According to the Global Impact Investor Network’s (GIIN) Core Characteristics, the practice of impact investing should be characterized by:

 

Consistent with the GIIN’s findings, we believe that impact investing must be marked by an intentional desire to contribute to measurable social or environmental benefit. This is at the heart of what differentiates impact investing from other investment approaches which may incorporate impact considerations. Our partners believe in intentional investing and scaling with integrity. 
 
A successful impact investing strategy needs to be integrated at all levels of the organization. Our partners have direct experience in managing social impact investments, including blended financing, working with donor- and grant-funded programs, and gathering impact data for meaningful reporting.