Common Wealth | Reimagining How Capital Builds Communities

Foundations steward wealth intended for public benefit, yet much of it is invested far from the communities their grantmaking supports. “Common Wealth” explores how our Local Capital Markets initiative in Philadelphia can help close that gap by connecting foundation assets with local enterprises. At the UnTours Foundation, we invest our endowment in businesses addressing social and environmental challenges. Through loans, revenue-sharing agreements, and equity investments, we provide financing that fits entrepreneurs’ needs. As capital is repaid, we reinvest it in other businesses, creating a continuing source of funding for community benefit. Featuring the CAAT Center, the film connects foundation investment decisions with the work happening in their own communities. It examines how investing locally can help enterprises access financing, sustain jobs, and keep more economic value circulating close to home. Building local capital markets takes relationships with entrepreneurs, an understanding of their businesses, and investment terms that support their growth. For us, it means putting foundation assets to work alongside grants—and recycling that capital to support more businesses over time. This film was made possible through a generous grant from the People's Media Fund.