Cultural institutions across the country face a growing chorus of questions about how they invest the collective $58 billion held in their endowments. The Guide: what cultural institutions need to know about investing for values and mission is the first primer on impact investing specifically for leaders of museums and other cultural institutions.

Intended to support C-Suite executives and trustees at museums and other cultural institutions, The Guide answers foundational questions such as What is Impact Investing? Does impact investing mean sacrificing financial returns? Why do institutions engage in impact investing?

Dispelling the misconception that considering social and environmental risk factors lowers financial returns, The Guide shares evidence across asset classes and from a range of institutional investors affirming competitive performance and out-performance through SRI (socially-responsible investment) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) strategies.

The Guide describes how impact investing can help organizations put diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments into action, and makes the case for cultural institutions to invest in the creative economy. The report includes lessons from first-mover cultural institutions, along with examples of relevant impact investing opportunities in the creative economy.

Read The Guide in full at Upstart Co-Lab.