It is not enough to just be against something. You have to act in a positive manner and be for something if you are to be successful. This statement is very true when it comes to investing resources in projects and companies. Not investing into a project or company is only part of the equation. To fulfill the equation to its utmost, a positive project has to receive those resources.
The current round of environmental protests going on in New York City brings this idea to light. There is a broad momentum and reporting on showing the negative side of not investing in cleaner types of energy. For example, there is a story in the New York Times (link here) on how a charity of the Rockefeller family along with others will be divesting its investments in fossil fuel companies. Also going on right now is a movement away from hedge funds. CALPERS and a North Carolina Pension Fund have announced they are removing its capital from being invested in hedge funds due to complexity of investment not matching desired return. These are great examples of negative actions against something. But the media that reported the stories did not go into as much detail in regards to the positive actions these organizations are taking with this capital.
The good news is that these organizations plan to put the capital to work in a productive way that matches their ethos. The New York Times article talks about the fact that the Rockefeller trust (and others) will be investing that same capital into cleaner fuel technology projects. This is a big deal. It provides another level of legitimacy towards the clean fuel movement. Another good example is that of one of KVCC’s clients, KDK Fund. It has made it a purpose not to just keep capital from being invested in certain projects and companies, but to also highlight where the capital is going to make a positive difference. For example, in the its bond portfolio, KDK Fund found the Powershares ETF Build America Bond fund to invest in. KDK Fund wanted to find a bond fund that followed its ethos and this fund does that by simply investing in local and state bonds. Another client, Bullied Comics, has a mission that is to stop bullying by showing ways to improve positive emotions so that bullying doesn’t enter into a person’s situational actions.
Groups regularly will follow inspiring leadership over basic tear down leadership. To do this, groups need to find a better alternative to build on top of the old investment as the Rockefeller trust has done. When looking to invest with a cause in mind, remember that removing capital and resources is only part of the solution. Putting resources to work in a new way that builds a better, more meaningful product is where the magic of the solution shows up.
Disclaimer - Any mention of specific divestments or investments in the story are not to be considered recommendations to buy or sell anything. Please do your own due diligence before investing.
No comments:
Post a Comment