Market-rate impact investments seek returns comparable to conventional alternatives Concessionary investments accept below-market returns for deeper social impact The spectrum ranges from risk-adjusted market returns down to capital preservation Investors should clarify return expectations before selecting impact strategies

Measuring Impact — Frameworks and Standards

IRIS+ is the most widely used catalog of standardized impact performance metrics Many investors align portfolios with the UN Sustainable Development Goals The Impact Management Project classifies impact by depth, breadth, and duration Consistent measurement remains challenging — no single standard is universally adopted

Community Development and CDFIs

CDFIs channel capital to underserved communities for housing and small business lending CDFI notes typically offer modest fixed returns with measurable local economic impact Community development venture capital targets high-growth businesses in low-income areas Investors can access CDFI products directly or through intermediary funds and platforms

Due Diligence on Impact Claims

Verify that impact targets are specific, measurable, and reported with audited data Watch for impact washing — vague claims without concrete metrics or verification Review the fund manager's theory of change linking activities to intended outcomes Ask how impact data is collected, how often it is reported, and who verifies results

Impact Investing

Curated by: Rubric Advisors

Impact Investing

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What Is Impact Investing?

Impact investing targets measurable social or environmental outcomes plus financial return
It differs from philanthropy because investors expect to get their capital back
The Global Impact Investing Network estimates the market at over $1 trillion in assets
Impact investing spans all asset classes, geographies, and return expectations

Asset Classes and Structures for Impact

Private equity and venture capital fund businesses solving social or environmental problems
Impact debt includes green bonds, social bonds, microfinance, and CDFI loan products
Real assets such as affordable housing, clean energy, and sustainable forestry
Blended finance combines public, philanthropic, and private capital for impact projects
Public equities and fixed income offer more liquid but less directly measurable exposure

Risks, Liquidity, and Suitability

Many impact investments are illiquid with multi-year lock-ups in private markets
Emerging market exposure introduces currency, political, and regulatory risk
Smaller fund sizes and niche strategies may carry higher fees and limited track records
Best suited for investors with long horizons and tolerance for complexity
Diversifying across sectors, geographies, and asset classes helps manage portfolio risk

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What Is Impact Investing?

The Return Spectrum

Asset Classes and Structures for Impact

Measuring Impact — Frameworks and Standards

Community Development and CDFIs

Due Diligence on Impact Claims

Risks, Liquidity, and Suitability

Related Topics

Values-Based & Mission-Aligned Investing

ESG and Sustainable Investing: Aligning Values with Returns

Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) Funds

What Is Impact Investing?

The Return Spectrum

Asset Classes and Structures for Impact

Measuring Impact — Frameworks and Standards

Community Development and CDFIs

Due Diligence on Impact Claims

Risks, Liquidity, and Suitability

Related Topics

Values-Based & Mission-Aligned Investing

ESG and Sustainable Investing: Aligning Values with Returns

Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) Funds