Mission Related Investing
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"The Park Foundation's approach to making a difference in the world is holistic. Whether we are investing in social change, or the market, we will remain mindful that money is a means, and not an end unto itself. As a foundation, our true bottom line is the good we do in the world. The very same values and ideals that guide our disbursement of funds to the programs that we support should also guide the management of our foundation's capital assets."

– Adelaide P. Gomer, President of Board of Trustees, Park Foundation

The Park Foundation believes that its endowment investment practices should reinforce its grantmaking priorities. The Foundation is active in the following areas:

Socially Responsible Investing (SRI)

Socially Responsible Investing seeks to align a foundation's investments to be consistent with its program philosophy. The Park Foundation screens a portion of its portfolio along Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) screens to exclude corporate investments that are inconsistent with its mission. The Foundation also invests in funds that incorporate sustainable investments. Approximately 35% of the Foundation's assets are either screened or invested in SRI.  In 2011 the Foundation committed to a plan to move 100% of its portfolio to SRI.

Proxy Voting

Proxy voting includes voting on shareholder resolutions that improve corporate performance. The Foundation actively votes its proxies along ESG guidelines.

Shareholder Resolutions

On a limited basis, the Foundation initiates, participates in and assists grantees in participating in shareholder resolutions. Topics have included hydraulic fracturing gas drilling, factory farming, consumer nutrition, and media.

Program Related Investments (PRI)

PRIs are low or no-cost loans the Foundation makes to nonprofit organizations that help advance its program mission. Currently the Foundation allocates up to 1% of portfolio value to PRIs. On a limited basis, the Foundation will entertain requests for PRIs relevant to its program interests and priorities.