Category: Investing

2025 was a milestone year for the McConnell Foundation, as it marked the midway point to our 100% impact target. Having reached this milestone, we are encouraged by our progress and grateful for the support of our many partners. We are also inspired by foundations that have made similar commitments, especially those demonstrating strong financial performance alongside measurable, real-world impacts. As we enter the second half of our journey to 100% impact, we do so with a clearer strategy, a stronger portfolio and a deeper commitment to learning alongside others. By sharing evidence, developing new investment pathways and applying our full asset base in service of our mission, we hope to contribute not only to a more resilient portfolio, but to a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy.

This full report provides a detailed look into our 2022 impact portfolio, offers an overview of our revised impact management approach, and shares more about our progress towards 100% impact.

2023 marked the first full year of our new investment strategy and commitment to build a 100% impact portfolio by 2028. We’ve seen slow but steady progress as we embarked on a five-year journey, which has so far been marked by continuous learning and growth for all stakeholders — internal and external alike.  The Impact […]

2024 marked the second full year of our new investment strategy and our commitments to build a 100% impact investment portfolio by 2028 and achieve net-zero portfolio carbon emissions by 2050. The second half of the year saw rising pushback against the consideration of ESG (environmental, social and governance) and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) factors in investment processes. This polarization has challenged existing impact investing and net-zero commitments worldwide. In this context, we reaffirm our commitments to social equity, net-zero alignment and impact investing. We do not see these values as controversial but rather essential to fulfil our mission to strive for a resilient, inclusive and sustainable society that can successfully address its complex challenges.

The purpose of the Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures (SIP&P) is to outline the principles governing the investment policy of the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation and to address key matters such as investment beliefs and the asset mix.

Acting on the net-zero carbon imperative For decades, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that to avoid catastrophic climate-related risks to our natural and physical environment, we must limit the global rise in temperatures to no more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial era. In its most recent report in 2023, […]