Designing systems that last
IRSA™ (Institute for Regenerative Systems Architecture) conducts rigorous academic research exploring regenerative systems design. We develop theories like Regenerative Capital™—a fourth capital class alongside debt, equity, and grants—with flagship implementations like Perpetual Social Capital™ (PSC™) for philanthropy.
Our Research Program
Eight papers in canonical reading order:
- 1Regenerative Capital Theory — Ontology: the fourth capital class
- 2Perpetual Social Capital — Mathematics: R, SVM, IRR, TSV
- 3Regenerative Cycle Architecture — Architecture: temporal governance
- 4Alignment Capital — Operators: Δ and Λ formalism
- 5Political Economy — Incentives: power redistribution
- 6Climate Economics — Application: political fragility
- 7Capital Markets — Application: financial cycles
- 8Regenerative Architecture Thinking — Synthesis: cognition & Re:School
Our Mission
We exist to solve a fundamental problem in how capital serves society: the forced choice between extraction and depletion.
Debt and equity extract value from beneficiaries. Grants deplete permanently. Regenerative Capital offers a third path—capital that strengthens systems over time without extraction or termination.
Through rigorous research, practical tools, and real-world pilots, we're working to establish Regenerative Capital as a recognized field—with PSC as its primary implementation for philanthropy.
Our Values
Perpetual Impact
We believe charitable capital can do more than help once. PSC enables giving that keeps cycling, multiplying impact over time.
Open Knowledge
Our research is published openly. Advancing PSC benefits the entire philanthropic ecosystem, not just individual actors.
Collaborative Spirit
We work with foundations, hospitals, universities, and social enterprises to pilot PSC models in real-world contexts.
Dignity-First
PSC treats recipients as partners, not debtors. Voluntary pay-it-forward preserves dignity while enabling capital regeneration.
Our Journey
IRSA Founded
Institute for Regenerative Systems Architecture established to conduct rigorous research on regenerative systems design.
Eight-Paper Research Program Published
Complete research program released: RCT, PSC, RCA, Alignment Capital, Political Economy, Climate Economics, Capital Markets, and Regenerative Architecture Thinking.
Interactive Tools & Explainers Launch
17+ interactive dashboards, 8 explainer guides, and 50+ term research glossary released for researchers and practitioners.
Pilot Partnerships
Working with healthcare systems, educational institutions, and social enterprises to implement PSC programs.
Re:School Educational Programs
Launching educational courses based on Regenerative Architecture Thinking for practitioners and researchers.
PSC in Practice
PSC can transform funding in any context where capital can enable productive capacity.
Healthcare
A hospital receives PSC to buy a dialysis machine. The machine generates revenue. When the hospital is able, it pays forward from earnings—keeping the machine permanently.
Result: Multiple machines acquired without debt, serving more patients
Education
A student receives PSC for tuition. After graduation and career establishment, they voluntarily contribute back—enabling the next student's education.
Result: Same capital funds multiple students over generations
Small Business
An entrepreneur receives PSC to buy equipment. The business generates income. They pay forward from profits—owning the equipment outright with no debt.
Result: Wealth building, not just temporary relief
Get Involved
PSC is a collaborative movement. Here are concrete ways you can contribute to advancing regenerative capital.
Pilot a PSC Program
Foundations, universities, hospitals, and social enterprises can partner with us to design and implement PSC programs in their contexts.
Discuss a pilotCollaborate on Research
Economists, policy researchers, and doctoral students interested in regenerative capital, public finance, or institutional economics—let's work together.
Explore collaborationJoin as Research Fellow
Experienced researchers, doctoral candidates, and practitioners can join IRSA as Research Fellows to advance specific research programs or develop new theoretical frameworks.
Apply as FellowCite Our Research
Working on related topics? Our papers are open access. Cite them, build on them, challenge them—that's how fields develop.
Get citationsHost a Presentation
We speak at conferences, universities, foundations, and professional associations about regenerative capital and PSC implementation.
Invite us to speakShare Feedback
Used our tools? Read our papers? Have critiques or suggestions? Your feedback shapes how we develop PSC theory and practice.
Send feedbackSpread the Word
Know someone who should see this? Share our papers, tools, or website with foundations, researchers, or institutions in your network.
Share our researchPartners & Affiliates
IRSA collaborates with organizations implementing regenerative systems in practice.
Elevate Gift
Elevate applies IRSA's research in real-world contexts, implementing Perpetual Social Capital for individual donors, foundations, and institutions. Through Elevate's platform, theoretical frameworks become practical tools for regenerative giving.
Visit ElevateReady to Connect?
Whether you're a foundation exploring new models, a researcher studying impact, or an institution interested in piloting PSC—we'd love to hear from you.