Scaling investment for positive impact: Inside the 2026 Impact Investment Summit 

At a time when global systems are under increasing strain from climate instability and widening inequality, the role of capital in shaping fairer and more resilient futures has never been more urgent.  

The Impact Investment Summit Asia Pacific 2026, being held in Sydney later this month, has long been an important convening of investors, foundations, advisors and for purpose organisations committed to directing capital toward social and environmental solutions.  

The Summit brings together major super funds, global and domestic fund managers, Australia’s leading foundations and family offices, senior advisors and government decision makers in one place to accelerate the flow of capital where it is needed most.  

The 2026 program explores the forces shaping impact investing today, with content designed to help investors navigate rapid economic, technological and environmental change. Philanthropy Australia’s partnered initiative the Foundations Group for Impact Investing (FGII) will be hosting a pre-conference breakfast on Wednesday 25 March to help people navigate the Summit and provide a chance for networking. 

The themes across eight curated streams include systems change investing, communities and inclusion, climate and environment, medtech and biotech, healthcare, and new opportunities emerging across the Asia Pacific region. The program examines how global shifts in areas including technology, climate risk and geopolitical transition are reshaping markets and investment priorities, with conversations led by fund managers, innovators and policy voices working at the forefront of these changes.  

The Summit also provides dedicated spaces for deeper learning and connection, including the Impact Marketplace, where companies and funds seeking to scale can meet, as well as the annual Impact Investment Awards. 

Michelle Di Fabio, Impact Investment Summit MC and host said: “The Impact Investment Summit creates space for foundations and the broader philanthropic community to learn, collaborate, and connect with investable opportunities that align with their mission. With a dedicated stream for foundations, advisors and family offices, and a focus on systems change and thematic investing, the program reflects the leadership role philanthropy plays in shaping long‑term impact.”

At the end of the first day, the community will come together for “Impact After Dark”, a curated evening hosted by the Summit, Impact Investing Australia and Creative Australia.

This event will see Impact Investing Australia lead a panel discussion designed to challenge assumptions and rethink the future of Australia’s impact investing. This event will feature an incredible entertainment program provided by Creative Australia, with L2R Dance and Melbourne International Festival favourite, Visions of Nar.

FGII pre-conference breakfast 

Before the official program begins, attendees are invited to a pre-summit breakfast and briefing from FGII.  

Brianna Kerr, Director of Knowledge and Practice, and CEO Maree Sidey will be representing Philanthropy Australia’s at the event. They are looking forward to connecting with people committed to shaping better futures through their investments.

“I am really excited to hear about what is emerging across the impact investing space and sense the breakfast with help all attendees step into the summit with a mindset of shared possibility,” Brianna said.

The breakfast will feature short reflections from speakers representing both investor and investee perspectives, including Bhanvi Kapoor Anand from the Snow Foundation, Pia Clinton-Tarestad from Clean Slate Clinic, Samar Mcheileh from Scale Investors and MC of the Impact Investment Summit, Michelle Di Fabio. It will also offer context and connections for attendees ahead of the main event.  

Philanthropy Australia members discount code 

Philanthropy Australia members receive a 10% discount code for the Impact Investment Summit. Use the code 2026IISPHILANTHROPYAUS at checkout.  

Check out the full program.
 

Main image: Attendees at the 2025 Impact Investment Summit. Credit: O’Neill Photography