The strength of our growing endowment (we have grown in assets from $75M to $200M in the last five years!) allows us to make investments in our community—and to take more risks than other investors. As an endowed institution, we are committed to the long-term. These investments have a longer timeframe than grants. We also take the longview in our goal of creating intergenerational impact.
Currently, our $5 million in investments is through the below vehicles. These partners are working in Washtenaw County because of our investments! We want to encourage others to invest in these opportunities, just as the Community Foundation is committed to making further investments in Washtenaw County in the years to come! As our assets grow, our impact—and our impact investing will continue to grow.
To understand how capital and our community intersect, we commissioned a first-of-its-kind research project to establish an objective understanding of the local investing ecosystem.
Our team was thrilled to announce a commitment of $1 million in Renovare Development, a mission-based housing developer, which is building Dorsey Estates: permanently affordable for-sale housing in Ypsilanti's Depot Town at 220 North Park.
Investing in women-owned businesses empowers community - Through Michigan Women Forward, we are making more capital available for women- and minority-owned businesses in Washtenaw County benefits the local economy and supports increased financial stability of entrepreneurs who sometimes lack access to adequate start-up and/or growth capital. This particular type of micro-loan program is aimed at long-term wealth-building for women and their families.
Fighting Food Deserts & Feeding Equity in Washtenaw County - The premise of the Fair Food Fund Social Impact Notes (the Fund) is simple: if food system entrepreneurs are offered catalytic capital and business assistance through a networked (10–15 companies in our geography) approach, then more of the food economy businesses will be able to provide healthy and nutritious food products that the community desires and can afford. FFF’s focus is on the food system entrepreneur, building their capacity through capital investments, technical assistance, and networks. The Fund wants to make visible the many investable food businesses in our community to attract local and outside capital for future investments.
Accelerate Economic Opportunity in Washtenaw County Through Mission Lending - IFF’s principal focus is lending funds to nonprofit organizations and businesses working to provide vital services and create economic opportunity for low -income and special needs people and places. Its vision is to provide comprehensive solutions with transformational outcomes in low-income and special needs communities throughout the Midwest through its mission (which is to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve by providing leadership, capital and real estate solutions). We can invest in affordable housing for families and seniors, early childhood centers, and expand access to health care services through the IFF Impact Connection Initiative. AAACF capital can be invested in neighborhoods previously overlooked and invest in generational human dignity by standing up the resources they have told us time and time again that they need to thrive.
The CCM Community Impact Bond Fund (Ticker: CRANX) is an investment grade, intermediate duration bond fund that seeks to preserve capital, deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns, and serve as the ballast in a portfolio. The Fund invests in well-researched, fossil fuel free bonds that have direct and measurable positive environmental and societal impacts. In Washtenaw County, funds support affordable housing and small business loans.
Giving Through AAACF
When you give through AAACF, we focus on maximizing the impact of your endowment through strategic grantmaking and investing through a lens of impact for your community. Read about our giving through AAACF and talk with us about your philanthropic goals.
