Impact Investing with Harvard's David Wood

On February 10, amidst a huge crowd of business, investment and nonprofit leaders, Dallas Social Venture Partners (DSVP) kicked off their 2012 Social Innovation Luncheon Series with a focus on Impact Investing. Hosting one of the field's leading voices on the subject, David Wood, Director of the Initiative for Responsible Investments at Harvard University, provided the attendees with an inside look at why impact investing is so appealing and where this "transformative philanthropy" is heading.





There's nothing like sitting in an audience and getting goose bumps listening to someone paint a picture for what, at one time, seemed beyond possible for investors with a social conscience - the ability to generate a financial return AND a sustainable positive social outcome from investments (click here for photos). As an organization that serves professionals and social entrepreneurs, the venue provided friends and Partners of DSVP with leading-edge insights for how they can make the most of their charitable contributions and business expertise.

Susan Hoff, board chair, summarizes the role of this Series, “DSVP is thrilled to be able to bring a distinguished group of speakers, including David Wood, to our community. We hope this Series will challenge our community to ‘think out of the box’ in order to maximize positive community impact through social innovation and cross-sector partnerships. Many thanks to The Dallas Foundation and our other generous sponsors for their interest in helping us share these ideas.”

The luncheon presentation was engaging, exciting and flew by entirely too fast for those that were hungry for every little detail about how to connect with the impact investing field. Being someone who isn't hardwired for "finance-speak", this presentation was surprisingly tasty thanks to David's humorous style of delivering the information instead of what could otherwise have been like eating dry toast.

For those of you that were unable to make the event, here are three key takeaways from the discussion:

1. The Impact Investing field is dynamic and fluid but the opportunities are real. Thanks to advancements in online technology and access over the past few years, investors have more opportunities and flexibility to create products that meet their needs. The field needs room to flourish and thus we shouldn't try to pin it down or set the bar too high for what we are trying to accomplish.

2. There is some skepticism about impact investing because it is challenging conventional wisdom and practice. Skeptics are wary to the newness of the field and have concerns for the amount of hype that is being generated. To ensure future success, the hype needs to be managed.

3. Impact investing holds the promise of attaining philanthropy's Holy Grail - SCALE and SUSTAINABILITY. Microfinance has become a metaphor for impact investing and is a model for what people are looking for in the field. Taking a closer look at Microfinance as an example, you'll find progressive and sustainable benefits, an emergence of a new financial industry sub sector and the best part, the model is delivering returns that are measurable.

There's no doubt that impact investing has become extremely appealing. Investors and philanthropists alike are highly motivated for what's possible - to be what you own, do more with less, deliver creative market-based solutions and leverage other resources to deliver a real impact.

Thank you, DSVP, for convening another great event to benefit our community in North Texas. The up close look at Impact Investing was empowering and definitely ranked high in the category of social innovation at its best. Oh, and the most important takeaway from the discussion - this is helping to make the world a better place for ALL of us.

For those interested in learning more about David's work at Harvard University's Initiative for Responsible Investment and other impact investing resources, please visit:

www.hausercenter.org/iri
http://www.moreformission.org/
http://www.thegiin.org/
http://www.ussif.org/
http://www.unpri.org/

To learn more about attending DSVP's Social Innovation Luncheon Series, please visit DSVP.org.


Valerie Strong Knight is the owner of Sunshine Avenue, a full service multi-media marketing firm dedicated to illuminating the brand, products and efforts of socially responsible businesses and organizations. Formerly a CSR executive for a Fortune 10 company, Valerie now focuses her time and energy on helping socially responsible organizations realize a greater return on their philanthropic investments and partnerships.


Photo Credit: Stephen Masker Photography http://www.stephenmasker.com/.

Social Innovation Lunch Series - Spring 2012

Dallas Social Venture Partners is excited, no ecstatic, to announce our third Social Innovation Lunch Series. What started as a monthly First Friday luncheon has evolved into a community gathering of change-agents who want to engage differently in advancing “good” in our region. The series will take place the first half of 2012, kicking of in January.

What is Social Innovation really?
Social Innovation is a theme that is not always understood. But in fact, communities and organizations are working differently to address some of our toughest challenges. What are the cutting edge ideas and tools that philanthropists, foundations, nonprofit leaders, and corporations can use to be a part of this exciting new frontier in the social sector?

What will I learn?
This is a must-attend series of thoughtful leaders who already have advanced the conversation in our nation around socially innovative ideas. Those who attend will have access to cutting edge ideas on mobilizing action, resourcing and financing innovative ideas, harnessing technology, and freeing nonprofits from restraints.

Who Should Come?
Those who believe that North Texas is a thriving region with strong businesses and socially innovative nonprofits that are effective. We recommend those who want to give back to the community, business and corporate leaders who seek a positive social impact alongside economic development, civic leaders who want to think differently, non-profit leaders who are innovative and anyone else who believes in the serious business of "good."

What inspired this Speaker Series?
DSVP leaders get to bump into all sorts of thought leaders at conferences and through our network. Many of these speakers have been selected for a particular book or article they have written and the ideas that they carry. We will post more information and links to the pre-reading that is not necessary, but recommended if you want to be a social innovation aficionado.

Where is this happening and how do I buy the Series?
The beautiful Tower Club at Thanksgiving Tower is where this series will be held. And you can buy your series tickets here!

Who are the Rock Star Sponsors who helped make this happen?

Boone Family Foundation
The Center on Communities & Education at the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education & Human Development

Commit!

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas

Partner Profile: Allen Hudson

Originally from Alabama, Allen's family moved to Dallas in 1972. He graduated from Richardson High School in 1979 and received his BA degree from Baylor University a BA Degree with a major in Finance and his MBA in 1984.

Allen is the President of the Dallas Banking Center for North Dallas Bank & Trust Co. whose mission includes the desire of the institution and employees to "to provide excellent service to our customers and communities." Allen believes that through DSVP, both he and the Bank can find expression of that desire to serve our community.

In his leisure time he enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and time outdoors. When asked about his hobbies, Allen commented, "I spend time at the gym because I have to, however I hope to have a lot more hobbies when my two kids graduate from college."

Allen met his wife of 26 years Kristi while in graduate school at Baylor. They have two children, one in school at Texas A&M and the other at UT Austin.