Most trusts and foundations exist on a traditional model of making mainstream investments and giving the income as grants. This is increasingly being seen as problematic, particularly when some of the mainstream investments are perceived to be in conflict with the grant making.
The response has been two-fold: to use screening on mainstream investments — known as socially responsible investments — and to make investments that simultaneously provide an economic return and directly generate social or environmental impact, known as social investments.
How we help charitable trusts
I For Change offers financial advice and matchmaking to help you find social investments that are appropriate for you, and to conduct due diligence on them to give you an independent view on the investment terms and the claimed social impact. We currently work with charitable trusts with combined assets of over £1bn, and have reviewed many social investment opportunities.
Services include:
- Social investment training — workshops, seminars, and facilitated planning groups for trustees and executives
- Becoming investment ready — evaluating social investments and setting up appropriate policies/procedures
- Social impact assessment — clarifying what you want from potential investees
- Financial analysis — understanding bespoke social investment structures and terminology
- Legal support — instructing lawyers with precision to use their time efficiently
- Sourcing investments — finding the right opportunities to suit your needs