Dear Impact Collective Community,

As spring begins to unfold, I’ve been reflecting on how essential it is to create space for learning, for connection, and for courageous action. Across the country, we’re witnessing a devastating rollback of policies meant to advance equity and justice, the systematic dismantling of essential institutions, and unlawful arrests and deportations happening in and from our own communities. From affirmative action to DEI initiatives, long-standing efforts to close the racial wealth gap are under attack. And yet, in the midst of this, I’m heartened by the growing number of people choosing to act with intention, courage, and care.

At the Impact Collective, we believe that lasting change is rooted in relationships: to ourselves, to our communities, and to the values we hold most dear. That’s why we’re offering and lifting up opportunities to gather, reflect, and move into action, together.

This month’s newsletter includes an invitation to our workshops for women, couples, and men including upcoming virtual Q&A's about our Bay Area Transformative Retreat for White Women—a powerful and supportive experience for those in the Bay Area ready to explore the intersections of race, gender, and money in community. You’ll also hear from Jen Risher, co-founder of #HalfMyDAF, whose work is moving millions from donor-advised funds to nonprofits.

We’re excited to spotlight a number of partner events that align with our shared values and commitment to collective action. We know this work can be complex and even overwhelming, but it becomes more possible, more joyful, and more sustainable when we do it together.

With hope and solidarity, 

Julia Johannsen
Founder of the Impact Collective

Transformative Retreat for Women Q&A
With Sara Narva & Julia Johannsen
Via Zoom

Join us for a virtual Q&A to learn more about our upcoming in-person retreat in the Bay Area. Come connect, ask questions, and begin your journey toward deeper clarity, confidence, and impact.

The Transformative Retreat is a powerful opportunity for white women committed to aligning their resources and values with meaningful action. Grounded in community, historical context, and honest reflection, this retreat offers a supportive space to explore the intersections of race, gender, and money with care and accountability.

• Thursday, Apr 10, 9pm PT/12pm ET
• Monday, Apr 28, 12pm PT/3pm ET
  
  

Interview with Jen Risher
Co-Founder of the philanthropic movement #HalfMyDAF

#HalfMyDAF is a growing movement to unlock philanthropic giving - now. Over the last five years, their partners and hundreds of DAF donors have made thousands of grants and moved over $70 million from DAFs to nonprofits. Read our interview with Jen Risher to learn more:

How did #HalfMyDAF come to be?
It was really an emotional response to what we were witnessing during the early days of COVID in 2020. My husband and I were sheltering in place, thinking about how nonprofits were struggling with so much uncertainty. We wanted to do more than just continue our usual giving—we wanted to inspire others to give, too.

We were very aware of how much money—$120 billion at the time—was sitting in donor-advised funds (DAFs), not being put to work. So we launched #HalfMyDAF with a simple idea: if DAF holders commit to giving away half their fund by the end of September, their donations could be eligible for matching funds. We put up $1 million of our own money to help spark the movement. In just five months, we moved $8.6 million—and we’ve kept going. Today, we’ve moved over $70 million from DAFs to nonprofits.

What kind of impact have you seen beyond just the numbers?
It’s created conversations—families sitting down and talking about where they want to give and what their values are. It’s given nonprofits a way to reach out to donors and potentially receive matched donations. It’s started to normalize the idea that giving doesn’t have to be delayed—your money can make an impact now. Most importunely, the idea of spending half of your DAF has become a new benchmark. Now, rather than then 5% requirement for foundations, when people think about DAFs they’re inspired to give 50%.

What’s your favorite part of this work?
Hearing from people who say that this movement gave them permission to start giving in a bigger, more purposeful way. It also opens up space for deeper conversations about wealth, identity, and values.

You mentioned you published a book as well—can you tell us more?
Yes! Around the same time we started #HalfMyDAF, I published We Need to Talk: A Memoir About Wealth. It’s about my personal experience coming into wealth and the emotional complexities that came with it—identity, relationships, shame. I wrote the book I needed and couldn’t find. Sharing my story has helped others feel seen, and it’s started real conversations that help move people from guilt to meaning and impact.

Any final message you’d like to share?
Yes: Move your money now. Waiting won’t make the problems go away. Climate change, literacy gaps, equity issues—these can’t wait. If you have a DAF, join us and commit to giving half. The urgency is real, and the opportunity to make a difference is right now.

>> Learn more and take the pledge at halfmydaf.com.

A Conversation with Rachel Sherman
Author of Uneasy Street: The Anxieties of Affluence and Sociologist
Friday, Apr 4, 12–1pm ET/9–10am PT via Zoom

Join us for a compelling conversation with sociologist, professor, and author Rachel Sherman, whose groundbreaking research explores the hidden emotional and social dynamics of wealth and privilege.

