Bringing the Power and Joy of Values-Aligned Investing to the Women’s Philanthropic Community

Every month our co-founders, Janine Firpo and Ellen Remmer, share their thoughts on a range of topics, some specific to Invest for Better and some not. These ‘opening letters’ are part of our e-newsletters and they provide a great glimpse into the happenings of our organization and larger community.

Letter from Ellen Remmer
April 12, 2023

Dear friends,

It has always been my dream to bring the power and joy of values-aligned investing to the women’s philanthropic community. One of the first thought leadership pieces I wrote about the topic was Navigating the Territory: A Guide to Impact Investing for Donors, in many ways chronicling my own path from a committed philanthropist who made social change out of “one purse” to a committed social investor who took a “whole purse” approach. After starting Invest for Better, we received a grant from Fidelity Charitable to write another piece, Amplifying Your Impact Through Impact Investing, more of a workbook that gives the donor an opportunity to reflect on how philanthropy and investing could serve their goals.

Two weeks ago I was thrilled to moderate a panel at the Women’s Philanthropy Institute’s All In, All Rise Symposium in Chicago for a session entitled, ‘All In For Impact: How to Use Philanthropy and Impact Investing for Change’, with awesome Invest for Better members Mary Hawkins and Janell Johnson. In a packed room of about 100 female philanthropists and fundraisers, less than 10% admitted that they had taken the time and initiative to align their investments with their values. This is an untapped opportunity. These women care deeply about being part of the change they want to see in the world and yet they are not using the power that they have – in the sector of the economy that rules the world! The audience eagerly took notes about how to get started and where they could invest. Post-panel interest included a university fundraiser who committed to start an Invest for Better Circle among her alumnae!

Women’s Philanthropy Institute research shows that women are more likely to add impact investing to their arsenal of social change tools, while men are more likely to replace their philanthropy with investing. All we need to do is inspire them and help them take action. Let’s ask the women philanthropists in our lives to join Invest for Better and we’ll support them every step of the way.

Warmly,
Ellen