Impact
Investing
Directing Endowment Funds to Social Enterprise
How does impact investing work? Impact investing shifts how we think about our investments and returns. This type of investment is made into companies, organizations, and funds, but with the intention to generate measurable social or environmental benefits to society — and a financial return. Impact Investing allows a community to invest money toward its values and beliefs.
Our impact investing journey
Every Victoria Foundation fundholder and donor is an impact investor. We began impact investing in 2018 with a goal of placing 5% of investable assets into initiatives that drive social and environmental change. By 2022, the first national and global investments were made, including the Canadian Canoe Museumand the Mackenzie Greenchip Global Environmental Equity Fund.
Today, the Foundation holds six impact investments, with plans to grow to 9% ($41.9 million) by 2026 and ultimately move toward aligning 100% of its endowment with social purpose
Our investments are shaping Vancouver Island’s future
In 2023, the Foundation invested locally in the Thrive Impact Fund, which supports BC non-profits and social enterprises. Some include the Victoria-based sustainable clothing enterprise Ecologyst, the FED Urban Agriculture Society, and Indigenous technology enterprise Animikii. These investments are tangible examples of how capital, when intentionally directed, can build stronger, more resilient communities.
Want to take your investment journey a step further?
You don't need to be a foundation or a financial institution or even have significant wealth. You just need to invest with intention. You can support the Innovation and Impact Fund, which helps the Foundation participate in exciting new social finance strategies and helps local non-profits invest to grow their missions. To learn how you can further connect to the Foundation's work, please contact us.
