CommonGood brings together a team of financial professionals with unique career paths and shared values to positively impact today’s transforming investment landscape and worldview.

Increasingly, investors are recognizing the power of capital and challenging the long-held views that investments should exclusively focus on financial returns with little regard for social and environmental issues. In addition, many recognize the shortfall that both non-profits and governments have to meet the ever-increasing needs and opportunities. In turn, it’s clear that business, done well, has the ability to impact people, planet, and profits for the common good.

It’s time for people to be connected to their investment capital. Every investor has their own risk, reward, and goals. In what is a fun and unique journey, Impact Investing allows investors to include their values and passions in their investment decisions.

Different types of Impact Investors

• Individuals
• Families
• Institutions
• Foundations and Endowments
• Governments
• Government Agencies

The key elements of Impact Investing are best described in an Impact Framework. This framework is important because it’s the working together of the four different pillars to enable the best possible long-term financial and non-financial outcomes. 

• Financial Returns – Each investment needs to define the expectation of returns- from market rate to concessionary. 
• Intentionality of Impact – Each investment needs stated objectives of positive social, environmental, or spiritual goals in addition to financial returns.  
• Measurement/Reporting – Each investment must allocate time and resources to measure both financial and non-financial goals along with a transparent communication of the actual performance data. 
• Sustainability – Each investment should evaluate their model and ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. 

Investments by their nature have risk and reward. Impact investing is no different, but it has an added objective to influence stated non-financial metrics as well. A large percentage are pursuing market-rate or above market-rate returns while others are intentionally investing for below-market-rate returns in line with their financial and non-financial objectives. According to the GIIN’s 2020 Annual Impact Investor Survey, most investors surveyed pursued competitive market-rate returns. Impact Investing is the bridge between making return focused investments that also provide for the common good.

The best place to start is to consider what Impact themes match your passions and values, then ask questions of your financial advisor, or feel free to contact us.

Some common Impact themes include…

• Affordable Housing
• Agriculture
• Communication Technology
• Education
• Energy
• Environment
• Financial Inclusion
• Green Real Estate
• Health
• Small & Medium Enterprises
• Sustainable Consumer Products
• Transportation
• Wast Management / Recycling
• Water & Sanitation