Uncovering Talent & Unleashing Opportunity

The Investment Grade charity event - Making the Grade – was founded in 2022 with the goal of bringing market participants from across the Investment Grade community to support making education more equitable and inclusive. The New York event raised a record $637,000 in 2026 and $2.5 million to date, with all funds going directly to A Better Chance.

Established in 1963, A Better Chance is the oldest and only nonprofit organization of its kind, supporting over 2,000 students from underserved communities nationwide chosen for their motivation, academic strength and potential. A Better Chance Scholars are enrolled in more than 200 of the nation's most rigorous and prestigious boarding, day, and public schools through its signature College Preparatory Schools Program.

Following on the success of the New York event, Making the Grade was expanded to London in 2026 in support of Young Enterprise, the UK’s leading financial and enterprise education charity expanding opportunities for young people in underserved communities in England and Wales. The inaugural event raised over £110,000, attracting nine sponsors and over 130 attendees. In addition to New York and London, we’re proud to announce Making the Grade will expand to Hong Kong in 2027.

Making the Grade demonstrates the importance of collaboration across the financial services industry to make a meaningful impact and unlock opportunities for the next generation of leaders.