Scaling Mission Investment

Our goal, over the next five years, is to dramatically increase the scale and acceptance of mission investing.

In order to achieve this objective, we are undertaking several initiatives:

• Developing a program strategy by combining mission investments and grantmaking. With funding from the Surdna Foundation, FSG is conducting a study to explore how foundations can engage in mission investing to complement their grantmaking activities, particularly in climate change and energy issues. We will discuss how foundations can develop a comprehensive program strategy by embracing mutually reinforcing opportunities in mission investing and grantmaking. The research will culminate in a white paper that will be widely disseminated. If you would like to participate in or share examples for this study, or have any questions or comments, please contact Adeeb Mahmud.
• Clarify Legal Issues Surrounding Mission Investing. With funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Meyer Memorial Trust, FSG launched a study of the legal issues involved in mission investing by U.S. foundations. Anne Stetson and Mark Kramer have prepared two reports, analyzing the federal tax and state fiduciary laws as they apply to US foundations.

A Brief Guide to the Law of Mission Investing for U.S. Foundations is a short 18 page booklet, suitable for foundation staff and boards, as well as their advisors, explaining in non-technical language the factors foundations must consider in making mission investments.

Risk, Reward, and Social Impact: Demystifying the Law of Mission Investing by U.S. Foundations provides a 128 page report that offers a comprehensive analysis of the legality of mission investing, examples from leading foundations of mission investing in practice, and practical recommendations to foundations and their advisors to facilitate mission investing within the framework of the law.

For more information, please contact Adeeb Mahmud.

• Help foundations to better understand and access mission investment intermediaries. With funding from the Surdna Foundation, FSG studied how to help foundations better access and utilize investment intermediaries in order to make mission investing more efficient and effective. See Aggregating Impact: A Funder's Guide to Mission Investment Intermediaries for further detail.
  

For more information, please contact Adeeb Mahmud.

• Determine current and historical mission activity of U.S. foundations. With funding from the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, FSG researched the mission investing practices of nearly 100 U.S. foundations, finding growth and increasing variety.  See Compounding Impact: Mission Investing by U.S. Foundations for further detail.
  
  For more information, please contact Adeeb Mahmud.