by Debra Schwartz Managing Director, MacArthur Foundation
Often, the most compelling impact investments are made, not found.
I have used that phrase over the years to describe how foundations and other impact-focused investors use “catalytic capital” to support social and environmental progress. These patient, flexible, “catalytic” investments are able to take on more risk and/or accept a lower return than commercial capital in order to finance gains that would not otherwise be possible.
by Annie McShiras, Investment Associate, Self-Help Federal Credit Union
Impact investing has emerged as a major force in philanthropy. Last year the Global Impact Investing Network conducted a survey showing that the estimated value of the impact investing sector doubled between 2017 and 2018, increasing from $114 Billion to $228 Billion in assets under management. The rise of impact investing signals a shift from a “do-no-harm” approach to a demand for investments that actively produce measurable positive social and environmental outcomes.
On October 23, 2018 the Financial Times published an article stating that Larry Fink, CEO of the world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock, had announced that “sustainable investing will be a core component for how everyone invests in the future.” He further explained that sustainable investing did not lead to lower returns and that in his own opinion such a strategy will lead to higher returns.
By Jess Brooks, Chief Development Officer, Sunwealth
Article
The existing extractive energy economy isn’t working. Our dependence on coal, oil and gas contributes to global warming, the physical destruction of communities and pollution-related health issues which impact all of us – and disproportionately affect low-income people and communities of color. It’s not sustainable. And it’s fundamentally unjust.
June 6, 2018 /3BL Media/ - A new article, The Water of Systems Change, published by FSG, provides an actionable model for funders and other social sector institutions interested in creating systems change.
By Deb Markley Senior Vice President, LOCUS Impact Investing
Article
After decades of working at the intersection of community development, philanthropy and community economic development, we see a significant shift in how philanthropic assets are being used to build vibrant, prosperous communities. More and more place-focused foundations are seeking to complement their grant-making with local investments to create greater impact in their own communities.
Largest corporate social engagement survey of 258 companies finds modest increases in rates of corporate giving across the US
Press Release
October 24, 2017 /3BL Media/ - In the largest, most robust, industry-leading and internationally-recognized research of corporate social engagement, CECP: The CEO Force for Good, in association with The Conference Board, found in their annual Giving in Numbers: 2017 Edition report that the world’s leading corporations are emphasizing strategy and outcomes more than ever with 60%
