In recent years, people have increasingly embraced impact investing, blending financial returns with meaningful social and environmental outcomes. This shift reflects a growing desire to align wealth with values and leave a lasting legacy that goes beyond financial success. Visionaries like Mackenzie Scott have amplified the spotlight on impact investing by directing significant resources toward Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that empower underrepresented communities (source: Yield Giving). But why is this trend gaining momentum, and why does the U.S. need it now more than ever? Let’s explore the emotional drivers, the opportunities, and the math behind impact investing—and why it might be the right choice for you.
What Is Impact Investing?
Impact investing involves directing capital to projects, organizations, or funds that generate measurable positive outcomes for society and the environment while delivering financial returns (source: GIIN). Unlike traditional philanthropy, impact investing doesn’t just give; it grows. From affordable housing to renewable energy and small business development in underserved communities, impact investments cover a wide spectrum of causes.
Examples
- Affordable Housing Projects: Funds like the Calvert Impact Capital Community Investment Note have financed affordable housing across the U.S., helping families secure stable living conditions.
- Renewable Energy Initiatives: Groups like Generate Capital fund clean energy projects, including solar farms and energy efficiency programs.
- Small Businesses: Investment firms such as Next Street specialize in providing capital to businesses to diverse entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth in marginalized communities.
Why Are People Choosing Impact Investing?
1. A Desire to Leave a Legacy
For many, wealth isn’t just about personal comfort—it’s about creating a legacy that reflects their values. Impact investing offers a powerful way to make an enduring difference, ensuring that their financial resources contribute to causes they’re passionate about, such as combating climate change, creating equal opportunity for all, or advancing education.
2. Connecting Wealth With Purpose
Money alone doesn’t guarantee happiness, but using wealth to drive positive change can create a profound sense of fulfillment. Studies show that 86% of millennials believe in aligning investments with their social and environmental values (Morgan Stanley). This generational shift influences family wealth strategies, as younger members increasingly advocate for impact-focused portfolios.
3. Financial Performance Matters
Contrary to misconceptions, impact investing doesn’t require sacrificing returns. In fact, research from the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) shows that 91% of impact investments meet or exceed financial expectations (source: GIIN). Many see impact investing not as a compromise but as a way to diversify portfolios while driving meaningful change.
The Importance of Impact Investing
1. Helping Your Neighbors and Investing Locally
Impact investing channels resources into local communities, fostering economic growth and providing equal opportunity for all. For example:
- Affordable Housing: Investments can help families secure stable homes, breaking cycles of poverty.
- Small Business Growth: Capital directed to diverse small business owners supports job creation and strengthens local economies.
2. A Local Ripple Effect
When you invest locally, you’re not just contributing to abstract goals; you’re directly impacting your neighbors. For instance, supporting a local CDFI can help the CDFI provide loans to small business owners in your community, boosting job creation and economic vitality in areas that need it most.
Social Proof: The Rise of Impact Investors
Impact investing is no longer a niche strategy; it has transformed into a powerful global movement. According to the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), the impact investing market surpassed $1.16 trillion in 2023. This remarkable growth highlights the increasing demand for investments that balance profit with purpose.
But what does this figure represent in real terms? It includes capital flowing into renewable energy projects, affordable housing initiatives, small business funding, and healthcare solutions for underserved populations. For example, investments in renewable energy have helped expand access to clean energy for millions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change. Similarly, funds targeting affordable housing have provided stability for families in vulnerable communities, allowing them to thrive.
This surge isn’t just driven by institutional investors; it’s increasingly popular among retail investors. The rise of accessible platforms, robust reporting metrics, and proven financial returns have made it easier for individuals to make investments that align with their values. With $1.16 trillion in capital at work, it’s clear that impact investors are collectively creating a ripple effect of change across industries and communities worldwide.
How to Get Started
- Define Your Priorities What causes matter most to you? Whether it’s education, healthcare, or sustainability, identifying your values will guide your investment decisions. Investing involves a risk of loss, including the principal invested. Consult with a financial adviser or investment professional to determine whether or not investing makes sense for you.
- Choose the Right Platform Look for platforms that simplify impact investing and align with your investment goals. Review platforms with your financial or investment advisors to ensure the platform aligns with your financial goals and risks tolerance.
- Understanding the Metrics Impact investing requires measurable outcomes. Platforms like CNote provide detailed reporting to help you track how your investments are making a difference.
- Start Small, Scale Up You don’t have to allocate your entire portfolio immediately. Start with a manageable amount and gradually increase your impact investment allocation as you grow more comfortable.
Impact in Action
Imagine you decide to invest $50,000 in an impact investing product with the potential for a modest but steady annual return of 4% over five years. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how your wealth has the potential to grow over time. Note, that investing involves risk and you can have a loss including the loss of the principal.
Year 1: $50,000 x 4% = $52,000
Year 2: $52,000 x 4% = $54,080
Year 3: $54,080 x 4% = $56,243
Year 4: $56,243 x 4% = $58,493
Year 5: $58,493 x 4% = $60,832
At the end of five years without any losses, your initial investment would grow to $60,832, earning $10,832 in interest alone. But what truly sets this apart from traditional investing is the potential impact your dollars create during that time.
For example, if this investment were allocated through a mission-driven financial institution, your capital could help support:
1. Providing loans to diverse small business owners, such as Karla Villanueva-Bernal, who used funding from Kaua’i Federal Credit Union to help support their business during unprecedented times. Read full story here.
2. Financing the construction of affordable housing units, like David Akinniyi who uses funding from Baltimore Community Lending; a mission-driven CDFI, to support him in building affordable housing throughout Baltimore. Read full story here.
3. Supporting clean energy projects, such as Fly Wheel Development which is on a mission to bring the benefits of solar energy to 100,000 low- to moderate-income families throughout the District of Columbia. Read full story here.
The beauty of impact investing is that your money doesn’t just work for you—it works for the community and the planet. With every dollar, you’re contributing to a ripple effect of economic empowerment and sustainability while achieving your own financial goals. This dual benefit makes a compelling choice for those looking to align their wealth with their values.
Final Thoughts: Aligning Wealth With Values
People around the U.S. are increasingly recognizing that their financial decisions can shape the world. Impact investing offers a unique opportunity to grow wealth while addressing urgent social and environmental challenges. By starting small and partnering with platforms like CNote, you can align your financial goals with your values and create a legacy that matters.
About CNote: CNote uses its propriety technology to make investing easier. Their technology allows investors to quickly and efficiently invest in the causes and communities they care about while offering competitive, socially responsible fixed-income and cash products.
Disclosure: This information should not be relied upon as research, investment or financial advice, nor a recommendation regarding any products, strategies, or any security in particular. This material is strictly for illustrative, educational, or informational purposes and is subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. The information does not purport to provide any legal, financial, investment, tax or accounting advice.
