Social Investment Fund
Investment fund
Social finance intermediary
RSF Social Finance (RSF) is a financial services organization dedicated to transforming the way the world works with money. In partnership with our investors and donors, RSF has made over $250 million in loans and $100 million in grants since 1984 to for-profit and non-profit social enterprises working in the areas of Food & Agriculture, Education & the Arts, and Ecological Stewardship.
Summary
Capital from the RSF Social Investment Fund is deployed through RSF's Core Lending Program which offers mortgage loans, construction loans, equipment loans, and working capital lines of credit exclusively to non-profit and for-profit organizations dedicated to improving the well-being of society and the environment.
RSF Social Finance supports enterprises working in one of three focus areas: Food & Agriculture, Education & the Arts, and Ecological Stewardship. All borrowers are are carefully screened to meet specific criteria exhibiting the utmost commitment to people, place, and environment.
Investment Criteria
RSF invests 100% of its assets in mission-driven organizations seeking positive social and environmental impact. Specifically, RSF's investment thesis is focused on supporting the following values:
- Direct: RSF seeks to invest with as few layers of financial intermediation as possible. Intermediaries should provide clear and compelling value, ideally with respect to both financial and social impacts.
- Transparent: RSF will not invest in enterprises or financial vehicles that are unable or unwilling to provide complete information on the use of invested funds and the criteria employed to make investments or spending decisions. RSF must feel confident in its understanding of how its investment will be put to use.
- Personal: RSF seeks to invest in enterprises and financial vehicles that demonstrate a commitment to building relationships with stakeholders. RSF should be able to know and communicate with the individuals responsible for managing each of its investments.
- Long-Term Relationships: RSF seeks to invest for the long-term whenever possible. This includes working with financial vehicles that do not seek exit opportunities that will jeopardize the long-term survival of a portfolio investment's values and mission.
Impact Examples
Food & Agriculture
Hana Health | www.hanahealth.org
The mission of Hana Health is to improve the health and wellness of the Moku (district) of Hana, Maui, particularly among Native Hawaiians and those who are underserved due to financial, cultural and geographic barriers. Hana Health and Hana Fresh bring together healthcare, organic farming, and nutrition in a unique approach to community wellness that is a model for contemporary society.
Education & The Arts
Equal Access | www.equalaccess.org
Equal Access, founded in 2001, works in rural and underserved regions in Afghanistan, Nepal, India, Cambodia, and Laos to bring radio programs and outreach activities which foster education and human development, provide leadership training, and generally motivate individuals and communities to work together to create positive social change.
Ecological Stewardship
Permaculture Credit Union | www.pcuonline.org
The Permaculture Credit Union (PCU) pools the financial resources of people who believe in the ethics of Permaculture - care of the earth, care of people, and reinvestment of surplus for the betterment of both. Resources are distributed in the form of environmentally and socially responsible loans and investments. PCU, based in Sante Fe, New Mexico, was founded in 2000 by a group of socially motivated individuals.