Responsible investment allows institutions like colleges and universities to ensure that their investments are aligned with their values. Given that many schools have made commitments to diversity, the environment, their workers and local communities, it follows that they would want these commitments reflected in their investment policies. Blindly investing in companies that destroy the environment, mistreat their workers, build private prisons, or discriminate against employees is unacceptable—and responsible investment provides a way for schools to continue to earn the money they need, without sacrificing campus values in the process.

Colleges and universities have many opportunities to align their investments with their mission statements. These include:

Community investing instead of using the big banks, which allows for the financing of more socially and environmentally responsible economic development in the local community, is one of the first and easiest steps towards moving a responsible endowment;

Engaging in active ownership, also known as shareholder advocacy, by taking a stance on the social and environmental impact of corporations without divesting;

Making proactive investments in companies or projects that align with the institution’s mission, such as green energy or low-income housing;  and

Screening out or divesting from particular investments, such as in tobacco or conflict regions, where investments would support activities against the school’s values; and

Creating a committee on investor responsibility to help advise and support a transition towards a more responsible endowment.

Want to learn more? Check out our:
Student and trustee handbooks, 
Success stories from around the nation
Community investment campaign to join others to get their universities to begin the transition

You should also contact us for more information and support!