | 4/5/24

Decarbonization II - Carbon Markets + Carbon Residency

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Foundation House hosted an engaging discussion on the potential of carbon markets as a powerful tool in the fight against global warming exploring the following:

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  • The fundamentals of carbon markets: How do they work, and what are the different types?

  • The impact of carbon markets: Can they incentivize emission reductions and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy?

  • The challenges and opportunities: What are the potential roadblocks, and how can we ensure carbon markets contribute to a just and equitable transition?

  • The future of carbon markets: What role will they play in achieving our global net-zero goals?

  • Climate solutions for placed-based systemic decarbonization  (presented by the Carbon Residency)

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Speakers

  • Richard Zimmerman, Executive Director, Foundation House (Moderator)

  • Kwan-Yin Graw, Analyst at Capricorn Investment Group

  • Luke Oliver, Managing Director, Head of Climate Investments and Head of Strategy at KraneShares

  • Nik Mittal, Managing Partner at Molecule Ventures

  • Ruben Lubowski, Chief Carbon and Environmental Markets Strategist, Lombard Odier Investment Managers, Adjunct Professor, Columbia University

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Thurs | 12/14/23

Impact Allies Holiday Party and COP 28 Discussion

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Foundation House hosted a holiday party to celebrate a year of impact activities and friendships and discuss COP28 with Craig Cogut from Pegasus Capital and other experts from the field.  The evening also featured an inspiring presentation by renown climate artist, Alejandro Duran, and striking photo series Washed Up, which illuminates the threat of plastic pollution in our waterways.

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Speakers

  • Richard Zimmerman, Executive Director, Foundation House (Moderator)

  • Craig Cogut, Founder, Pegasus Capital

  • Alejandro Duran, Climate Artist

Thurs | 12/14/23

Emerging Modalities in Mental Health

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Foundation House and Noetic Ventures hosted a forum on innovative solutions to the mental health crisis. Mr. John Hamilton, President/CEO of Liberation Programs, an organization helping families overcome addiction, spoke about addiction services and the impact of addiction on our communities. Dr. Jeffery Becker’s discussed his primary work that focuses on the opioid epidemic and pain management. Dr. Erin Amato spoke about depression and addiction in young people and early intervention, Mr. Sa’ad Shah, co-founder of Noetic Fund, presented a path forward, speaking about cutting-edge research and the future of the mental health industry as it relates to these topics.

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Speakers

  • Richard Zimmerman, Executive Director, Foundation House (Moderator)

  • Dr. Jeffery Becker, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Bexson Biomedical, Inc.

  • Dr. Erin Amato, Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. Functional Medicine Fellow. 

  • Sa’ad Shah, Managing Partner, Noetic Fund

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Fri | 09/15/23

Decarbonization 'The Path to a Sustainable Future'

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In advance of Climate Week 2023, Foundation House hosted an Impact Allies Forum on Decarbonization with esteemed experts from the scientific, philanthropic, and investment arena. 

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Speakers

  • Richard Zimmerman, Executive Director of Foundation House (Moderator)

  • Nidhi Chadda, Founder Enzo Advisors

  • Adam Fraser, CEO Terraset

  • Natalie Gartmann, ESG and Impact Manager, Pegasus Capital Advisors

  • Dr. Martin Wainstein, Open Earth Founder

Tues | 07/25/23

Mental Wellness for Men:  Developing A Game Plan for Stressful and Challenging Times

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Foundation House hosted a forum on Men’s Mental Health with the REAL and Third Half Advisors.  The discussion focused on Men’s Mental Health, especially when times are tough and in transition, and how to find ways to seek support, improve outlook, and rediscover purpose in life.

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Speakers

  • Mimi Sternlicht, Founder, Foundation House (Host)

  • Richard Zimmerman, Executive Director Foundation House (Host)

  • Shawn Lesser, The REAL

  • Brent Herd, The REAL

  • Caroline Brecker, Third Half Advisors 

  • Campbell Gerrish, Third Half Advisors

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Fri | 06/15/23

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) - Investing in Biodiversity for a Sustainable Future

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Foundation House held an Impact Allies Forum on Nature-based Solutions (NBS).  Nature-based solutions (NBS) are actions that work with and enhance nature to address societal challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, water security, and human health.

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Speakers

  • Richard Zimmerman, Executive Director of Foundation House (Moderator)

  • Vicki Benjamin, Founder & CEO, Karner Blue Capital

  • Andrew Niebler, Executive VP, General Counsel, Karner Blue Capital

Fri | 04/14/23

Water Issues and Opportunities

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Foundation House held an Impact Allies Forum on Nature-based Solutions (NBS).  Nature-based solutions (NBS) are actions that work with and enhance nature to address societal challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, water security, and human health.