In her critically acclaimed book Uneasy Street: The Anxieties of Affluence, Sherman examines how affluent individuals navigate the contradictions of privilege, identity, and societal expectations. Her work offers an in-depth look at how wealth is experienced, justified, and reconciled within broader structures of inequality.

A Conversation with Janine Firpo
Co-Founder of Invest for Better & Author of Activate Your Money
Friday, May 2, 12–1pm ET/9–10am PT via Zoom

Join us for a powerful conversation with Janine Firpo, Co-Founder of Invest for Better, a nonprofit movement empowering women to take control of their finances and align their investments with their values. Whether you're just beginning your investment journey or looking to deepen your impact, this conversation offers inspiration, tools, and community to help you take meaningful steps toward financial change.

Janine will share her personal journey of transforming her relationship with money and introduce practical strategies to engage in values-aligned investing—from shifting your cash and equities to exploring impact opportunities in real estate, fixed income, and beyond.

The evolution of women in philanthropy. Credit: Tuti Scott

March Collective Conversation with Tuti Scott Recap

In a powerful conversation drawing on her decades of experience in philanthropy, social justice, and financial activism, Tuti Scott called on women to own their financial power and use it to advance gender and racial equity. She emphasized the urgency of intentional investing as a way to confront structural inequities, including racial disparities in healthcare, incarceration, and economic opportunity, and encouraged a shift from passive giving to bold, strategic action that supports women-led and BIPOC-centered initiatives.

Blending personal reflection with a values-driven framework, Tuti offered practical guidance for taking meaningful financial action. She invited participants to reflect on their “money stories,” initiate courageous conversations, and adopt an athlete’s mindset—approaching change with focus, resilience, and discipline. The session concluded with a preview of upcoming opportunities and a rich collection of resources available below the recording on our website.

>> You can watch the recording here.

Values-Aligned Giving in a Shifting Landscape
With Financial Advisor Anna N’Jie-Konte & Philanthropic Strategist Jessyca Dudley
Monday, Apr 7, 2025, 1pm ET/10am PT
Location: Virtual

The racial wealth gap, health disparities, and economic inequality remain as stark as ever. Yet, instead of progress, we’re witnessing an unprecedented rollback of policies and programs designed to create a more equitable society. DEI programs, affirmative action and other longstanding policies that reduce racial disparities have been repealed. This isn’t just a setback—it’s a wake-up call. Financial advisor Anna N’Jie-Konte and philanthropic strategist Jessyca Dudley will break down:

• How to align your capital with your values and priorities
• A framework for action to continue this crucial work
• How to think expansively about the financial tools available to you
  
  

60th Anniversary of 1965 Freedom Rally
Hosted by Embrace Boston
Tuesday, Apr 26, 2025, 12pm ET
Location: The Embrace, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108

Gather at the Embrace Monument/Parkman Bandstand to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the 1965 Freedom Rally with Embrace Boston, in collaboration with the City of Boston, other community partners, and as part of the Everyone 250 Initiative and other 250 celebrations.

The 1965 Freedom Rally took place on April 23, 1965, with over 20,000 people marching on Boston Common to protest racial imbalance in housing and schools. Martin Luther King led the march from Roxbury to Boston Common but the march began at Carter Playground, at the corner of Columbus Ave., and ended at Boston Common, the site of the Embrace Monument.

    WOMEN'S RETREAT    

Privilege & Purpose: A Transformative Retreat for Women
Spring 2026, Schedule TBA

Transformative Retreat is for women with more than enough money to thrive and a curiosity about their role in the financial system. Anchored by a powerful in-person weekend in spring 2026, this 3-part hybrid experience is designed to fit your life, family, beliefs, and financial situation. You will move from awareness to action to empowerment and leave with a personalized plan to align your money with your values.

This experience includes:

Learn more about the Transformative Retreat on our website.

    MEN'S WORKSHOP   

Money & Values in Action: An Introductory Workshop for Men
with Ethan Kerr, Founder of Breaking the Mold
Spring 2026, Schedule TBA

Join Ethan Kerr from Breaking the Mold for a 3-session virtual workshop designed to help you move from awareness to action and empower you to align your resources with your values. Within a community of white men learning together, explore the complexities of race and money—and how to drive action. Through a mix of contextual learning, group discussions, and personal reflection, you’ll gain tools to make a tangible impact and promote equity.

This experience includes:

Learn more about the Men's Workshop on our website.

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