Categories for Thinking On…

President’s Letter: A Look Back at 2014, Part I

Heron’s President Clara Miller discusses our evolution and common myths we see in the social sector.

Thinking On: The Impoverished & Isolated

Kate Starr, Heron’s head of capital deployment, shares lessons and thoughts on how the American experience of poverty has changed from the recent past, and reminds of the ancient past.

Thinking On: The Power of Information

This July retreat explored how to use innovative information tools to surface data capable of informing decision making and improving social and financial outcomes.

Thinking On: The Search for Mission Return

Heron’s president and board chair turn on its head the question of whether pursuing mission reduces financial return.

President’s Letter: A Look Back at 2013

Heron’s President Clara Miller takes a look at how 2013 shaped the foundation, which has undergone significant changes.

Thinking On: Scaling Impact, Evidence Is Not Enough

Heron Fellow Rodney Christopher asks philanthropists and nonprofits: Are we focusing enough on enterprise when we seek to increase the impact of evidence-based programs?

Thinking On: Divestment and the Conscious Investor

Heron’s Buzz Schmidt responds to Stanford’s divestment from fossil fuels and says it offers lessons for reevaluating all investments for social impact.

Thinking On: The Market Basket Revolution

A battle over the fate of a supermarket chain is emblematic of the dilemma facing business today, maximizing shareholder value or reinvesting in workers.

Thinking On: Rediscovering the Enterprise Investment Approach

Heron’s Kate Starr argues that looking at investing through an enterprise lens is a return to basics.

Thinking On: Impact Investing Meets Development Finance

Heron president Clara Miller offers lighthearted thoughts on the cultural anthropology of two groups interested in poverty solutions.