Guide explores mission-related investing

March 20, 2008

The emerging practice of mission-related investing, or investing assets to achieve social as well as financial returns, is the focus of a new guide published by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

In addition to outlining policies and procedures to be used by foundation trustees, "Philanthropy's New Passing Gear: Mission-Related Investing" includes case studies from funders like the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Robin Hood Foundation and F.B. Heron Foundation.

"Foundations in the United Sates have $600 billion in their endowments and can unleash more of their resources to positively change societies today," Doug Bauer, senior vice president of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and co-author of the guide, says in a statement. "As a result, mission-related investing is an idea whose time has come."

The guide provides information on a variety of topics for foundations, including structuring a policy discussion among board members; integrating mission-related investing into existing programs; selecting investment consultants; and monitoring portfolios.

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