Link to original press release here.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (October 2, 2024) – The Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) is pleased to announce the results of the AJL Foundation’s participation in the Endowment Impact Benchmark, a new rating framework that credits endowments and foundations for their commitment to impact and sustainable investing.

The AJL Foundation based out of Denver, Colorado achieved a platinum rating in September 2024 upon the completion of its assessment, administered by impact verification firm BlueMark. The high mark reaffirms the Foundation’s commitment to mission-aligned, impactful investing that centers local communities.

As is reflected in its EIB rating, the AJL Foundation is committed to transparency and strategic impact through its investments. The Foundation’s detailed quarterly Impact and Financial Performance reports reveal its emphasis on thematic investing, diversity in asset management, and philanthropic investments beyond its regular grantmaking. It is committed to multiple Sustainable Development Goals and has a goal of allocating 10% of its portfolio to Program Related Investments (PRI) and a Mission Related Investments (MRI).

"Receiving a Platinum rating from the Endowment Impact Benchmark is an honor that leaves us full of gratitude and hope for where the field of investing is headed,” said Kristi Petrie and Alece H.M. Montez, Co-Executive Directors at AJL Foundation. “The EIB framework is by and for investors who recognize the moral and financial imperative to invest every single dollar in creating an economic system built upon social, economic and environmental justice.”

“The AJL Foundation has worked hard to create a portfolio that is transparent, supports their strategy, and has meaningful impact. This recognition is a testament to their commitment”, said Akasha Absher, Co-President and Head of Impact Investing, Syntrinsic LLC, an advisor to The AJL Foundation. Syntrinsic is honored to be AJL’s partner on this journey and we value IEN’s commitment to improving the impact measurement and transparency of endowments and foundations’ portfolios with the Endowment Impact Benchmark.

The Endowment Impact Benchmark is a project of the Intentional Endowments Network. It is an assessment, rating, and benchmarking framework that enables endowments to earn recognition for their commitment to sustainable and impact investing. The evaluation process is led by BlueMark, an independent impact verification firm, ensuring that ratings are credible and reflective of best practices.

"The AJL Foundation's achievement of a platinum rating through the Endowment Impact Benchmark is a remarkable milestone, making them only the third public participant to reach this level," said Georges Dyer, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Intentional Endowments Network. "This accolade highlights their unwavering commitment to mission-aligned investing that prioritizes local communities and transparency. We are excited to see how this exemplary model will inspire other foundations to embrace sustainable practices and drive impactful change."

Foundations and endowments interested in joining the second cohort of the Endowment Impact Benchmark, currently underway, should reach out to the IEN team by September 30, 2024, to confirm their participation. In addition, IEN is in the process of confirming participants for the 2025 cohort of the assessment.

Benefits of participation include assessing institutional progress relative to best practices in sustainable investing and receiving tailored feedback from BlueMark around four pillars of strategy, management, governance, and transparency. Participants will also benchmark their progress against peers and gain recognition for their commitment to impact.

Endowments and foundations continue to hear calls for increased transparency, especially around their impact-oriented strategies. The EIB provides a practical approach for assessing transparency, strategy, governance, and management internally; establishing next steps for enhanced impact; and communicating successes to key stakeholders. The benchmarking value of the EIB continues to rise as participants complete the assessment, enabling endowments to align their policies and practices with peers and industry standards.

For more information on the Endowment Impact Benchmark and how your institution can participate, please visit www.endowmentimpactbenchmark.org

About The Intentional Endowments Network

The Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) supports higher education institutions to adopt investment strategies that create an equitable, low-carbon, and regenerative economy. IEN connects endowments, asset managers, investment consultants, nonprofit partners, and individuals to advance the field of mission-aligned, sustainable investing. IEN is housed at the Crane Institute of Sustainability (“Crane”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more at www.intentionalendowments.org

MEDIA CONTACT:

Georges Dyer, Co-founder & Executive Director, Intentional Endowments Network & The Crane Institute of Sustainability
georges@intentionalendowments.org