The IDAC Foundation

About iDAC Foundation

iDAC Foundation is building a pathway to expand access to the alternative investments industry—from a student’s first introduction to investing to the launch and growth of an investment firm.

Our Key Initiatives

Children’s Financial Literacy
iDAC brings financial literacy education directly into schools, introducing students to the fundamentals of investing and helping make those lessons tangible. Through select programs, students have the opportunity to open their first brokerage account with a parent or guardian and experience investing firsthand.

Talent Collaborative
Built over the past five years, the iDAC Talent Collaborative connects thousands of high school and college students with education, career guidance, industry professionals, and opportunities to explore careers in alternative investments. Events, office hours, and other programming help students understand the industry and the pathways available to them.

Fellowship Program
The iDAC Fellowship helps bridge the gap between institutional allocators and talented college students from schools that may not traditionally be part of the industry's recruiting pipeline. Launched as a pilot in 2026, the program creates opportunities for students to gain meaningful professional experience while helping participating organizations reach a broader pool of talent.

Emerging Managers
iDAC supports the next generation of investment managers as they build and grow their firms. Emerging managers are connected with experienced industry leaders, service providers who can help establish critical infrastructure, and allocators and investors interested in discovering new investment talent.

Allocator & Investor Engagement
Central to this work is a strong community of allocators and investors who share iDAC's belief that expanding access can broaden the industry's talent pool and ultimately contribute to stronger investment outcomes.

Our Theory of Change

Together, these initiatives form iDAC Foundation's Theory of Change: expand access, maximize talent, and improve performance.

We believe access should begin long before someone applies for their first job in investment management. It starts by introducing young people to investing, continues by creating pathways into the industry, and extends through the development of emerging investment managers.

This work is powered by our volunteer Board, dedicated volunteers, donors, and industry leaders who share a common goal: creating greater access to opportunity so the alternative investments industry can draw from the strongest possible pool of talent.