This guidebook and its Resource Centre were created to inform and support interested Canadian foundations to begin or deepen their Impact Investing activity.
The guidebook and its network of supports were created for foundations large and small, with different capacities and levels of commitment. While the size of a foundation can increase its capacity to invest, foundations of all types and sizes have chosen to follow this path from a desire to have a greater positive impact in their communities and the world more broadly. It includes answers to many common questions, including, but not limited to:
- What is Impact Investing?
- Why is it important for foundations?
- What are other foundations doing about it?
- How can we begin, advance or improve Impact Investing at our foundation?
Download The Impact Investing Guidebook for Foundations
The guide was written to provide practical strategies and tactical support for executive directors and board members of foundations that are considering or beginning to make impact investments. It covers a range of materials, including:
- A roadmap to begin or deepen Impact Investing at your organization
- Success stories from foundation leaders
- Clear examples of Impact Investing in practice
- Myths that can get in the way of Impact Investing, and motivations that can help overcome barriers
This guide features stories from foundation leaders who have successfully introduced Impact Investing in their organizations. Each story links to extended content – interviews, videos and other material – created to support your journey. Read on to discover multiple paths, strategies and tactics for advancing your Impact Investing journey.
This Guidebook has been developed by leading impact advisory firm Purpose Capital in partnership with Community Foundations of Canada and Philanthropic Foundations Canada, with additional support from Miller Thomson, Employment and Social Development Canada, Edmonton Community Foundation, Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon, Genus Capital, and input from Canadian foundations.
Table of Contents
Intro
Foreword from Matthew Bishop
Preface
Whom and What Is This Guide For?
Recognition
How to Use This Guide
Case Studies
Learning from Practitioners: Voices of Foundation Executives
Ottawa Community Foundation
Lawson Foundation
The Take-Away: Why Foundations are Taking Action
Lessons From The Field: Voices of Foundation Investees
Kuterra
New Market Funds
Frameworks
How Business Solutions Can Achieve Positive Social Change
What is Impact Investing?
The Spectrum of Impact Investing
Impact Investing Across Asset Classes, Themes and Geographies
Mission and Program-Related Investments
Conversations
Myths
Addressing Practical Challenges
Roadmaps
Seven Steps for Implementing an Impact Investment Strategy
Expectations and Reality
STEP 1: Develop a Preliminary Vision
STEP 2: Secure Buy-in From Your Board
STEP 3: Develop Strategy
STEP 4: Formalize Governance
STEP 5: Determine Your Impact Measurement Approach|
STEP 6: Assess Your Management Capacity
STEP 7 Invest & Learn
Quick Wins
Outro
Acknowledgements
Resources to the Guide
