Tag: ESG Investing

Feature Image 2021
Episode 66 – From Overwhelmed to Empowered: How to Navigate ESG and Mission-Aligned Investing with Sarah Hinman

Episode 66 – From Overwhelmed to Empowered: How to Navigate ESG and Mission-Aligned Investing with Sarah Hinman

By |

Do you intend to incorporate ESG investing into your portfolio but don’t know where to start?

As reporting standards, disclosure requirements, and available data continue to evolve, it can be overwhelming for investors to navigate this ever-changing landscape!

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Sarah Hinman, CPA/PFS, CFP®, CSRIC®, Senior Consultant at Fiducient Advisors and co-chair of the firm’s Mission-Aligned Investing Committee. They explore the current landscape of ESG and Mission Aligned Investing (MAI).

You’ll discover:

  • How nonprofits and investors can incorporate Mission-Aligned and ESG investing 
  • Why MAI and ESG investing are never an all-or-nothing approach
  • The first step for nonprofits to get started with MAI — honing in on their values
  • What the future of ESG investing looks like
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Sarah Hinman | Fiducient’s Guide to Mission-Aligned Investing | Mission-Aligned Investing: Where Are We and Where to Next? | From $400 Million to $15 Billion: Scott Malpass’ Journey Leading Notre Dame’s Endowment and Other Lessons for Leaders | Other Insights by Fiducient Advisors (Research, Blogs, Podcasts)

About Our Guest:

Sarah provides investment consulting services to nonprofit organizations, corporate executives, family trusts, and other substantial investors. She services clients by providing advice and expertise on asset allocation, portfolio design, investment policy statements, manager search process, and overall investment management. Sarah co-chairs the firm’s Mission-Aligned Investing Committee.

Sarah earned a BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a BA in Fashion Marketing and Management from The Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. Sarah also earned a Master of Accounting Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and a Chartered SRI Counselor™ (CSRIC®). Sarah also passed the CFA Level I exam. In her free time, Sarah enjoys cooking and reading.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
Episode 65 – From $400 Million to $15 Billion: Scott Malpass’ Journey Leading Notre Dame’s Endowment & Other Lessons For Leaders

Episode 65 – From $400 Million to $15 Billion: Scott Malpass’ Journey Leading Notre Dame’s Endowment & Other Lessons For Leaders

By |

Under Scott Malpass’ leadership, the University of Notre Dame’s endowment fund grew from $400 million in 1988 to nearly $15 billion by 2020, ranking among the top 1% of endowments globally!

Post Notre Dame, Scott co-founded Grafton Street Partners and he remains passionate regarding his founder role with Catholic Investment Services.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis interview Scott, tapping into his investment experience, governance best practices, and his advice for today’s endowment managers.

You’ll discover:

  • Scott’s journey to becoming the Chief Investment Officer at the University of Notre Dame
  • Why responsible investing does not necessitate sacrificing returns
  • Scott’s views on the blurring lines between ESG investing and socially responsible investing
  • Noteworthy trends that may excite (or concern) today’s investors
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Scott Malpass | Grafton Street Partners | University of Notre Dame | Insights by Fiducient Advisors (Research, Blogs, Podcasts)

About Our Guest:

Scott C. Malpass is the former Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the University of Notre Dame, where he currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at the University’s Mendoza College of Business. Under Malpass’s leadership, the Notre Dame endowment pool grew from $400 million in 1988 to more than $14 billion as of June 30, 2020. Over Malpass’s 32 years of leadership, the Notre Dame Endowment achieved investment performance ranking amongst the very top of endowments globally, transforming opportunities at the University in all aspects of academic and student life. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of The Vanguard Group, Inc., Paxos Trust Company, LLC, and Catholic Investment Services, Inc. He is also a member of the Board of Superintendence of the Institute for the Works of Religion in Vatican City, commonly referred to as the Vatican Bank. Malpass is a 1984 graduate of Notre Dame and received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University in 1986.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
Episode 54 – Four Action Items To Combat Market Volatility and Uncertainty

Episode 54 – Four Action Items To Combat Market Volatility and Uncertainty

By |

The traditional 60/40 stock/bond portfolio is on pace for its worst performance in 80 years and Treasury bonds might register their worst performance in 200 years! Investor anxiety seems to be rising in lock-step with interest rates.

All this contributes to a high level of uncertainty for those who oversee endowments and foundations.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis help investment committees (or any nonprofit leader overseeing investments) combat market uncertainty through four key action items.

You will learn the following:

  • Why good stewards need to separate today’s news from the noise
  • Important considerations regarding expected investment returns moving forward
  • Insights into alternative asset classes, especially in light of higher interest rates
  • An important step in ESG investing that many organizations are overlooking
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Insights by Fiducient Advisors (Research, Blogs, Podcasts)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
Episode 53 – The Secret Sauce for High-Performing Nonprofit Organizations with Jeffery Perry

Episode 53 – The Secret Sauce for High-Performing Nonprofit Organizations with Jeffery Perry

By |

High-performing organizations are characterized by strong leadership, a clear goal, and strategic investments.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Jeffery Perry, founder & CEO of Lead Mandates LLC. They discuss the major drivers of success for high-performing organizations (especially nonprofits).

