Giving Compass' Take:

• Lee Mannion reports that Catholics - encouraged by Pope Francis - are turning to impact investing to complete good works while turning a profit, which is more sustainable than outright donations. 

• How can religious organizations maximize their contribution to society?

• Learn about problematic trends in impact investing


After decades of giving to charity, a growing number of Catholics are starting to put their philanthropic billions into profitable investments instead - a new aid model, backed by Pope Francis, that experts say could help end poverty.

Catholic investment funds, which manage capital from hundreds of faith-based organizations, are increasingly investing in projects in emerging economies and earning a return while also doing good, experts say.

"Although it's easy to raise money for humanitarian emergencies, it's getting more difficult to raise money in long-term development, particularly in countries that now have middle-income status," said Nicholas Colloff of Argidius Foundation.

"There's definitely an increased level of interest for Catholic based organizations... in impact investing," said the head of the Swiss foundation, which is directed by Catholic teachings about social justice and giving dignity to the poor.

Read the full article about Catholic impact investing by Lee Mannion at Thomson Reuters Foundation.