Microlumbia Impact Fund
Empowering financial inclusion through student-led impact investing.
Overview
Microlumbia Impact Fund, now operating as LEO Impact Fund, is a student-run impact investing fund associated with Columbia Business School MBA and EMBA students. Founded in 2007, it focuses on financial inclusion, providing capital and strategic support to underserved communities globally. The fund integrates rigorous impact investing education with real capital deployment, allowing MBA students to conduct due diligence and engage in consulting projects for portfolio companies.
Investment focus
LEO Impact Fund invests philanthropic capital in high-impact early-stage social enterprises. Current guidelines emphasize healthcare, education, climate solutions, financial services innovation, and technology, with a focus on underserved and underbanked markets globally.
Program details
Prospective applicants should clearly demonstrate how their initiatives align with financial inclusion goals and be prepared for a thorough due diligence process.
Who it is for
Investment Associate and AVP/VP applications are limited to current first- or second-year Columbia Business School MBA students, J-term MBA students, and EMBA students; general membership is open without an application.
Check if you are eligible
Check your eligibility for Microlumbia Impact FundAdmissions and application
Prospective investees apply directly to LEO Impact Fund. The selection process involves an initial review for financial inclusion alignment, due diligence by the student team, and investment committee approval.
Benefits
Participants receive experiential investment training, access to educational events, and networking opportunities within the impact investing community.
Timeline
Investments typically have a horizon of less than 2 years, with ongoing monitoring and support provided to portfolio companies.
What came of it
The fund measures impact through financial inclusion metrics, capital mobilization, and student learning outcomes.
How to go about it
- Read what it asks for
Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.
- Have something to show
Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.
- Apply the way the program asks
The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
What it pays
Participants in the LEO Impact Fund do not receive financial compensation. The program is designed to provide experiential learning opportunities for MBA students.
Questions about this program
Who can apply for funding?
For-profit and non-profit enterprises focused on financial inclusion can apply.
What is the investment size?
Investments range from $10,000 to $75,000.
About LEO Impact Fund
LEO Impact Fund
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From public sources
What the sources say about Microlumbia Impact Fund
LEO's Fall 2026 form says some late applications may be considered depending on demand for the position.
Source: Leo Impact Fund Fall 2026 Application FormLEO's Fall 2026 form sets the AVP and IA regular deadline at September 22, 11:59 p.m. ET.
Source: Leo Impact Fund Fall 2026 Application FormLEO's 2026-2027 FAQ lists October 2, 2026 as the application decision date.
Source: For Students — LEO Impact FundLEO's 2026-2027 FAQ lists September 22, 2026 as the regular application closing date.
Source: For Students — LEO Impact FundLEO's 2026-2027 FAQ lists September 14, 2026 as the application opening date.
Source: For Students — LEO Impact FundLEO says all leaders must attend all Board Retreats.
Source: For Students — LEO Impact Fund
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