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Social Impact Investing

Would you like to make sure your investments are aligned with your values? It’s possible to earn competitive returns with portfolios that reflect your values. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) based investing, faith-based investing, or socially responsible investing can all yield good returns, and in many cases, are good for business.

Socially Responsible Investing Trend

In recent years, issues like climate change, water conservation, workplace diversity, and human rights have moved responsible investing into the mainstream conversation. In 2017, more than $12 trillion was invested under responsible investing criteria.

The Evolution of Values-Based Investing

1600

Quakers against companies that profited from slavery and war

1600

1900

Religious groups against companies that supported alcohol, tobacco, or lenders that charged excessively

1900

1960

Socially-responsible Investing (SRI) movement formally began

1960

1970

  • Project on Corporate Responsibility
  • Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility
1970

1980

  • Calvert Social Investment Fund
  • Social Venture Network
  • Global presence
1980

1990

  • Domini Social Index
  • Corporate governance, religious political views
1990

2000

In 2003, 200 mutual funds use some form of social screening; about $2.16 trillion in assets under management.

2000

How Socially Responsible Investing Works

Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) spans a wide and growing range of products and asset classes. It embraces not only public equity investments (stocks) but fixed income (bonds). SRI investing works like any type of investing; it just must meet particular criteria to qualify as an SRI investment.

ESG Criteria 

Socially Responsible Investing often involves Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. These criteria fall into three major categories: environmental, social, and corporate governance. Each category has sub-categories that define it.

Environmental 

  • Green Building / Smart Growth 
  • Climate Change / Carbon 
  • Clean Technology 
  • Pollution / Toxics 
  • Sustainable Natural Resources / Agriculture 
  • Water Use & Conservation

Social 

  • Workplace Safety 
  • Labor Relations 
  • Workplace Benefits 
  • Diversity & Anti-Bias Issues 
  • Community Development 
  • Avoidance of Tobacco or other harmful products 
  • Human Rights

Corporate Governance 

  • Corporate Political Contributions 
  • Executive Compensation 
  • Board Diversity 
  • Anti-Corruption Policies 
  • Board Independence

Who are Socially Responsible Investors?

SRI investors are individuals, including average retail investors, to very high net worth individuals and family offices. Institutions, such as universities, foundations, pension funds, nonprofit organizations, and religious institutions. We can guide you through all of the available SRI investing funds and vehicles that match your SRI investing goals.   

Socially Responsible Investing Examples

Individuals

You can include mutual funds in your retirement plan that specialize in seeking companies with good labor and environmental practices.

Hospitals

Some medical facilities exclude investment in tobacco companies.

Foundations

Support of community development loan funds and other high social impact investments that align with their mission.

Venture Capitalists

Identify and develop companies that produce environmental services, create jobs in low-income areas, or provide other societal benefits.

Public Pension Plan Officials

Encourage companies in which they invest to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and factor climate change into their planning.

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