From Survivor to Change-Maker: How Ben Bornstein is Blending Purpose, Philanthropy, and Whiskey
- Ron Krit
- Jul 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 24
Ben Bornstein’s journey is anything but typical. He’s a three-time cancer survivor, a seasoned finance professional, and an impact-driven entrepreneur. Throughout his life, Ben has turned challenges into catalysts—transforming adversity into opportunity across the worlds of business, philanthropy, and innovation.
A Catalyst for Purpose
Ben’s story begins not just in boardrooms, but in hospital rooms. Surviving cancer three times gave him a powerful sense of purpose and a deep responsibility to give back.
“I realized that giving back, especially to causes that matter deeply to you, is the highest form of satisfaction,” he says. “Philanthropy became not just a side project, but central to how I define a meaningful life.”
That commitment has led him to serve on the Boards of Imerman Angels, Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center, PAWS Chicago, Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs, and others. His service has always been values-driven, rooted in a passion for mentoring, supporting underserved communities, and giving voice to those who can’t speak for themselves.
“I realized a lot of nonprofits could really use help with financial oversight, and that’s the role I often play,” Ben adds. “It has also been a great opportunity to mentor others. People get hung up on the dollars, but time and talent are just as important—maybe more so.”
Ben and I also spoke about our shared concern surrounding the growing cuts to government medical research. He cited startling statistics on NIH underfunding, while I pointed out that medical bills remain the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S.
“I’ve lived through the gaps in the system,” Ben said. “It’s not just about donating to a cause, it’s about fixing the system so more people have access, dignity, and hope.” That’s one of the reasons Ben is working with the H Foundation and Northwestern Cancer Center to host a large fundraising event on July 26 at Navy Pier to support cancer research. If you want more info on the event, with celebrity guest of honor Rob Lowe, check out their website: Goombay Bash.
A CEO with a Mission
In 2016, Ben stepped away from his finance career to become CEO of Imerman Angels, a nonprofit that connects cancer fighters with survivors, serving as mentors. It was a bold move, but one aligned with his personal story and professional strengths.
“I wanted to make an impact in a fully immersive way,” he recalls. “We needed fuel in the engine, so I approached it like a business. Every nonprofit should ask: Are we using our dollars to truly fulfill our mission?”
Under his leadership, Imerman Angels scaled globally, improved operational efficiency, and secured recurring donations. Drawing on his board experience, Ben prioritized corporate sponsorships—securing support from brands like @properties and WeWork to boost awareness and revenue.
His experience at Imerman Angels also deepened his commitment to innovation in healthcare. One organization he’s especially excited about is Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center, an addiction treatment center founded by Bryan Cressey. Ben is drawn to their preventative, outcomes-driven approach, one that could be covered by insurance and replicated at scale. It’s a unique opportunity where philanthropy, innovation, and sustainability converge.
Back to Finance—With a Twist
After his nonprofit chapter, Ben returned to finance with a refreshed outlook—one focused on innovation, sustainability, and values-aligned investing. That vision helped launch Prospero Spirit Funds managed by Prospero Capital Management, an alternative investment firm that buys whiskey barrels (bourbon, rye, Scotch, and Irish whiskey), ages them, and sells them to distilleries, non-producing brands, and other investors once matured.
It’s not your typical portfolio strategy, but it works.
“Traditional investment options like stocks, bonds, and real estate are great, but they’re saturated,” Ben explains. “When I started my career in the ’90s, people weren’t walking around with their portfolios in their pockets. Now, there’s so much efficiency it’s harder to differentiate yourself.”
Whiskey barrel investing offers strong historical returns, low volatility, and little correlation with traditional assets. And, as Ben puts it, “It’s an industry AI won’t disrupt anytime soon. You can’t code a whiskey barrel to age faster. And good or bad economy—people maintain an interest in premium aged spirits like whiskey.”
But it’s not just profitable, it’s purposeful. The process supports American farmers, recycles byproducts, and can even help capture carbon during aging. For Ben, it’s smart investing that also drives impact.
Impact Investing, Redefined
What sets Ben apart is how he integrates all facets of his life. His philanthropic experiences shape his business mindset, and his financial expertise strengthens the nonprofit boards he serves.
“Whether I’m sitting on a board or running a fund, I’m always asking: Are we making a meaningful impact? Are we using our resources wisely? Are we being true to the mission?”
That clarity continues to guide him as he mentors entrepreneurs, supports high-impact nonprofits, and scales Prospero Spirit Funds for the next generation of values-based investors.
He also believes board members need to play to their strengths—not just write a check.
“If you want to be an effective board member, identify a few areas where you can actually add value—join a committee, get involved in a working group. Some organizations even offer young professionals boards, which are less about financial giving and more about time and talent. That’s where real leadership is born.”
Where Networks Overlap
Ben’s business and philanthropic networks often overlap, and he embraces the synergy.
“My business and philanthropic worlds aren’t separate,” he says. “The same people who care about building a better world also tend to be the people I want to invest with or partner with. When you’re aligned on values, the relationship deepens, and so does the impact.”
That mindset carries into his work with Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs, where Ben champions inclusive leadership and supports underrepresented founders.
“Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” he says. “Some of the best ideas I’ve seen come from people who historically haven’t had access to capital. That’s where mentorship and inclusive networks can be transformative.”
What’s Next
Ben remains actively engaged with nonprofits like Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center and Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs, and he continues to seek out entrepreneurs and investors who want their work to mean something more.
Meanwhile, Prospero Spirit Funds is growing fast, attracting investors looking for returns that go beyond dollars, including access to fun spirits industry experiences.
“I want to use everything I’ve learned—personally, professionally, philanthropically—to help others,” Ben says. “If I can leave a trail of impact behind, that’s the legacy I want.”
And he’s just getting started.
To learn more about Prospero Spirit Funds and whiskey maturation funds:
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I help nonprofits raise more money through education, coaching, and strategic planning. If your organization is ready to strengthen its fundraising strategy, diversify revenue streams, or develop a comprehensive legacy giving program, I'd love to discuss how we can work together. How can I help you navigate these exciting opportunities and challenges?
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