Mission Related Investments: FAQs

Q: How do you ensure mission alignment of Mission Related Investments?

A: We use the MRI Evaluator Tool to document this alignment. This tool requires – among other things - answering the following mission due diligence questions:

• How does this investment align with the Mission of the Foundation? In what area(s) does the Foundation believe this investment will contribute the greatest degree of Mission impact?
• Are there any elements of this investment which are contrary to any value(s) of the Foundation? If so, how is this being addressed?
• Have other foundations or investors recognized this as a Mission Related Investment or Social Investment? Do other respected partners of the Foundation have a relationship with or experience with this investment?
• How integral to the success of the investment is the Mission Impact? How much personal financial capital have the investment principals and/or founders committed to the investment?
• What approach will be used to evaluate the Mission Impact of the investment? What is the proposed nature and scale of the Mission Impact, e.g., in 1 year, 3 years, long-term?
• Will the Investment Manager provide Mission related reporting?
• Does the investment scale, accelerate, support or re-enforce other SMSIs in the investment or grant portfolios?