Investing for impact

While traditional philanthropy operates on a model of giving - distributing grants to nonprofits without expectation of financial return - impact investing takes a different approach.

Impact investing is the practice of investing in companies, nonprofit organizations, and managed funds, with the intention to generate measurable social and environmental impact, alongside a financial return. These investments may be structured as loans, lines of credit, guarantees, or equity stakes.

Formally established in 2017, the Foundation’s Impact Investing program encompasses over 20 strategic investments, deploying over $20 million in shared capital and touching virtually every sector of Rhode Island's economy. 

These investments have helped create essential infrastructure, facilitated additional community investment, and supported hundreds of affordable housing units. Families throughout Rhode Island have improved access to healthcare services and nutritious food, small businesses in underserved communities have found pathways to growth, and environmental initiatives are creating a more sustainable future for our state.