Comprehensive sustainable investing strategy in an endowment can include divestment, ESG integration, engagement and thematic impact investing. With thematic impact investing, endowments can more specifically focus such investments on solutions that are aligned with their institution's mission.
Introduction
For an introduction to impact investing, view IEN's webinar:
Introduction to Impact Investing | June 29, 2017
or read:
2019 Annual Impact Investor Survey | Global Impact Investing Network, 2019
Sizing the Impact Investing Market and Core Characteristics of Impact Investing l Global Impact Investing Network, 2019
Understanding The World of Impact Investing l Cambridge Associates, September 2016
Themes
Visit IEN's pages on common impact themes that endowments prioritize:
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, including tools for Investing in Racial Equity and Gender Lens Investing
- Climate Solutions Investing
- Community Impact Investing
- Investing in specific Sustainable Development Goals
Case Studies
Legislation around program related investments (PRIs) allowed for some private foundations to make mission-aligned investments as part of their 5% required payout. Many private foundations have since developed more comprehensive approaches to impact across their total portfolio. Here are some of their case studies:
IEN Briefing Papers
White Paper: Investing in Clean Energy: Campuses and Endowments (2016)
Briefing Paper: Options for Endowment Investment in Solar Energy (2018)
Gender Lens Investing Landscape: Barriers & Opportunities (July 2018)
Past IEN Webinars
Incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Factors in the Investment Process| November 14, 2018
Addressing Climate Risk & Investing in a Low-Carbon Future Across Asset Classes l October 23rd, 2018
Animal Welfare as an Investment Risk & Opportunity | August 29, 2018
Aligning University Investments With Carbon Reduction Goals in the UK Through Fossil Fuel Divestment | July 16, 2018
First-time Fund Managers in Emerging Markets Bring a New Model to PE in Africa | July 11, 2017
Introduction to Impact Investing | June 29, 2017
Sustainable Agriculture Investing | May 31, 2017
Gender Lens Investing | February 17, 2017
Investing in Clean Energy for Campuses and Endowments | December 13, 2016
Other Webinars
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Webinar: SDG Webinar Series: Zero Hunger l Responsible Investor, May 17, 2017, 9:00 AM ET
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Webinar: SDG Webinar Series: Gender Equality l Responsible Investor, May 10, 2017, 9:00 AM ET
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Webinar: SDG Webinar Series: Sustainable Cities and Communities l Responsible Investor, May 3, 2017, 9:00 AM ET
Additional Resources
Impact Base - ImpactBase is the searchable, online database of impact investment funds and products designed for investors. Fund or product profiles published on ImpactBase gain exposure to the global impact investing community.