Initial Investments

CDFIs expand economic opportunity in under-invested areas by providing access to financial products and services. The CDFIs that we invest in (through low-interest loans) offer a range of services to Indigenous communities, including investment capital, home loans, consumer loans, financial education, and business training. Their work creates and builds wealth, and results in new jobs, new businesses, and more financial success for the community.

Together with our CDFI partners, we continue to learn and reflect on the ways impact investing can best support children and families.

Values-Aligned Investing

We’re aligning our assets with our values to ensure that every dollar we invest advances our mission. Our investing objective remains a return of 5% plus inflation to ensure perpetuity of the foundation and mission alignment. Values-aligned investing complements PRIs; the process of screening investments is underway and, in the years ahead, we hope to share lessons learned and inspire others to engage in impact investing.

Approach to Investing

From our Investment Policy Statement and Investment Values Statement, all investments must:

• Comply with at least one Environmental, Social and Governance, or “ESG,” principle.
• Comply with the US Catholic Conference of Bishops Socially Responsible Investment Guidelines

Investments that meet the above guidelines and one or more of the following criteria are given priority:

• Further the foundation’s mission, vision, and values
• Make positive advancements in business practices, products, and services in at least one of the four areas of focus
• Education: Strengthen educational opportunities for children of all ages
• Economic opportunity: Strengthen the economic prospects for families; create jobs, strengthen access to housing or otherwise produce economic benefits to families and their communities
• Environment: Improve environments in which families and children live
• Equity: Advance racial equity by redressing structural inequities
• Support impact or benefit to partners and their communities where possible

Impact investing can provide stable and profitable returns, ensuring our long-term ability to create and sustain effective change. We make use of and evaluate multiple asset classes and funds to help reach our long-term investment return objectives and manage volatility.