Blog Posts

February 23, 2021 - University endowments are taking sustainable investing seriously, allocated $378 billion to sustainable investing strategies in 2020 (up 19% from 2018)[1]. For endowments looking to get started — or to expand upon their sustainable practices — here are three ideas to …

February 18, 2021 - At the recent 2021 AGB Foundation Leadership Forum, Martin Davies discussed why it is a compelling time to invest in farmland. Considered a reliable asset class, farmland has proven to be a dependable store of value through times of economic tumult …

February 16, 2021 - Talk about a need for flexibility. American colleges and universities, after months of contemplating how to respond to the pandemic in real time, are now mulling a future in which Covid-19 may finally be under control. Assuming the national vaccination campaign …

February 11, 2021 - The Giving Pyramid has been a trusted friend to advancement professionals for as long as any of us can remember. It’s useful for planning campaigns and providing structure to principal and leadership giving teams, but the top-down model just isn’t …

February 10, 2021 - When an institution enters campaign mode, or just undertakes routine prospect research, one of the things we look for is alumni with high financial capacity who may or may not have the inclination to give right now. Our prospect plans …

February 09, 2021 - Strategic Investment Group participated in AGB’s 2021 Foundation Leadership Forum leading a panel on governance recommendations for any institution considering aligning its portfolio with its mission.  Nikki Kraus moderated a session with Ken Shimberg, Managing Director at Strategic, Christy Devocelle …

February 08, 2021 - Changing circumstances require communication.  Being timely, accurate, and transparent with information is critical.  How do we decide what to say, when to say it, and how to deliver such communications?  Today’s quickly changing environment for institutions is testing our ability …

February 04, 2021 - An understanding of your endowment or foundation’s ability to take risk will help you determine the most appropriate strategic asset allocation. In fact, setting the strategic asset allocation is the single most important decision your Investment Committee will make, far …

February 02, 2021 - As foundation boards seek to align the foundation's work with the strategic priorities of its related institution, engage in fundraising, provide financial oversight, and diligently steward philanthropic assets, identifying and hiring the right talent to lead and execute the foundation's …

The violence at the U.S. Capitol building last month was incredibly disturbing. For me, it drove home how critical it is that those in higher education advocate peace, equity, and trust across our communities and around the world. If you …