The Global Impact Investing Network

The Global Impact Investing Network is a nonprofit organization that works to increase the scale and effectiveness of impact investing globally, with support from organizations like Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Rockefeller Foundation. The network's efforts are aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to address pressing global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change. The Global Impact Investing Network collaborates with institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of Oxford to advance the field of impact investing. Key figures like Al Gore, Mary Robinson, and Muhammad Yunus have contributed to the network's mission.

Introduction

The Global Impact Investing Network plays a crucial role in promoting social entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability through investments that generate both financial returns and positive social or environmental impact. The network's work is informed by research from institutions like World Bank, International Finance Corporation, and OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). By working with organizations like Acumen Fund, Skoll Foundation, and Omidyar Network, the network aims to create a more equitable and sustainable global economy. The Global Impact Investing Network also engages with governments, such as the Government of Canada, Government of Australia, and Government of the United Kingdom, to shape policies that support impact investing.

History

The Global Impact Investing Network was founded in 2009 by Amanda Feldman, Luther Ragin Jr., and John Mackey, with initial support from Rockefeller Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The network's early work focused on building a community of impact investors, including family offices like Pritzker Group and Cargill, and pension funds like CalPERS and CalSTRS. The Global Impact Investing Network has since grown to include over 300 member organizations, including Banco Santander, Deutsche Bank, and JPMorgan Chase. The network has also partnered with World Economic Forum, Clinton Global Initiative, and Social Enterprise Alliance to promote impact investing globally.

Mission_and_Objectives

The Global Impact Investing Network's mission is to increase the scale and effectiveness of impact investing, with a focus on achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The network's objectives include building a community of impact investors, developing impact investing standards, and promoting research and education in the field. The Global Impact Investing Network works with organizations like Ashoka, Echoing Green, and New Profit Inc. to support social entrepreneurship and innovation. The network also collaborates with investor networks like Investor Network on Climate Risk and US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment to promote sustainable investing practices.

Impact_Investing_Standards

The Global Impact Investing Network has developed a set of impact investing standards, known as the Impact Reporting and Investment Standards (IRIS), which provide a framework for measuring and reporting impact. The network has also developed the Global Impact Investing Rating System (GIIRS), which assesses the social and environmental impact of investments. The Global Impact Investing Network works with organizations like B Lab, Global Reporting Initiative, and Ceres to promote transparency and accountability in impact investing. The network's standards are informed by research from institutions like University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan, and London School of Economics.

Global_Reach_and_Partnerships

The Global Impact Investing Network has a global reach, with members and partners in over 50 countries, including Australia, Brazil, China, India, and South Africa. The network has partnered with organizations like African Venture Capital Association, Asian Venture Capital Journal, and Latin American Venture Capital Association to promote impact investing in emerging markets. The Global Impact Investing Network also works with multilateral institutions like World Bank, International Finance Corporation, and Inter-American Development Bank to support impact investing in developing countries. The network's global reach is also facilitated by its partnerships with regional networks like European Venture Capital Association and Middle East Venture Capital Association.

Research_and_Publications

The Global Impact Investing Network publishes research and reports on impact investing trends, challenges, and opportunities, including the annual Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) Impact Investor Survey. The network's research is informed by data from institutions like Cambridge Associates, Preqin, and Thomson Reuters. The Global Impact Investing Network also publishes case studies and profiles of impact investors, including family offices like Pritzker Group and Cargill, and pension funds like CalPERS and CalSTRS. The network's publications are widely read by impact investors, asset managers like BlackRock and Vanguard, and policy makers like US Department of State and European Commission. Category:Impact investing