Impact investing over 20 years: A timeline
2 July 2020 at 6:00 am
Over the past two decades Australia’s impact investing sector has gone from a state of uncoordinated innovation to one of marketplace building. We revisit the Pro Bono News archives to reflect on some of the key moments that have got us here.
Cool Timeline
It is regarded as a controversial movement far removed from the traditional relationship between foundations and grantees, attracting the big time hi-tech corporations.
But there is some disagreement on precisely how this will work.
The venture – Goodstart – is backed by the National Australia Bank and the Australian government.
This invitation-only event is said to be the first of its kind in Australia, with the aim of exploring and developing new ways of mobilising capital to drive positive social, environmental and economic change.
The Social Enterprise Development and Investment Fund (SEDIF) will provide funding assistance for the start up and expansion of social enterprises, while the Professional Partnership Project will connect social enterprises that enable disadvantaged people find jobs and training with advice and expertise from key professional service firms.
SVA says its first loan will go to North Yarra Community Health to help them establish a new health practice.
Australia is the only country outside of the G8 invited to become a member of the taskforce.
It says Australia has the foundations for a thriving, world-leading impact investment sector.
There is more than $629 billion in assets being managed under responsible investment strategies.
It aims to provide a dedicated hub to connect and deepen the participation of organisations and individuals in what is a growing field.
Michael Lynch, executive director of SVA Impact Investing, says: “Impact investing is now being taken seriously as a way to generate social outcomes without taking a haircut on financial returns”.
She reflects on what’s happened in the sector since she first founded the organisation in 2013.
He says the panel is approaching the role with a strong practical lens, to create actionable recommendations that the government could put into practice.
It says the federal government has a clear role to play in driving the nation’s impact investing market to benefit Australian communities.
Advocates believe strong investor confidence will endure despite the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
For a deeper look at these key changes, check out our article examining how far the impact investing sector has come since 2000.
Wendy Williams | Editor | @WendyAnWilliams
