Atlanta University Center Consortium, Dillard University, Florida Memorial University, Howard University, Johnson C Smith University, Lincoln University, Talladega College and UNCF to engage and learn alongside peer institutions to further sustainable investing and champion justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in finance.

Eight Historically Black Institutions Join the Intentional Endowments Network Membership

Atlanta University Center Consortium, Dillard University, Florida Memorial University, Howard University, Johnson C Smith University, Lincoln University, Talladega College and UNCF to engage and learn alongside peer institutions to further sustainable investing and champion justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in finance.

BOSTON, MA September 18, 2023 – The Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) proudly announces the expansion of its membership to include eight esteemed Historically Black Institutions: Atlanta University Center Consortium (comprised of Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine,and Spelman College); Dillard University, Florida Memorial University, Howard University, Johnson C Smith University, Lincoln University, Talladega College, and UNCF (United Negro College Fund). In addition, IEN has initiated a working relationship with UNCF to further our work with HBCUs.

These leading institutions are now part of the growing peer learning network comprising over 250 endowed institutions and sustainable investing firms. IEN supports members in navigating the intricate landscape of sustainable investing and promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) within the finance industry, to ensure that endowments have access to the full range of talent to deliver the strongest financial results possible to support the critical missions of these institutions. 

Paris Prince, Director of JEDI at IEN shared the following reflection after participating in last month’s UNITE Conference, hosted by UNCF: “IEN’s contributions are helping to deliver on the promise of Black higher education. IEN’s presentation during the UNCF UNITE conference entitled 'Mission-Aligned Investing and Endowment Growth at HBCUs' inspired several institutions to commit to the learning journey of sustainable financial commitments. 

I want to thank panelists Dorien Nunez, Angela Outlaw-Matheny, Roberta Lobo, and Hilda Pinnix-Ragland for a thoughtful conversation. It was also inspiring to collaborate alongside Dr. Michael Lomax, Diego Avilez, Julian Thompson and Dr. Kendra Sharp at the endowment panel and reception co-sponsored by IEN and S&P Global. 

Mission-aligned investing and endowment growth are crucial components in ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of HBCUs. By aligning investments with the mission and values of these institutions, we can create a positive impact on both the educational experience of students and the broader society. Implementing sustainable strategies and policies means we can ensure that HBCUs are well-positioned to provide high-quality education and support to our students for years to come.”

“HBCUs have been longtime leaders in advancing a more just and equitable society - demonstrating that when we put these values first, everyone benefits,” said Georges Dyer, Executive Director of IEN. “We are honored to have these esteemed institutions join the Networks and look forward to their leadership in IEN’s work to support endowments in implementing mission-aligned investment strategies that drive positive change on society’s most vexing challenges, while reducing investment risk and enhancing financial returns.”

IEN membership equips institutions with access to relevant research and space for constructive dialogue that focuses on the unique characteristics that all endowments share: 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.

This collective step forward exemplifies a shared commitment to transformative sustainable investing and reinforces IEN’s dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue, partnerships, and nurturing collaboration to shape the future of investment practices.

For a comprehensive list of IEN's members, please visit IEN’s website.

About the Intentional Endowments Network

The Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) is a peer learning network of over 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.

www.intentionalendowments.org

Contact: 

Georges Dyer, Co-founder & Executive Director, Intentional Endowments Network & The Crane Institute of Sustainability

[email protected]

Learn more and register here 

Learn more and register here

Learn more and register here

Learn more and register here

2023 has been full of undeniable signs -- from the urgent effects of climate change to ongoing systemic racial injustices – that investment portfolios that ensure long-term shareholder value demand an analysis of all major financial risks and opportunities – including those related to climate change social equity.

In this blog, we share the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)'s compelling press coverage underscoring investor’s fiduciary obligation to consider how ESG factors affect investment risk and return.

As we reflect on the importance of Juneteenth, we want to share with you some of the ways we’re honoring Juneteenth at IEN, and also ways investors can prioritize racial equity and environmental justice. Below, read about:

• Our upcoming Juneteenth webinar on the power of reparations and reparative finance to undo systemic harm;
• A recent JEDI quarterly call, featuring 4 powerful presentations from racial equity professionals and;
• The recent commitment we made at the Racial Equity Leadership Collaborative Summit  to advancing racial equity lens investing.