You will learn the following:

  • The importance of having a clear sense of purpose for your organization
  • Evolution in asset allocation strategies and endowment management
  • The key to authentic ESG investing (and the impact of the “peanut butter approach”)
  • Personal leadership insights for nonprofit leaders
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Jeffery Perry on LinkedIn | Lead Mandates LLC | “Authentic ESG—Not Whac-A-Mole nor Peanut Butter” by Jeffery Perry | “Great Resignation Refocused as Great Reengagement” by Jeffery Perry | “At Your Side for The Rough Ride” by Bob DiMeo

About Jeffery Perry:

Jeff is the Founder & CEO of Lead Mandates LLC, an advisory firm that helps organizations improve business and leadership performance. He is a global strategic business advisor with relevant experience that spans 20 years combined as partner at Ernst & Young LLP (EY) and A.T. Kearney. He is a highly skilled and passionate leader in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), integrations, divestitures, and business transformations, linking strategy to purpose-led leadership and execution.

Jeff is a member of corporate and non-profit boards including: Board Director, Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. (NYSE: FBHS); Independent Director (Trustee), Equitable Funds; Board of Trustees Chair, Babson College; Board Chair, Chicago Children’s Museum; Former Board Chair, INROADS Inc.; Board Director, National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Chicago Chapter; Board Director, Harvard Business School African-American Alumni Association; Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) Council of Board Chairs. In addition, he is included in Savoy Magazine 2021 Most Influential Black Corporate Directors and Financial Times Agenda Diversity 100.  

Jeff received his B.S. in Marketing/Quantitative Methods, with high distinction, from Babson College and M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
Episode 49 – Endowment Management,Fundraising, Investing, Spending and Other Key Considerations in Higher-Ed with Dr. Jim Reynolds

Episode 49 – Endowment Management,Fundraising, Investing, Spending and Other Key Considerations in Higher-Ed with Dr. Jim Reynolds

By |

When raising funds for a new project, are you factoring in operating costs? What type of board and investment committee members do you recruit? How has spending and investing changed in 2022?

These are just some of the questions nonprofit leaders are asking today.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Dr. Jim Reynolds, president at Millikin University. Having worked in higher education for over three decades, Dr. Reynolds shares his experience in advancing an organization’s mission by adapting endowment management, fundraising, and spending policies to the current environment.

You will learn:

  • Why it’s important to raise for maintenance during capital campaigns
  • The role of higher-ed institutions in bridging the income gap for its students
  • How to build well-balanced committees with diverse members
  • Steps taken by Millikin’s investment committee to improve its ESG efforts
  • And more!

Tune in to unpack key considerations for nonprofit leaders today, in higher education and beyond!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Dr. Jim Reynolds on LinkedIn | Millikin University | Webcast: Mid-Year Capital Markets and Economic Update

About Our Guest:

Dr. James Reynolds is the president of Millikin University, a Decatur-based private institution with a diverse population of about 2000 students. Millikin University consistently receives recognition as one of the nation’s best colleges and is on Princeton review’s Best in the Midwest list, Forbes America’s top colleges rankings, and others. Prior to becoming Millikin’s 16th president in 2020, Dr. Reynolds served as president of Wilmington College in Ohio, where he led the creation of a new campus-wide strategic planning process. Over his career, Dr. Reynolds’ scholarly work has been published extensively and his classroom excellence has resulted in six teacher-of-the-year awards.

 



Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
Episode 34 – Investment Insights From a Global Religious Congregation with Jim Thomas

Episode 34 – Investment Insights From a Global Religious Congregation with Jim Thomas

By |

Today, we have Jim Thomas, the CFO of the Clerics of Saint Viator, share timely investment insights for nonprofit investment leaders!

The Clerics of Saint Viator is an international Roman Catholic religious congregation.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis interview Jim about his experience in managing finances for a religious order. They also dive into several best practices for effective investment portfolio management that are relevant in today’s complex financial landscape.

You will learn:

  • The concept of perpetuity and how to prepare your portfolio for long-term success
  • How to rebalance your portfolio and ensure consistent asset allocation
  • Ways to ensure a more accurate screening of your portfolio for mission-aligned investing
  • Reasons to maintain a continuous dialogue with your organization’s stakeholders
  • And more!

Tune in to discover investment best practices that can help you emulate the success of the Clerics of Saint Viator!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | The Clerics of Saint Viator

About Our Guest:

Jim Thomas is CFO of the Clerics of St. Viator, an international Roman Catholic religious congregation headquartered just outside of Chicago. The Order has a vast footprint with numerous churches and schools throughout Illinois, other parts of the U.S., South America and beyond. Jim holds an MBA from Northwestern and  degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. Prior to joining the order, Jim served in numerous roles in the for-profit world including being COO of an aerospace/defense company, president of a consumer products company and a change agent at other organizations.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
Episode 27 – 403(b) Retirement Plans Optimized for Nonprofits — With Vin Smith

Episode 27 – 403(b) Retirement Plans Optimized for Nonprofits — With Vin Smith

By |

Nonprofits seek to attract, retain and reward great people – an attractive retirement plan is part of the solve. 

