A Resource Guide for Beginning Impact Investors
One of the inquiries that we field the most at The Conscious Investor is advice on where to start. Where do I go to become an impact investor? Who do I ask? When is the right time? Each of these questions is a bold query just on the other side of true meaning and purpose. They're also fuel for why we created this resource guide. Here, you'll find our dossier of respected networks, financial professionals, educational opportunities, and other resources that are all admirably driven by merging business and capital with social good. United by transparency, ethics, and a positive outlook, these are the people and organizations working to elucidate impact investing today. They are changing the culture, shifting the paradigm, and inspiring the next generation of socially responsible investors.
We'll be continuously updating this guide to offer you the most current and vetted resources. If you have further questions or people to suggest, please email us at: purpose@theconsciousinvestor.co. The world of impact investing is growing and we're always thrilled to learn of new people adding to the momentum—every day.
Books, articles, and guides
Real Impact by Morgan Simon
Longtime activist and impact investor Morgan Simon delivers a roadmap for anyone looking to effectively use their capital to create systemic change. Her book is deft and extremely detailed in its information, but Simon breaks it down into digestible chapters. An inspiring read for anyone starting in the field.
Manifesto for a Moral Revolution by Jacqueline Novogratz
Jacqueline Novogratz is an activist, philanthropist, impact investor, and speaker. She is also the founder and CEO of Acumen, a twenty-year-old movement and global community comprised of people charged with the mission to end poverty. Insightful and honest, her book, Manifesto for a Moral Revolution, unveils the wisdom she's gained over thirty years while working in the fields of social impact, sustainable solutions, and business-for-good.
A Short Guide to Impact Investing by The Case Foundation
Succinct, digestible, and enjoyable to read, The Case Foundation’s guide helps anyone unpack the questions to ask, unravel the confusion, and understand the fundamentals of impact investing. What is particularly motivating about this resource is that it starts with a compelling call to action—that work in this field is greatly needed—and follows with digestible, tangible ways to get started and “just do it.”
A Closer Look at Impact Investing by McKinsey and Company
Staying true to what it is known for, McKinsey put valuable time and resources toward producing a guide that is reliable and rich in information. The global consulting company’s in-depth look at generating business and social returns disabuses the myth that you have to sacrifice capital in order to be an impact investor. This is a resource abundant with comprehensive research.
The ImpactAsset’s Handbook for Investors edited by Jed Emerson
ImpactAssets, a facilitator of direct impact investing, has compiled this thorough guide that includes practical methods and insights from contributing experts from the impact investing field.
Programs and Classes
Impact Investing and Next Gen: Harvard University
This collaborative applied research program between Harvard, University of Zurich, and the World Economic Forum explores the role family offices can have in impact investing. The program lasts six months and includes two workshops. Participants learn tactics on how younger generations can implement values and impact investing in their portfolios. (Editor’s Note: There is a portfolio size restriction for this program.)
The Global Impact Investing Network offers two specialized courses—Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) and Guide for Impact Investing Fund Managers—to offer best practices, applied skills, and wisdom from the world's leaders in impact investing. The IMM course is traditionally a two-day, in-person submersion course that incorporates analysis, simulations, and group learning. The Guide for Impact Investing Fund Managers is a self-guided online curriculum that offers impact-focused insight for limited partners.
Business Strategies for Social Impact: Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Open to everyone, this online course covers the basics of impact investing and innovative business strategies that work to propel social and environmental good. It sheds light on societal and institutional corruption to help fuel conversation and ideas for problem-solving, community-serving, and change-making. The class then marries investing and business techniques with impact goals.
Oxford Impact Investing Programme: University of Oxford Saïd Business School
This short but rigorous program blends academic theory with practical experience. It takes you through the essentials of impact investing and lends targeted expertise and best tools for how to build a successful impact-focused program for yourself. Experts from the fields of philanthropy, corporate responsibility, sustainable business, social entrepreneurship, and impact investing give talks and workshops throughout the course.
This virtual program is offered to business leaders across the globe. An excellent resource, the unlocks the opportunity for companies to think of capitalism not just as a way to make a profit, but to better the world. Certified Conscious Capitalism consultants work with executives and leaders to help them put people and purpose at the forefront of their business. Access to additional workshops and the socially minded network are also available.
Networks
Beyond Capital Ambassador Program
The Beyond Capital Ambassador Program serves as both a community and movement working to improve the lives of more than 4.1 million people living below the poverty line. Founded in 2018, the program is an extension of the non-profit impact investing fund, Beyond Capital. Ambassadors of the program gain access to educational and networking events, exclusive educational content, the opportunity to meet and engage like-minded impact investors, entrepreneurs, and engaged citizens around the world. It also provided new or soon-to-be impact investors and accessible entry point into the industry.
A private non-profit, CREO was born of the view that private capital has a responsibility to work toward alleviating the world's most pressing environmental concerns. The organization gathers like-minded thought leaders to create solutions, embolden the conversation, and ignite relationships that foster needed work and funding around these challenges. CREO's peer-to-peer platform offers members ways to learn about new investment opportunities and shares resources. (Editor’s Note: a resource for foundations and family offices.)
Toniic was founded in 2010 to provide the then-burgeoning world of impact investing with a community and resource center. Today it consists of more than 400 members from over twenty-five countries. A networking and educational platform, Toniic produces exclusive webinars and local events for members, as well as open-access guides and learning opportunities for non-members across the globe.
Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN)
Referred to as The GIIN, this global network brings together impact investors to help further the exchange of resources, research, and investment opportunities around the world. The aim is to reduce any barriers to impact investing, making it more accessible to all those interested. Membership includes various elements, including networking events, leadership forums, workstream participation, and more. The GIIN conducts case studies, including its annual Impact Investor Survey, to shed light on industry trends, growth, and successes.
A members club with a passion for social activism, The Conduit offers another accessible entry point to the world of impact. Originating in London, the network now has more than 3,100 members from eighty-nine countries. The concept offers all the perks of a social club—access to events, a minimalist co-working space with an on-site cafe, global speakers—with a shared vision by every member to better the world. The club consists of Conduit Capital, a sister investment arm.
Impact-Minded Financial Planners and Advisory Firms
Align Impact (Editor’s Note: a resource for foundations and family offices.)
Specialty Funds Sparking Larger Movements
Innovative Companies and Non-Profits
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At The Conscious Investor, it is our goal to shed light on topics that we find interesting, inspirational, and educational. Therefore, this article is strictly for inspirational and informational purposes only. It is in no way intended to substitute for professional investment advice, professional financial advice, or general counsel. To the extent that an article features the insight, opinions, or advice of an expert or company, the expressed views are those of the cited person or company and do not necessarily represent The Conscious Investor and its employees or affiliates.