We hope these updates would inspire and encourage you to integrate justice into your sustainable investing work, and we look forward to engaging with you in the coming weeks. 

Wishing you a reflective and inspiring Juneteenth!

Register Here 

8th annual Sustainability Week focuses on helping businesses become sustainable faster.

IEN Women's History Month Spotlight: Dianne Dillon-Ridgley

Honoring Felicia Davis, the inaugural recipient of the Intentional Endowments Network Leadership Award!

Celebrating Black Impact Investing Professionals 

Black History Month Edition

Four Black sustainable finance professionals in our network share their experiences in both the impact investing and traditional finance industries.

Funding will support the development of an ‘Endowment Impact Benchmark’ to support endowments in reporting and celebrating progress on sustainable investing and to encourage the adoption of emerging impact standards.

Press Release updated on Feb 13, 2023

Cornelia Horner, Kunle Apampa, George Suttles, Amita Schultes, and Geri Melchiorre to advise on the Intentional Endowments Network’s strategic direction.

The Intentional Endowments Network has welcomed Tim Coffin, Head of Strategic Partnerships Sustainability Committee Chair at Breckinridge, to its Net Zero Endowments Steering Committee

Amita Schultes, Ph.D., Partner at Agility

Kaede Kawauchi, Manager, Investor Network, Ceres

Currently, nonprofit institutions offer limited ESG investing options in their retirement plans with less than 3% of employee retirement savings plans include climate-friendly investing options. This has been despite substantial evidence that ESG strategies can reduce risk and enhance long-term investment performance. Concerns about fiduciary duty are often cited as a barrier for these institutions to offer these options.

A new proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Labor would open the way for retirement plan sponsors to include more sustainable options in their saving plans by enabling fiduciaries to consider climate and other ESG factors when selecting investments and exercising shareholder rights while continuing to uphold fundamental fiduciary obligations. 

This webinar is intended to help clarify how plan sponsors and trustees can consider sustainable investing strategies related to their fiduciary duties in light of the new proposed rules. Join us for an informative and interactive webinar comprised of top experts on the state of fiduciary duty for defined contribution plans in the United States to learn how your institution could provide retirement funds that reflect both the mission of your organization and the values of your employees.

In this session, participants will:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the proposed rules on ESG investment opportunities

• Hear about how the rule change is viewed by the investment service community

Recording 

Panelists:

• Keith Johnson, Former Partner, Head of Institutional Investor Legal Service, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren
• Bradford Campbell, Partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
• Bill Slimbaugh, Managing Director, Natixis
• Michael Rhim, Principal, PRM Consulting – The IEN Guide to Sustainable Retirements

Resources:

• Powerpoints
• DOL’s proposed rule
• Identify “Greenwashing” Funds using NLP in Firms’ Prospectuses
• IEN Retirement Guide

Chris Ito of FFI Solutions and Georges Dyer of Intentional Endowments Network go “beyond carbon” to discuss topics relating to climate change, net zero, DEIJ (diversity, equity, inclusion & justice), ESG and the benefits and challenges of sustainable investing.

Episodes

Episode 9

SPLIT

Dr. Michael Greenstone: Decoding the Social Cost of Carbon and the Carbon Offset Market

In this episode, Chris and Georges do a deep dive into the economic implications of carbon emissions with one of the world’s leading climate finance experts, Dr. Michael Greenstone. As a former chief economist for President Obama's Council of Economic Advisers, Dr. Greenstone played a pivotal role in developing the "social cost of carbon." The trio discusses the significance of understanding the economic cost of carbon emissions and the tools policymakers have at their disposal to combat climate change.

About

Risks created by climate change are complex and multi-faceted. The intersection of science, policy, changing societal norms, notions of equity and politics makes projecting and then solving the climate crisis challenging. 

This podcast unpacks climate change and climate justice through the lens of finance and investing, helping to inform institutions and everyday savers on what it means to adopt sustainable policies. Best practices are evolving and there is no one size-fits-all approach to determining the best path.

Our hosts, Georges Dyer and Chris Ito will hold discussions with thought leaders from a range of disciplines that will help investors form their own opinions on how to allocate capital in a more sustainable fashion.

Michael Pearce, Managing Director, Cambridge Associates