Investing to deliver social and environmental impacts

A new report commissioned by Foundation North looks at how impact investment could help the foundation, other philanthropic funders, and investors achieve both financial returns, and measurable, beneficial social or environmental impacts. It also considers the potential value of impact investment for community organisations, social enterprises and social businesses.

“We are always looking for new ways to support our communities to get positive outcomes,” says Chloe Harwood, Foundation North’s Strategy & Innovation Manager.  “Impact investment may prove to be another useful tool that can be used to enhance the lives of all the people of our region.” 

While impact investment in New Zealand is still relatively new, it is attracting a variety of investors including individuals, philanthropists, institutions and government agencies. 

“Foundation North will be learning alongside other investors and their impact investment partners, about how best to use this type of funding in the New Zealand context.”

The reports were commissioned by the Foundation from the Centre For Social Impact and Ākina Foundation.  Foundation North acknowledges the work of the principal author, Shona McElroy, who wrote the report as an associate at the Centre For Social Impact.

Impact Investment - Report

Part One: An Introduction To Impact Investing
Impact investment for community organisations, social enterprises and social businesses 

Part Two: Engaging In Impact Investing
Impact investment for community, family and other philanthropic foundations wanting to explore how to engage with impact investing