Overview
The Endowment Impact Benchmark is a benchmark series initiated in 2023 to provide a consistent framework for assessing sustainable and impact investing practices across endowments and foundations. It is designed to support comparability, transparency, and structured self-assessment within long-term institutional portfolios.
Purpose
The benchmark aims to help endowments and foundations understand how their investment policies and practices align with recognised approaches to sustainable and impact investing. It also enables peer comparison and supports ongoing improvement over time.
Methodology
The benchmark is based on a structured questionnaire covering four core pillars: strategy, management, governance, and transparency. Participants complete the assessment independently, with responses subject to third-party verification against documented evidence. The framework is aligned with established responsible investment and impact management standards.
Use for finance professionals
Finance professionals can use the benchmark to evaluate institutional investment practices, identify gaps in policy and process, and track progress over time. It also provides a common reference point for internal discussions, external reporting, and engagement with stakeholders on sustainable and impact investing practices.
