All 23 universities in the California State University system to engage and learn alongside peer institutions to further sustainable investing and promote equity in finance.
BOSTON, MA November 28, 2023 – The Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) this week announced a significant expansion of its membership with the addition of the 23 universities that make up the California State University (CSU) system. CSU is the nation's largest four-year public university system, with nearly half a million students and over 4 million global alumni. By joining the ranks of IEN's growing peer learning network, these universities will have access to tools, resources, and opportunities to share best practices with peers and experts in the sustainable investing sector.
The Network supports investors in developing strategies that reduce risks associated with social and environmental factors, align with the mission of the institution, and drive stronger financial returns over the short and long term. CSU universities and their respective philanthropic foundations will join more than 225 member endowments, investment consultants, outsourced CIO firms, and investment managers in advancing learning and best practices on these topics.
“The new systemwide membership allows our 23 universities and the CSU Office of the Chancellor to benefit from the best-in-class research, networking, and thought leadership that IEN provides,” said Aaron Moore, Chief Financial Officer of the CSU Foundation. “Nearly one-third of CSU students are the first in their family to attend college, and more than half are people of color. Equity and social mobility are core CSU values, and IEN’s national leadership on aligning endowment investments with institutional values provides important support for this work.”
“In addition to providing access to affordable, high-quality education for students across California and beyond, the CSU has been a long-time leader in recognizing the importance of sustainability in all aspects of higher education,” said Georges Dyer, Executive Director of IEN. “As society ramps up action to address climate change, inequality, and other sustainability challenges, endowments and foundations must position their portfolios for the fundamental shifts occurring in our economy. We are thrilled to welcome the entire CSU system into the Network to build on the leadership so many of the campuses in the system have demonstrated over the past several years on these critical topics.”
IEN membership equips institutions with access to relevant research and space for constructive dialogue that focuses on endowments’ unique characteristics: a long-term investment horizon with short-term spending requirements, diverse and wide-ranging stakeholders, and a responsibility to intergenerational equity. Benefits of IEN membership include professional development resources, exclusive member networking, discounts to industry events, and access to advisory services. A full list of current members and information about membership may be found here.
The inclusion of the 23 universities of the California State University system further reinforces IEN's mission to nurture dialogue, forge partnerships to drive sustainable investment practices and showcase the shared dedication to creating an equitable and regenerative economy.
The 23 campuses of the CSU system are CSU Bakersfield, CSU Channel Islands, Chico State, CSU Dominguez Hills, Cal State East Bay, Fresno State, Cal State Fullerton, Cal Poly Humboldt, Cal State Long Beach, Cal State LA, Cal Maritime, CSU Monterey Bay, CSUN, Cal Poly Pomona, Sacramento State, Cal State San Bernardino, San Diego State, San Francisco State, San José State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CSU San Marcos, Sonoma State and Stanislaus State.
About the Intentional Endowments Network
The Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) is a peer learning network of 200+ asset owners, asset managers, consultants, OCIOs, and nonprofit partners. An initiative of the Crane Institute of Sustainability, IEN works to advance the field of sustainable investing and encourage endowments and institutional investors to allocate capital in a way that creates a low-carbon, equitable, and regenerative economy. It does so through in-person and virtual convenings, resource development, and partnerships. IEN’s premier convening, the Higher Education Leadership Summit, will be held in Long Beach, CA, February 11-13, 2024.
Contact:
Georges Dyer, Co-founder & Executive Director, Intentional Endowments Network & The Crane Institute of Sustainability