During the span of my career, I’ve watched many families look for ways to align their investments with charitable objectives and we have assisted many clients in transferring their family values along with their family wealth to the next generation. The values that have created wealth are often the missing link to successfully preserving family wealth.
There is a remarkable movement in investment towards Social Impact funding — not just making money but also making a better world. In fact, The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, Or US SIF, claims it is already a $6.57 trillion business in the U.S. after growing 76% from 2012 to 2014. Savvy investors want to earn market-rate returns while also seeking to advance social or environmental aims.
To this end, Olson Wealth Group offers our clients targeted and specific investments for social good. These types of investment strategies are not new, in fact one of our fixed-income investment vehicles offered investors an opportunity to receive consistent financial returns and measurable social returns for over 20 years. Over that time 18,000 investors and $1.4 billion were invested into organizations that create social change, social impact – all with a 100% repayment rate.
Some social investors prefer to invest in local social impact and so sponsors have created Twin Cities’ initiatives that could include investments in zero-waste recycling, small business lending and affordable housing. Small investments are pooled and partners work directly with the community to identify the best use for the money. Investors know who they are investing in and share in the returns financially and socially.
At Olson Wealth Group, we call impact investing Double Impact – Distribution and Investment. Double Impact works hand in hand to bring about societal change and return on investment. We welcome your thoughts on how we can better serve you in making significant and growing social and environmental impact.
by Sharon Olson, president of Olson Wealth Group
Copyright 2017