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Vin Smith, partner and practice leader of the nonprofit defined contribution practice at Fiducient Advisors. They help nonprofit leaders better design their 403(b) plans, create efficient investment menus, and evaluate their existing fee structures to remain relevant.

You will learn:

  • How retirement plans for nonprofits have evolved, and how to optimize yours
  • How to create a fee structure that is fair for all plan participants, and helps avoid litigation
  • Best practices to optimize both governance and fund selection for 403(b) plans
  • Ways to incorporate ESG investing into your 403(b) plan 
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can help your nonprofits remain relevant in the 403(b) landscape!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Vin Smith on LinkedIn | Email Vin Smith

About Our Guest:

As a Partner and Senior Consultant in our Boston Office, Vin services institutional clients by providing advice and counsel on all areas of fund oversight including policy, asset allocation, manager research, portfolio structure, portfolio rebalancing, performance monitoring and overall investment policy. He serves on the firm’s Defined Contribution Business Council and the Defined Contribution Discretionary Committee. Vin joined Fiduciary Investment Advisors, LLC in 2011, which combined with Fiducient Advisors in 2020. Prior to joining the firm, he was a senior member of the consulting teams at Cammack LaRhette Consulting and Longfellow Advisors. He earned his BSBA from Stonehill College and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®. Vin serves on the Board of Directors for Mentor Rhode Island, an affiliate of a national organization focusing on creating quality youth mentorship programs. His personal interests include running and fishing.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
Episode 26 – Endowment Investment Considerations for Today’s Market — With Brad Long

Episode 26 – Endowment Investment Considerations for Today’s Market — With Brad Long

By |

If you’re looking for investment strategies that help your nonprofit stay relevant in today’s ever-changing markets, then this episode is for you.

In this show, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Brad Long, CFA, partner and research director at Fiducient Advisors, who oversees the firm’s global public markets. They discuss crucial investment considerations for endowments, such as active versus passive investing, portfolio diversification, and mission-aligned investment.

You will learn:

  • How to construct an optimal portfolio using both active and passive asset management
  • The need to diversify, especially now – and how allocation strategies can evolve over time
  • How your nonprofit can achieve mission-aligned investment objectives
  • Tips for investment committees to overcome emotions and make rational decisions
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can help your nonprofits prosper by making prudent investment decisions!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | BRAD LONG BIO | Brad Long on LinkedIn | Nonprofit Investment Stewards, ep. 24 – The Benefits and Pitfalls of OCIO Endowment Management — With Matthew Porter

About Our Guest:

As Partner and Research Director at Fiducient Advisors, Brad Long oversees the firm’s Global Public Markets research efforts with responsibility for global equity, global fixed income, and global real assets. He is also a voting member of the firm’s Investment Committee, member of the firm’s Discretionary Committee, Research Forum, Capital Markets Team, and Mission-Aligned Investing Committee. In 2019, Brad was named a “Rising Star” in City Wire’s annual Professional Buyer publication for his contributions in the investment manager research industry.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Feature Image 2021
Episode 25 – How Storytelling Can Benefit Your Endowment — With Park Howell

Episode 25 – How Storytelling Can Benefit Your Endowment — With Park Howell

By |

Oftentimes, the best way to communicate your nonprofit’s core values and mission to your audience is through storytelling.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis are joined by Park Howell, founder of Business of Story, brand storytelling strategist, and international keynote speaker. As the world’s most industrious storyteller, Park discusses how charitable organizations can craft and leverage compelling stories to communicate their investment strategies, exceed their fundraising goals, optimize their mission-aligned message, and ultimately amplify their impact.

You will learn:

  • How storytelling can improve your message to your endowment stakeholders
  • The ABT (And, But, Therefore) narrative that adds meaningful context to financial data
  • How storytelling turns your nonprofit into a purpose-driven brand that resonates strongly 
  • Why stories are a crucial component of ESG investing
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can help your nonprofit prosper using the art of storytelling!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Park Howell on LinkedIn | Business of Story | The Business of Story Podcast | The ABT’s of Selling™ Course | Brand Bewitchery: How to Wield the Story Cycle System™ to Craft Spellbinding Stories for Your Brand | The Narrative Gym for Business: Introducing the ABT Framework for Business Communication and Messaging | Nicholas Kristof’s Advice for Saving the World | How To Make Your Investment Committee More Effective

About Our Guest:

Park Howell is the founder of Business of Story, through which he has helped thousands of purpose-driven leaders master business storytelling and grow through a crystal clear vision and mission. As the world’s most industrious storyteller and a 30+ year veteran of branding, marketing and sales, Park works internationally with brand leadership, their marketers and sales teams to help them craft and tell endearingly authentic stories that sell. In addition to being an expert storytelling coach, Park also hosts the popular Business of Story podcast ranked among the top 10% of downloaded shows in the world.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Archives

Categories