Since 2008, Woodcock has been involved in strategic collaborations with other foundations and networks in furthering the impact investing movement. At present, Woodcock has committed to aligning one hundred percent of our assets with our mission. The following are examples of some of Woodcock’s collaborations to support the field:

Confluence Philanthropy 

Confluence Philanthropy is an impact investing network that sets out to transform the practice of investing by aligning capital with community values of sustainability, equity, and justice. Through the Confluence network, Woodcock has sponsored and participated in conference sessions and convenings on impact investing and has also sponsored and participated in a fisheries working group and a biodiversity peer group.

Impact Investing Handbook: An Implementation Guide for Practitioners 

Co-sponsors: Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Sidney E Frank Charitable Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Skoll Foundation, Alabama Power Foundation, The Nathan Cummings Foundation, Ford Foundation, Porticus

The handbook features case studies and detailed guidance for individuals, families, foundations, and corporations on impact investing. Woodcock’s Executive Director Stacey Faella authored a case study for the handbook detailing Woodcock’s exploration of the use of program-related investments to advance sustainable fisheries.

Solutions for Impact Investors: From Strategy to Implementation

Co-sponsors: Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, KL Felicitas Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation, Legacy Works, Flora Family Foundation

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors’ monograph published in 2009 on the topic of impact investing, “Solutions for Impact Investors: From Strategy to Implementation,” was mailed to 2,500 key contacts in the philanthropic and financial communities. The guide aims to increase the rigor with which impact investors frame their investment decisions and demonstrates how impact investing can be integrated through all asset classes.

The New New Economy: Investing with a Climate Change Lens during Challenging Times

Co-sponsors: Merck Family Fund, Generation Investment Management, CUNY Graduate Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, Federal Street Advisors, John Merck Fund, Park Foundation, Sidney Frank Foundation, Surdna Foundation, Environmental Grantmakers Association, Philanthropy New York, Overbrook Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Woodcock Foundation

The New New Economy symposium, held in New York City on November 20, 2008, examined the principles of MRI and its implications for climate change. Al Gore, Van Jones, and other speakers discussed how despite recent financial losses, there was still some $520 billion in the endowments of U.S. private foundations that could act as a catalyst for social change through market-driven investments that promote funders’ missions and program objectives. Over 400 foundation representatives, investment professionals, green investment executives and press attended.

Mission Related Investing: A Policy and Implementation Guide for Foundation Trustees

Co-sponsors: Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, F.B. Heron Foundation, Flora Family Fund

This guide, originally published in early 2008 and now in its second printing, uses case studies from such funders as the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Robin Hood Foundation and F.B. Heron Foundation to outline how to invest assets to achieve both social and financial returns.