In an era where financial success intertwines with societal impact, non-profit organizations, foundations, and endowments face the dual challenge of generating returns while remaining true to their mission. Zenith Wealth Partners has emerged as a trusted ally, guiding these entities to navigate the intricate landscape of aligning investments with purpose and values. With a multi-faceted approach, Zenith empowers these organizations to uphold their fiduciary responsibilities while creating meaningful change.
At the heart of any partnership is the establishment of a values-oriented investment policy. Zenith collaborates closely with non-profits and foundations to craft a comprehensive policy that reflects their ethos and societal objectives. By incorporating the organization’s values into the investment strategy, Zenith ensures that financial decisions resonate with the larger mission. This approach acts as a moral compass, guiding investment choices toward opportunities that align with the organization’s goals. Most recently, Zenith advised WOMEN’S WAY in updating their organization’s investment policy statement to reflect a commitment to local early-stage investment and a deadline for 100% portfolio mission alignment with the organization’s core charge to create a more equitable society for women and girls.
Finding mission-aligned investment funds and managers constitutes another pivotal step. Zenith’s expertise in this realm is instrumental in identifying investments that mirror the non-profit’s values. By rigorously evaluating investment options, Zenith ensures that each selection supports the organization’s mission while maintaining financial viability. This synergy between purpose and return drives impactful outcomes, exemplifying how investments can simultaneously enrich portfolios and drive societal progress. A recent example of this work is highlighted in Zenith’s work with the Thomas Scattergood Behavioral Health Foundation to populate their asset allocation with a strong roster of minority-owned fund managers. The Securities & Exchange Commission also recently found that “the evidence is clear that investment performance by diverse asset managers is equal to or greater than the investment performance of firms that lack diversity in ownership and senior leadership, despite differences in size and length of track record.“
The realm of private investments also presents a unique opportunity to deepen mission alignment. Zenith diligently structures private investments to be intentional and mission-aligned, leveraging its comprehensive understanding of both the impact investment landscape and financial markets. This results in investments that not only yield competitive returns but also foster positive change within communities. Through meticulous due diligence and strategic partnerships, Zenith elevates the transformative power of private investments in advancing social and environmental goals. The early-stage team at Zenith recently helped Trapezium Math founder Angela McIver secure value-aligned investors for their pre-seed equity investment round.
Innovation in reporting is a hallmark of Zenith’s approach, amplifying transparency and accountability. Zenith recognizes that quantifying mission alignment is essential to demonstrate impact. By developing pioneering reporting mechanisms, Zenith empowers organizations to tangibly measure the outcomes of their investments. This enhances decision-making, showcases the effectiveness of purpose-driven investments, and bolsters the organization’s commitment to creating lasting change. One of Zenith’s management and reporting partners, Ethic representative Morgan du Plessix, has been a key element of enhanced reporting across the landscape of sustainability pillars that Zenith clients want integrated into their portfolios.
Throughout this journey, Zenith remains steadfast in its commitment to helping non-profit organizations, foundations, and endowments maintain their fiduciary duty. By skillfully balancing the imperative of generating requisite returns with the pursuit of meaningful societal impact, Zenith steers a course that ensures the organization’s sustainability, whether in perpetuity or a defined time horizon. With Zenith’s guidance, non-profits, foundations, and endowments can forge a transformative path, where financial responsibility converges seamlessly with purpose-driven investments, catalyzing a better world for all.
All written content is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Zenith, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.
