The Colorado-based foundation achieved Gold rating through sustainable and impact investing assessment framework, developed by the Intentional Endowments Network.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (December 6, 2024) – The Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) is pleased to announce the results of the SK2 Fund’s participation in the Endowment Impact Benchmark, a rating, benchmarking, and feedback framework that assesses endowments and foundations commitment to impact and sustainable investing.
The SK2 Fund, based out of Denver, Colorado, achieved a Gold rating upon the completion of the EIB assessment. The high mark reaffirms the SK2 Fund’s commitment to mission-aligned, impactful investing that centers local communities.
As reflected in its EIB rating, the SK2 Fund is committed to transparency and strategic impact through its investments. For example, the clear, public documentation of its impact investment allocation includes information on the SDG alignment of the portfolio and reflects a dedication to mission-aligned investing.
"The Endowment Impact Benchmark assessment was a valuable exercise for us to look beyond just measuring impact to reviewing our own internal management processes,” said Erik Schultz, Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor of the SK2 Fund. “We believe implementing some of these recommendations will help us deepen our overall impact in service of social, environmental, and diversity objectives."
The Endowment Impact Benchmark is a project of the Intentional Endowments Network. It is an assessment, rating, and benchmarking framework that enables endowments to receive high-value feedback and recommendations on improving sustainable investing policies, benchmark their progress against that of their peers and access aggregated data of participating endowments, and earn a rating of Participant, Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum in recognition of their commitment to sustainable and impact investing. The evaluation process is led by BlueMark, an independent impact verification firm, ensuring that ratings are credible and reflective of best practices.
“A Gold rating through the EIB reflects tremendous leadership and a strong commitment to driving positive impact,” said Georges Dyer, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Intentional Endowments Network. “We are pleased to see foundations like SK2 receive recognition for their leadership and identify methods for further alignment using the Endowment Impact Benchmark. ”
Endowments and foundations continue to hear calls for increased transparency, especially around their impact-oriented strategies. The EIB provides a practical approach for assessing transparency, strategy, governance, and management internally; establishing next steps for enhanced impact; and communicating successes to key stakeholders. The benchmarking value of the EIB continues to rise as participants complete the assessment, enabling endowments to align their policies and practices with peers and industry standards.
There are still spots available for endowments and foundations to participate in the 2025 cohort of the EIB. For more information on the Endowment Impact Benchmark and how your institution can participate, please visit www.EndowmentImpactBenchmark.org.
About The Intentional Endowments Network
The Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) supports higher education institutions to adopt investment strategies that create an equitable, low-carbon, and regenerative economy. IEN connects endowments, asset managers, investment consultants, nonprofit partners, and individuals to advance the field of mission-aligned, sustainable investing. IEN is housed at the Crane Institute of Sustainability (“Crane”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more at www.intentionalendowments.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Georges Dyer, Co-founder & Executive Director, Intentional Endowments Network & The Crane Institute of Sustainability