Winners announced in inaugural $170 million investment advisor Challenge

Written By Melanie Scaife

Australian Impact Investments and Koda are the winners of the inaugural Endowments for Impact Challenge – a first-of-its-kind open tender competition bringing together six of Australia’s leading philanthropic trusts and foundations seeking advisors to assist in managing a combined investment pool of $170 million.

Australian Impact Investments and Koda were among the six finalists who pitched their innovative proposals to an expert judging panel and the participating trusts and foundations at today’s grand finale, held at the Impact Investment Summit in Sydney. The other finalists were Argus Advisory, Ethinvest, Evans & Partners and LGT Crestone.

All finalists demonstrated a deep understanding of what it takes to engage with trusts and foundations, build strong relationships and work with and guide Boards and Investment Committees on their journey toward mission-aligned, impactful investments. They showcased methodologies and skills to assess investment impacts, going beyond simply mapping them to the SDGs. The winners stood out at the top of an already impressive group.

In addition to the two winners, the People’s Choice Award was presented to Evans & Partners, based on votes cast by event attendees.

David Hetherington, CEO of Impact Investing Australia, which managed the Challenge, spoke of the importance of the event: “The Endowments for Impact Challenge has demonstrated the growing demand for investment strategies that align financial goals with social and environmental impact. We were impressed by the calibre of proposals submitted in this inaugural Australian competition, and we’re excited to see these relationships continue to evolve as we work together to shape the future of impact investing.”

Rachel Ball, CEO of the Reichstein Foundation, one of the participating foundations, also commented on the significance of the Challenge: “The Challenge has been an incredible opportunity to engage with investment advisors who understand the importance of aligning financial returns with our philanthropic missions. This process and its outcomes will serve as a resource for the philanthropic sector as it shifts towards responsible and mission-driven investment. Congratulations to all of the finalists for their outstanding efforts.”

The six participating trusts and foundations in the Challenge are:

  • Besen Family Foundation

  • Dusseldorp Forum

  • Inner North Community Foundation

  • Northern Rivers Community Foundation

  • Oranges & Sardines Foundation

  • Reichstein Foundation

The Endowments for Impact Challenge is a pivotal initiative for Australia’s philanthropic sector, highlighting the demand for innovative, mission-driven investment solutions, while aiming to inspire collaboration and the development of best practices within the sector.

Media contact:

Patrice Virlombier, Impact Investing Australia

Email: comms@impactinvestingaustralia.com Tel: 0425 724 769

Melanie Scaife
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