What if you could build a better world while building your wealth? For nearly 30 years, one pioneering organization has proven this is not just a dream.
This global nonprofit investment firm has changed the game. It makes positive change investable for everyone. The organization connects capital with communities that need it most.
The firm has a remarkable track record. It has raised over $5 billion throughout its history. It also maintains a 100% repayment record to its investors. This shows that doing good and earning returns can go hand in hand.
They break down old barriers to entry. You can start investing in a better future with as little as $20. This opens the door for institutional, accredited, and retail investors alike.
The work focuses on critical areas like climate change and affordable housing. It also improves access to healthcare and creates economic opportunities. Investments support under-resourced communities both in the U.S. and around the world.
This organization demonstrates the real power of strategic capital. It directs investment toward social and environmental benefits. The model has been successful for decades.
Key Takeaways
- A leading nonprofit has a nearly 30-year history in the impact investing sector.
- The organization has successfully raised over $5 billion for community investment.
- It maintains a perfect 100% repayment record of principal and interest to investors.
- Impact investing is made accessible with minimum investments as low as $20.
- The firm invests in critical areas like climate change, housing, and healthcare.
- It works in under-resourced communities both domestically and internationally.
- The model proves that investments can generate both financial returns and positive social change.
Legacy, Mission, and Global Reach
A nearly 30-year legacy demonstrates the powerful evolution of a concept into a global movement. The organization’s journey reflects a deep commitment to its core purpose.
Historical Milestones and Achievements
A key moment was the strategic shift in name. This change signaled an expanded vision for the future. It marked a new chapter for the entire field.
The firm’s track record is built on solid results. It has served more than 20,000 investors over the years. It has also mobilized over $5 billion in capital for meaningful development.
Global Partnerships and Community Impact
The central mission is to make positive change accessible to all. This means creating pathways for capital to reach underserved communities. The work supports real people through local organizations.
Collaboration is essential. The firm works with partners across the globe. These alliances tackle challenges in nine key areas, from renewable energy to affordable housing.
This global network helps achieve measurable social and environmental benefits. The efforts directly support international sustainability goals. The organization is also a leader in setting high standards for the entire industry.
Calvert Impact Capital’s Approach to Impact Investing
A systematic approach to meaningful investment involves careful partner selection and impact measurement. The organization’s methodology combines financial discipline with social purpose.
Innovative Investment Strategies
The firm’s investment thesis targets sectors with transformative potential. This creates more inclusive markets globally.
Community-facing intermediaries serve as critical infrastructure. They channel capital effectively to underserved areas.
The approach prioritizes both financial resiliency and lasting social environmental benefits. Each investment supports broad economic opportunity.
Rigorous Due Diligence and Impact Measurement
Thorough evaluation follows strict credit and social performance standards. This ensures sound investments and effective impact.
A proprietary Impact Scorecard assesses every transaction. It projects expected outcomes and tracks actual results.
The organization provides technical assistance to portfolio partners. This strengthens operations and scales community impact.
As a founding signatory to impact management principles, the firm sets industry standards. Its leadership in measurement methodologies is widely recognized.
Impact Investment Products and Community Investment Note
The democratization of impact investing is made tangible through a suite of accessible financial products. These offerings allow individuals and institutions to directly fund positive change.
The flagship vehicle is the Community Investment Note. This product provides access to a carefully curated, diversified portfolio.
This note has grown to exceed $500 million in outstanding balance. It demonstrates strong investor confidence. A key feature is a capitalization cushion over $100 million to safeguard against potential losses.
Diversified Product Portfolio and Services
Accessibility is a core principle. More than 7,000 investors have participated with amounts from $20 to $20 million.
Investors can access the note through an online platform or over 135 brokerage firms. The organization has distributed over $500 million via the Incapital Network.
The product suite continues to expand. New offerings include the Cut Carbon Note and the Mission Driven Bank Fund. These meet diverse investor preferences for specific impact areas.
Case Study: Empowering Communities with PCAP
Partner Community Capital (PCAP) shows how these investments create real change. PCAP is a certified community development financial institution.
It lends to enterprises in Central Appalachia and the Southeast US. These businesses promote a healthy environment and economic opportunity.
Over 50% of supported businesses are owned by women or people of color. More than 85% operate in rural or economically distressed communities. This is impact in action.
Strategic Portfolio and Sector Diversification
The organization’s investment approach targets specific sectors with high potential for transformative change. A diversified portfolio spans nine core areas, each chosen for maximum social and environmental benefits.
Sector Highlights: Renewable Energy, Education, and Affordable Housing
Renewable energy investments combat climate change while creating clean power. The Lumbee tribe’s solar project generates 76 kW of energy and saves $51,000 annually.
Affordable housing initiatives provide stable homes for families in need. After Kentucky floods, partners built 88 new houses and repaired 305 more.
Education programs expand learning access and workforce development. Energy savings often fund local training opportunities.
Supporting Under-Resourced Communities and SMEs
The portfolio intentionally targets marginalized populations. Nearly 80% of SOAR Fund loans support women and entrepreneurs of color.
Small business funding helps enterprises often excluded from traditional financing. The California Rebuilding Fund offers $56.5 million for recovery.
A gender and racial equity lens guides all investment decisions. This ensures capital reaches those facing the greatest barriers.
Conclusion
For nearly three decades, one organization has fundamentally redefined the relationship between profit and purpose. Under President and CEO Jennifer Pryce’s leadership, the firm has tripled its flagship product while expanding its mission.
The leadership team brings deep expertise from institutions like the World Bank. They have delivered consistent financial performance alongside measurable social environmental benefits.
Third-party validations including B-Corp certification demonstrate commitment to high standards. Recent initiatives like the Equality Fund show continued innovation in gender lens investing.
This organization proves that meaningful change and competitive returns are achievable. It invites more people to participate in building equitable, sustainable communities worldwide.
FAQ
What is the Community Investment Note?
The Community Investment Note is a fixed-income product offered by Calvert Impact Capital. It allows individuals and institutions to invest directly in a portfolio of organizations working on challenges like renewable energy, affordable housing, and small business development in underserved areas. Your capital is put to work creating positive social and environmental change.
How does Calvert Impact Capital measure the impact of its investments?
The firm employs a rigorous due diligence and impact measurement framework. This process evaluates potential investments based on their mission, leadership, and ability to deliver measurable social and environmental benefits. They track progress on key metrics related to issues like climate change, gender equity, and community development to ensure accountability.
What types of organizations receive funding?
Funding goes to a diverse range of partners, including non-profits, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), and social enterprises. These organizations provide essential products and services, such as access to clean energy, financing for small businesses, and the creation of affordable housing in communities that need it most.
Can I invest in specific sectors, like education or renewable energy?
While the Community Investment Note provides a diversified portfolio across multiple sectors, Calvert Impact Capital also offers specific products and services that allow for more targeted investments. Their strategic portfolio includes significant allocations to areas like education, climate solutions, and economic development, enabling investors to align their capital with specific causes.
Is my investment safe? What is the risk profile?
All investments carry some level of risk. The firm’s management team conducts extensive due diligence to manage risk, focusing on organizations with strong leadership and sustainable business models. The Community Investment Note is not FDIC-insured, but it has a history of principal repayment. Investors should review the offering documents carefully to understand the risks involved.
