The Purpose Initiative

Nasdaq's call to build a more inclusive economy has never been stronger, nor more urgent than it is today.

READ OUR 2020 Impact Report

Advancing Inclusive Growth & Prosperity

Reimagining Investor Engagement

We strive to equip under-represented communities with the financial knowledge to better empower them to build a prosperous future and participate in an ecosystem that supports and sustains their growth.

Increasing Capital Markets Participation

We aim to support Black, minority, and female entrepreneurs to strengthen, scale, and bring their ventures to market.

Building Strategic Partnerships

We seek to collaborate with organizations that can help build a deeper, data-led understanding of where the challenges are greatest, what existing efforts could be amplified, and how the Nasdaq Foundation can make new and distinctive contributions.

At Nasdaq, our purpose is to champion inclusive growth and prosperity. We power stronger economies, create more equitable opportunities and contribute to a more sustainable world to help our communities, clients, employees and people of all backgrounds reach their full potential.

Data shows that

14%

of people say they do not invest because they do not know how

Our Bold New Ambition

Nasdaq has unveiled its new Purpose Initiative, designed to support women and under-represented minority communities with the resources needed to grow and sustain their businesses. The Purpose Initiative comprises the company’s philanthropic, community outreach, corporate sustainability, and employee volunteerism programs to leverage Nasdaq’s unique place at the center of capital creation, markets, and technology.

Read our 2020 Impact Report

Data shows that

14%

of people say they do not invest because they do not know how

Unequal participation in the markets is deepening the divide within our communities, and more needs to be done to level the playing field for entrepreneurs and investors of all ages, genders, and race.

Adena T. Friedman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Our Commitment to Purpose

Nasdaq Foundation

Equipping under-represented communities with the financial knowledge to share in the wealth that markets create

Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center

Continuing its mission to deliver resources and mentorship to entrepreneurs of every background, with programs specifically focused on women and under-represented minorities, to strengthen, scale, and bring to market their ventures

Nasdaq GoodWorks

Identifying new philanthropic and employee volunteer opportunities with local charities and non-profit organizations that promote diversity in entrepreneurship and investor engagement

Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

Creating a culture of belonging and advancing equality in the workplace by attracting and retaining a diverse workforce

Nasdaq Nordic Foundation

Promoting scientific research and key initiatives related to the financial markets in Finland, Denmark and Sweden, with the goal of increasing overall market competence and competitiveness

Environmental, Social and Governance

Pledging to preserve our planet’s natural resources and ensure the health and safety of our employees, families and communities

Removing Systemic Barriers

Jailan Griffiths

President of the Nasdaq Foundation and Head of the Purpose Initiative

"We aim to partner with leading organizations to remove the systemic barriers faced by under-represented communities in their efforts to generate and sustain wealth. By democratizing financial knowledge, under-represented communities can be better equipped to access wealth creation and participate in the capital markets.”