SMU’s Business Families Institute launched a new framework to guide philanthropists with a structured approach to deploy their capital, work with strategic partners and support bold, long-horizon solutions capable of delivering sustained, large-scale impact for society. The report, titled ‘The Moonshot Approach to Philanthropy: A Framework From ‘What Ifs?’ to Action’, encourages philanthropists, charitable foundations and family offices seeking to deepen their impact to take a long-term view in the face of uncertainty. SMU Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Kenneth Goh, who led the report, said at the launch event that philanthropists play a vital role in funding programmes that help to solve today’s challenges. However, supporting only such projects risks addressing symptoms rather than root causes. He added that the ‘Moonshot’ strategy complements traditional funding approaches. While the public may feel that driving systemic change is the responsibility of government, in reality governments may find it difficult to justify initiatives with higher uncertainty using taxpayers’ money. This is where philanthropists can play a catalytic role, working hand in hand with government to support bold ideas that can drive change. The research is made possible through a research gift from The Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation.