Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

KeyBank announced today arranging $28.4 million in a Fannie Mae affordable housing preservation refinance loan for Commonwealth Multifamily Housing Corporation (“Commonwealth”) for the benefit of White Rock Apartment Homes, a multifamily, 336-unit mixed-income property in San Antonio, TX. The refinance replaces two series of tax exempt bonds issued by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation more than 17 years ago to develop and construct the property and provides over $2 million in capital for roof replacements and other improvements that will enhance White Rock’s role as Commonwealth’s flagship property. More importantly, the property will continue to provide its historical and much needed affordable housing in the city.

Back in 2014 when Whole Planet Foundation's partner in Indonesia, KOMIDA, found that 40% of their own clients lacked a toilet, they wanted to address sanitation specifically as part of their social mission.

Financial literacy is a key pillar for financial inclusion, and a critical success factor to achieve at least nine of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, eliminating poverty and achieving gender equality is simply not possible when two thirds of adults worldwide remain financially illiterate and women continue to trail men in financial decision making.

A leading US Treasurer, Kurt Summers, City of Chicago will share the stage with the Mayors of Hoboken and New Bedford to discuss the role of cities in the fight against climate change. Treasurer Summers runs 100% of Chicago’s corporate investments through an ESG filter and will be providing valuable insight on how to deliver the city of the future.

Arrow Electronics received the 2018 Sustainability Collaborative Opportunity Award from MetLife, an award that goes to a supplier who presented unique, innovative and impactful opportunities to strengthen and support MetLife’s overall sustainability program.

As the year draws to a close, Cone evaluated 365 days’ worth of Purpose-driven campaigns to bring you the top 10 trends of 2018. Join us as we count down through what trended in 2018, the implications for businesses and what’s on the horizon for 2019.

I feel very fortunate to have served on the Arbor Day Foundation’s board of trustees for nine years now. Stepping into my new role as board chair has given me the opportunity to reflect on the last decade and the great change I have witnessed at the Foundation through the years.

The firm has committed to invest between 300 and 500 million euros in incubation projects, partnerships with entrepreneurs, and specialised funds in the coming years.

Erb Faculty Director Joe Árvai and I took Erb on the road in November—to India! India is one of the institute’s priority emerging markets for sustainability impact, and we’ve been working with the India Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) to develop a partnership for research, teaching and business-engagement opportunities. Erb sponsored CRB’s annual “India and Sustainability Standards” conference this year, and Joe and I were asked to speak at the November 14-16 event in Delhi.

Whole Planet Foundation invites you to join the Family Fund, a program that leverages the power of community to alleviate global poverty for families through entrepreneurship.