the 2gen Investment Case
Over the past decade, the public and private sectors have invested more than $500 million in two-generation (2Gen) approaches to accelerate intergenerational economic mobility for families. Explore this report for learnings from those investments, a comprehensive view of key 2Gen initiatives, and important considerations for expanding these grantmaking strategies to maximize impact for children and families.
Making the most of capital in all its forms
This report aims to provide new and seasoned funders, in both the public and private sectors, with tools to help them ensure they are investing in 2Gen approaches that maximize outcomes for children and families. Drawing on key learnings and insights from funders, practitioners, philanthropic advisors, and a literature scan, this report sets out a synopsis of the current state of 2Gen approaches, actionable investment strategies, and opportunities for future focus.
1. Capitalizing Good Ideas
2. Executive Summary
3. Investments from Funders
4. Lessons from Practitioners & Funders
5. Grantmaking Considerations
6. Areas of Future Focus
AuthorS
Anne Mosle
Founder & Executive Director,
Ascend at the Aspen Institute
Marjorie Sims
Managing Director,
Ascend at the Aspen Institute
Acknowledgements
Ascend at the Aspen Institute would like to recognize the following staff and partners for their contributions to this report. We are grateful for their generosity.
- Jennifer Beck – Vice President, Programs, John T. Gorman Foundation
- Shelley Waters Boots – Principal, SWB Strategic Solutions, LLC
- Jeannie Chaffin – Acting Director, National Association for State, Community Services Programs (NASCSP)
- Paula Collins-Sammons – Senior Program Officer, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
- Marcia Coné – Former Chief Strategist, Women’s Funding Network
- Dr. Cynthia Croom – Executive Director, Metropolitan Action Commission (MAC)
- Tiffany Day – Consultant, Daylight Solutions LLC
- Daniel J. DuHamel – Program Officer, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies
- Quanic Fullard -Senior Associate, The Annie E. Casey Foundation
- Sarah Griffen – Principal, Griffen Consulting LLC
- Angela Hall – Vice President, Family Services/Human Resources, Family and Workforce Centers of America
- Chelsey Hall – Director of Family and Community Engagement, Two Generation Manager, Colorado Department of Human Services
- Raquel Hatter – Managing Director of the Human Services Program, Kresge Foundation
- Allison Holmes – Senior Research Associate, The Annie E. Casey Foundation
- Jordan Hynes – Director of the Children and Families Program, National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices
- Portia Kennel – Former Senior Advisor, Buffett Early Childhood Fund
- Marci Lu – Senior Program Officer, William J. and Dorothy K. O’Neill Foundation
- Tiffney Marley – Senior Vice President Practice Transformation, National Community Action Partnership (NCAP)
- Hannah Matthews – Former Deputy Executive Director for Policy, The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)
- Jill O’Meara – Early Education Empowerment Zone Coordinator, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)
- Kathryn Parr – Assistant Research Professor, University of Connecticut
- Nisha Patel – Philanthropic Advisor, Powered by Shakti LLC
- Leslie Perkul – President and CEO, William J. and Dorothy K. O’Neill Foundation
- Maribel Ramos – Legislative Director for Health and Human Services, National Governors Association (NGA) Government Relations
- Allison Setterlind – Georgia Head Start Collaboration Director, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)
- Carolyn Seward – Chief Executive Officer, Family and Workforce Centers of America (FWCA)
- Melissa Hall Sommer – Vice President, Brighton Center
- Amy Weber – Chief Impact Officer, United Way of Greater Cincinnati
- Steve White – Former Director, Educare Atlanta
- Nicole Witherbee – President & CEO, John T. Gorman Foundation
- Elaine Zimmerman – Regional Administrator, Region 1, Administration of Children and Families (ACF)
REVIEW THE FULL REPORT
There is plenty to learn from the past decade and the leaders who have seeded investments in intergenerational family well-being. To access all insights, download the full PDF publication.