Impact investing has emerged as a major force in philanthropy. Last year GIIN conducted a survey showing that the estimated value of the impact investing sector doubled between 2017 and 2018, increasing from $114B to $228B. There’s a growing demand for investments that actively produce measurable positive social and environmental outcomes.
Place-based impact investing is sparking community development projects that create more just, equitable local economies, and build prosperous, vibrant communities. Place-focused foundations, like community foundations and family foundations are exploring ways to complement their traditional grant-making with local investments that can catalyze positive community change.
Philanthropy is transforming to incorporate advocacy and investing, presenting new opportunities to create change and measure impact. Among a field of new players, vehicles and approaches, one strategy gaining traction is SRI investing. As philanthropies broaden beyond traditional grant making they are reassessing and reallocating their financial as well as non-financial resources.
Sustainable companies don\’t just make the world a better place, they offer higher returns and longer lifespans according to Corporate Knights.
Often, the most compelling impact investments are made, not found. That phrase describes how foundations and impact investors use “catalytic capital” to support social and environmental progress. These patient, flexible, “catalytic” investments take on more risk and/or accept a lower return than commercial capital to finance gains that would not otherwise be possible.
These foundations, large and small, are beginning to move their endowment assets to align with their values–-and their missions keep expanding.
Case Foundation’s CEO Jean Case’s new book, Be Fearless, profiles leaders who have used their desire to solve a problem, to drown out their fears or risk of failure.
Sourced in Peru and roasted locally by Stolen Sun Craft Brewing & Roasting Co., Impact Coffee supports the empowerment and promotion of women-grown coffee.
The structure and mission of credit unions uniquely positions them to effectively provide a range of basic financial services critical to Native communities.
The 12th annual edition looks at key trends and dozens of metrics assessing how, and how much, companies are moving the needle on the world’s?most pressing environmental challenges.
