The Power Of Property To Change Our World

The Power of Property to Change Our World was the title of the talk Molly Burhans delivered at the Global Philanthropy Forum: Confronting Orthodoxies: Evolving Mindsets conference, hosted by the Council on World Affairs. In her presentation, Burhans explored the dual impact of property in both charity work and financial portfolios. She discussed how large foundations and family offices can leverage real estate not only as a vehicle for delivering services and advancing social justice but also as a powerful asset within their investment strategies. Burhans shared insights on how property holdings, when managed intentionally, can support initiatives in environmental conservation, community development, and faith-based missions, while also generating returns for philanthropists and investors. She highlighted actionable strategies for aligning financial goals with mission-driven objectives, offering examples of how foundations and family offices can create long-term positive impact through their real estate portfolios. This session provided information relevant to the audience of major foundations and family offices seeking innovative ways to maximize their resources for both financial best practices and societal good.