Impact investing refers to investments made with the intention to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. Unlike traditional investments, which primarily focus on financial gains, impact investing seeks to use capital to address pressing social issues, such as poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, and healthcare access. Investors in this space may include individual philanthropists, foundations, and institutional investors who are looking for opportunities that align financial performance with social impact. Impact investing can take various forms, including equity investments, debt investments, and funds that focus on particular sectors or industries. The growing interest in impact investing reflects a broader shift towards responsible investment practices that prioritize sustainability and ethical considerations in addition to profit.
In reality, impact investing is becoming increasingly accessible to a wider range of investors, including individual retail investors, thanks to the emergence of various funds and platforms that allow smaller contributions.
A range of organizations, including foundations, nonprofit organizations, and private investors, engage in impact investing. Many institutional investors are also increasingly incorporating impact investments into their portfolios.
Impact is typically measured through various metrics that evaluate both social outcomes and financial returns. Metrics may include predefined key performance indicators (KPIs) related to social or environmental goals, surveys, and case studies.
While impact investing shares some similarities with philanthropy, particularly in its focus on creating social good, it differs in that it aims to generate a financial return alongside social impact. Investors expect to get back their capital, plus a return, as opposed to donating funds without expectation of repayment.