Catalytic Capital

How can philanthropy catalyse systemic change in an era of global crisis? As the world grapples with escalating climate risks, widening inequality, and shifting global power dynamics, traditional approaches to development finance are becoming insufficient. This book explores how philanthropy, as risk capital, can de-risk investments, unlock private capital, and drive transformative, multi-sector partnerships to tackle the most pressing global challenges. Bringing together real-world case studies and expert insights, it highlights blended finance models, climate adaptation strategies, and innovative approaches to sustainable development. The authors reveal how emerging markets are leading in catalytic finance, how philanthropy can scale green investments, and why collaboration is the only path to meaningful impact. A must-read for philanthropists, investors, policymakers, and development leaders, Catalytic Capital offers practical frameworks to harness the power of finance for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable global economy. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.