As needs in our communities grow faster than dollars, the Council is joining the conversation about unlocking new capital for social good. For decades, foundations have made impact investments that intend to generate financial and social returns to complement grants, partnerships, advocacy, and other tools in the philanthropic toolbox.

What is impact investing?

We define impact investing as any investment activity that intends to generate positive social and financial returns.

How is the Council involved?

In 2013, the Council is joining the impact investing conversation happening among foundations and other types of investors. As a connector, the Council is:

• Listening to our members and making connections.
• Organizing provocative conversations among foundations and other partners.
• Aggregating resources to demystify the process.
• Building relationships with thought leaders and intermediaries
• Hosting an ongoing blog series on RE: Philanthropy.

How can I join the conversation?

• Read and comment on the impact investing blog series.
• E-mail us or take this survey to let us know what your foundation thinks about impact investing.
• Follow the hashtag #impinv on Twitter.

Organizations:

• Arabella Advisors
• Confluence Philanthropy
• Global Impact Investing Network
• GPS Capital Partners
• Imprint Capital
• Initiative for Responsible Investment
• Mission Investors Exchange
• Nonprofit Finance Fund
• The Philanthropic Initiative

Resources

• Glossary of terms. Mission Investors Exchange, 2012.
• Engaging Donor-Advised Funds in Impact Investing: A Toolkit for Community Foundations. Imprint Capital and The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, 2012.
• Mission-Related Investing: A Policy and Implementation Guide for Foundation Trustees. Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, 2008 (Order a copy.)
• Mission Possible: Emerging Opportunities for Mission Connected Investment. The New Economics Foundation, 2008
• Compounding Impact: Mission Investing by US Foundations. FSG Social Impact Advisors/Packard, 2007
• Expanding Philanthropy: Mission-Related Investing at the FB Heron Foundation. Southern New Hampshire University case study, 2007
• Handbook on Responsible Investment Across Asset Classes. Boston College/F.B. Heron, 2007
• Responsible investment publications