Elevating Generosity

Charitable Investments

Investment Philosophy

A Broadly Diversified Investment Portfolio

One of the Community Foundation's most important responsibilities is our stewardship of charitable funds entrusted to our care. We have a broadly diversified investment portfolio that is structured to produce investment returns that exceed market averages while moderating risk, with the goal of enabling our donors to maximize their philanthropic giving.

We do not engage in market timing. Funds available for investment are invested promptly, and funds needed for distributions are liquidated promptly. Similarly, market fluctuations do not trigger changes in the investment mix targets for our five investment horizon categories.

Investment Horizon Categories

To meet the philanthropic objectives of donor funds, we have four investment horizons to choose from: Ultra-Long Term, Long Term, Intermediate Term, and Socially Responsible. A fund’s risk appetite and the time horizon over which the fund will exist determine its investment horizon; the longer the investment horizon, the greater the expected return.

  • Our most recent Investment Performance View

    • Investment Strategies

    Investment Strategy Charts
    Ultra-Long Term
    Designed to achieve significantly greater returns than inflation with the prospect of periodic market value drops over market cycles greater than 10 years. Intended for more established endowment funds with expected grantmaking/distribution timelines of ten or more years. This strategy may have the highest volatility.
    Long Term
    Designed to achieve average annual returns greater than inflation with the prospect of periodic market value drops over 7 to10 year market cycles. Intended for funds with expected grantmaking/distribution timelines of seven or more years. This strategy may have significant volatility.
    Intermediate Term
    Designed to achieve returns slightly greater than inflation over time with an allowance for occasional market value drops over 3 to 5 year market cycles. Intended for funds with expected grantmaking/distribution timelines of three to five years. This strategy may have some volatility.
    Socially Responsible
    Designed to achieve average annual returns greater than inflation with the prospect of periodic market value drops over 7 to10 year market cycles. Investments are screened for certain environmental, social and governance criteria. Intended for funds with expected grantmaking/distribution timelines of seven or more years. This strategy may have significant volatility.

    Investment
    Committee

    Experienced Entrepreneurs in the Financial World

    Few community foundations have the breadth of financial experience and savvy offered by the Community Foundation. Our Investment Committee members are some of the most successful and experienced entrepreneurs in the financial world.

    These volunteers direct the Community Foundation’s investment philosophy, process and management, bringing a global perspective to the investment of community charitable assets.

    Investment Committee Members

    • Aaron Moore, Chair - Former Chief Technology Officer and Board Member of Zephyr Associates, a leading provider of investment analysis software.
    • David Hardie - Founder and Executive Chairman of Hallador Investment Advisors, Inc.
    • Robert Holtz - Retired Partner at alternative investment manager Wexford Capital LP. Former Trustee, Treasurer and Investment Committee Chair at King School, Stamford CT.
    • Alvaro Pascotto - Private investor as well as a lawyer specializing in private equity and wealth management, tax planning, entertainment and intellectual property. Founder of Kairos Partners SGR S.P.A.
    • Lisa Petrie - Founder of The Petrie Group of TSG Wealth Management.
    • Ryan Ritchie - Portfolio Manager and wealth planner with a local private investment firm; specialties include global macro research and manager due diligence. Holds a Master of Science in Investment Management from London's Cass Business School.
    • Elbridge Stuart - Trustee and Treasurer of Stuart Foundation; Former Director of Alternative Investments & Research, Coldstream Capital Management.