On November 14th, we will celebrate a decade of impact at the Museum of Science in Boston - we hope that you can join us.
As the Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) marks its 10-year anniversary, we reflect on a decade of transformative change in the finance and sustainable investing industries. From humble beginnings to a thriving community of over 250+ institutions, IEN has been at the forefront of the movement towards a more responsible, equitable, and environmentally conscious investment landscape. Our journey has been marked by significant milestones, collaboration, and a deep commitment to creating a better future for all.
A Decade of Progress
In the early 2010s, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations were still in their infancy, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in investing was an afterthought. Climate change was recognized as a pressing issue, but its implications for investments were not yet fully understood. IEN's founders Tony Cortese and Georges Dyer recognized the need for a collective effort to address these critical issues and create a more sustainable future.
“When we started IEN, we had a goal to make sustainable and impact investing the norm amongst endowments. In some ways, we have been successful -- many endowments are leading on these issues, and the vast majority have at least considered and discussed these issues. But in other ways, we have a long way to go -- few have truly gone ‘all in’ to meet the challenges that threaten the collapse of the social and ecological systems we depend on, from climate change to extreme inequality. The coming years are critical, and investors have an incredible opportunity to help drive the shift to a sustainable economy.”
-- Georges Dyer, Cofounder & Executive Director
Over the past decade, IEN has played a pivotal role in shaping the ESG and sustainable investing narrative. Our network has:
- Mainstreamed ESG: IEN has worked tirelessly to promote the importance of ESG considerations in investment decisions, encouraging institutions to incorporate these factors into their investment strategies. Today, ESG is a staple of modern investing, with over 80% of investors citing ESG as a key concern. This shift in mindset has led to the development of ESG-focused investment products, improved corporate disclosures, and increased adoption of sustainable investing practices.
- Advocated for JEDI: IEN has been a vocal advocate for increasing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the investment industry. We've worked to promote diverse talent pipelines, encouraged board diversity, and supported initiatives that address systemic inequalities. This work has contributed to a growing recognition of the importance of JEDI in driving long-term investment success and promoting a more equitable society.
- Accelerated Climate Action: IEN has been at the forefront of climate-related investing, pushing for the adoption of climate-aware investment strategies and policies that support a low-carbon economy. Our efforts have contributed to a growing recognition of the financial risks associated with climate change, the opportunities for investing in climate solutions, and the need for investors to play a critical role in mitigating its impacts.
- Fostered Collaboration: Our network has brought together endowments, foundations, investment managers, and industry experts to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative approaches to sustainable investing. This collaboration has facilitated the development of new investment products, strategies, and tools, and has helped to build a sense of community and shared purpose among sustainable investing practitioners.
The Future Ahead: IEN's Vision for the Next Decade
As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, IEN remains committed to driving progress in sustainable investing to create an economy that delivers for all people without undermining the ecological and social systems upon which we all depend. Building on the progress made in the past 10 years, we intend to deepen our impact over the next decade in many ways, including emphasizing the following elements:
- Data & Benchmarking: Expanding adoption of the Endowment Impact Benchmark (EIB) will enhance reporting and support asset owners in aligning with emerging standards and frameworks for measuring impact. It will also enable more effective peer benchmarking and help raise the bar on the state of best practice. Leveraging the power of AI and partnering with others will dramatically expand our ability to gather and analyze data to add value for endowments on their sustainable investing journeys.
- Systems-Level Investing: Investors prioritize systems thinking, addressing the root causes of social and environmental challenges, and driving transformative change. This approach recognizes that investments have the power to shape the systems that govern our world, and that investors have a critical role to play -- and a vested interest -- in creating a more equitable and sustainable future. This approach requires a shift away from short-termism and towards a more nuanced understanding of the impact of investment decisions on society and the environment.
- JEDI as a Core Principle: Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to investment decision-making, recognizing that diverse perspectives are essential for sustainable, long-term success. This approach requires a commitment to creating inclusive investment teams, promoting diverse talent pipelines, and addressing systemic inequalities throughout the investment industry.
- Climate Resilience: Investors prioritize climate resilience, incorporating climate considerations into every aspect of their investment strategies, and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. This approach requires a deep understanding of the financial risks and opportunities associated with climate change and a commitment to mitigating its impacts.
“I have served on many Boards and led many efforts over the years to advance sustainability and justice. The mission of IEN resonates in this moment. The intersections of finance and higher education, climate and equity, business and civil society all come together in this Network, and this holistic approach has enabled IEN to deliver a high-leverage impact with limited resources.”
-- Dianne Dillon-Ridgley, Board Chair
Plugging into IEN's Work Ahead
As we look to the future, we invite stakeholders to join us in shaping the next decade of sustainable investing. Here are ways to engage with IEN's work:
Engage with the Endowment Impact Benchmark: Explore the Endowment Impact Benchmark (EIB), a cutting-edge tool for tracking and comparing the ESG and sustainable investing performance of endowments. This benchmark provides a critical framework for endowments to assess their sustainable investing practices, and to identify areas for improvement. The EIB is a critical tool in the sustainable investing landscape, providing a framework for endowments to assess their ESG and sustainable investing performance. By engaging with the benchmark, endowments can:
- Assess their ESG and sustainable investing performance relative to their peers
- Identify areas for improvement and track progress over time
- Inform their investment decisions and strategies
- Demonstrate their commitment to sustainable investing to stakeholders
Engage the Network: Become an IEN member and connect with like-minded institutions, investment managers, and industry experts. Our network provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and collective action. Attend Network Events: Participate in our conferences, webinars, and workshops, featuring leading experts and thought-provoking discussions. Our events provide opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development.
Collaborate on Research: Contribute to our research initiatives, exploring pressing issues and opportunities in sustainable investing. Our research aims to advance the field of sustainable investing, and to provide actionable insights for investors.
Advocate with Us: Join our advocacy efforts, pushing for changes that support a more sustainable investment landscape. Our advocacy work aims to promote changes that support the adoption of sustainable investing practices, and to create a more enabling environment for investors.
Support our Education and Training: Take advantage of our educational resources, designed to equip investment professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to integrate ESG, DEI, and climate considerations into their work. Our education and training programs aim to build capacity and competency in the field of sustainable investing.
As IEN celebrates its 10-year anniversary, we reflect on the significant progress made and the opportunities ahead. We are proud to have played a role in shaping the sustainable investing landscape and look forward to continuing our work towards a more responsible, equitable, and environmentally conscious future.
"The next decade will be critical in determining the trajectory of our planet and its inhabitants. IEN is committed to working with our stakeholders to create a financial system that serves the greater good, and we invite you to join us on this journey." – Paris Prince, Senior Director of Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives
Together, we can create a better future for all!
Celebrate with Us!
Register to Join us at the Gala we're hosting on November 14 at the Boston Museum of Science.
Impact Reports
View our Network impact for the last 10 years
Donate to the Anthony Cortese Fund
Support the next generation of sustainable investors
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