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Speakers

  • Richard Zimmerman, Executive Director of Foundation House (Moderator)

  • Vicki Benjamin, Founder & CEO, Karner Blue Capital

  • Andrew Niebler, Executive VP, General Counsel, Karner Blue Capital

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Tues | 03/28/23

Greenwich United Way -

Youth Mental Health Forum

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Foundation House held a Youth Mental Health Forum with the Greenwich United Way. The evening highlighted the new Greenwich Hospital Intensive Outpatient Center for Youth Mental Health.

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Speakers

  • Mimi Sternlicht/Founder, Foundation House (Host)

  • Richard Zimmerman/Executive Director, Foundation House (Host)

  • Demetra Ganias Founder, Ganias Media Lab, Moderator)

  • Dr. Amir Garakani Chair, Psychiatry & Behavioral Health at Greenwich Hospital

  • Dr. Joshua Hrabosky, Program Director, Outpatient Behavioral Health

  • Dr. Toni Jones, Superintendent Greenwich Public Schools

  • Clarena McBeth, Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, LPC

  • Debra Hess, Board Member, Greenwich United Way

Fri | 01/10/23

Affordable Housing Summit

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Foundation House hosted a private convening of key industry players to explore innovative solutions to Affordable Housing in Connecticut, with the goal to discuss and learn about creative ways to bring about safe and affordable housing to our region.  The Summit provided an overview of the current state of Affordable Housing in the region and focused on creative solutions in development, design, and financing by drawing upon best practices and innovative initiatives in CT region and beyond. Participants and attendees included government and advocacy leaders, housing designers and developers, philanthropists, funders, and interested citizens.

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Keynote Speakers

  • Mimi Sternlicht/Founder, Foundation House (Host)

  • Richard Zimmerman/Executive Director, Foundation House (Host)

  • Jonathan Rose/Jonathan Rose Companies (Keynote)

  • Seila Mosquera-Bruno/Commissioner, CT Department of Housing (Keynote)

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Thurs | 01/9/23

Impact Allies Forum - Private Dinner Discussion

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Foundation House hosted a private dinner of Impact Allies to discuss impact issues, ideas, and opportunities.  The dinner highlighted key participants in the housing space who were participating in the Foundation House Affordable Housing Conference on 1/10/23

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Speakers

  • Richard Zimmerman, Executive Director of Foundation House (Host)

  • Mimi Sternlicht/Founder, Foundation House (Host)

  • Alan Organschi and Lisa Gray at Gray Organschi Architecture

  • Sharon Schneider: Founder and Principal at Integrated Capital Strategies

  • Alfonso Medina: CEO of Madelon

Tues | 06/22/22

Impact Allies Forum - Private Gathering

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Foundation House hosted a gathering of Impact Allies to discuss impact issues, ideas, and opportunities.  During the convening participants shared their successes and challenges in impact investing and philanthropy and highlighted key impact initiatives they were undertaking

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Speakers​

  • Richard Zimmerman/Executive Director, Foundation House (Moderator)

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Fri | 04/22/22

An Evening with Mongabay

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Foundation House hosted an evening discussion of Mongabay, a nonprofit environmental science and conservation news platform that produces original reporting in English, Indonesian, Spanish, French, Hindi, and Brazilian Portuguese by leveraging over 800 correspondents in some 70 countries. Mongabay is dedicated to evidence-driven objective journalism.

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Speakers

  • Richard Zimmerman, Executive Director of Foundation House (Moderator) 

  • Rhett Bulter, Founder & CEO, Mongabay

Tues | 10/28/21

CT Climate Business Summit

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Foundation House hosted the CT Climate Action Business Summit, and initiative of the CT Sustainable Business Council, which brought together key participants in the CT business ecosystem dedicated to discuss climate issues and solutions in an engaging, action-oriented session(s). The Summit especially focused on addressing scaleable solutions to addressing Climate Change in the region. “We believe that sustainable business can be a force for good and that the climate crisis presents an opportunity for businesses to work together to innovate solutions and build a strong economy that works for all.” -Connecticut Sustainable Business Council.

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Speakers

  • Richard Zimmerman, Executive Director of Foundation House (Host)

  • Heather Burns, Founder, CEO, Connecticut Sustainable Business Council 

  • Avangrid (sponsor)

  • Andrew Winston, Author, Net Zero

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