Dear Colleagues and Friends,
The impact investing landscape has changed dramatically in the nearly 20 years since I started working at the intersection of social change and investment. During the 2008/2009 financial crisis, I collaborated with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) and the KL Felicitas Foundation to publish two pioneering impact investing publications. First, in Philanthropy’s New Passing Gear, we tested the simple idea that impact goals could be achieved through investments. Then in Solutions for Impact Investors, we explored how to create impact across investing asset classes and began to think about how investors can systematically integrate theories of change into their investment process.
On Thursday, June 25, Godeke Consulting and RPA will introduce the next chapter in impact investing education with the publication of the Impact Investing Handbook: An Implementation Guide for Practitioners. I have co-authored the guide with Patrick Briaud, Senior Advisor, Impact Investing at RPA. It will include details on the latest impact tools, frameworks and best practices, providing both new and existing impact investors with a roadmap for how to complete each step of the impact investing journey. These steps may include:
What? – defining and locating impact investing
Who? – identifying the stakeholders and power dynamics
Why? – developing a theory of change
How? – constructing the portfolio
So What? – measuring and managing impacts
Now What? – implementing a plan for execution
We also created a hypothetical impact investor, Sophia, as an interactive example of what an impact investing journey might look like for a family office or high-net-worth investor.
We invite you to join us for an ImpactAlpha webinar this Thursday (10 AM PT / 1 PM ET) to discuss highlights from the handbook and hear first-hand from practitioners who will share details on their personal journeys into impact investing and how they overcame the challenges they faced along the way. RSVP here.
For a quick preview, we are working with ImpactAlpha to publish a series of excerpts from the handbook. The first one looks at the “Who” of impact investing and the power dynamics between investors, intermediaries, enterprises and other stakeholders. You can read it here.
Thank you, and please let us know how Godeke Consulting can help you or your organization with the next steps in your impact investing journey.
All the best,
Steve