Investment Program
Our Investment Approach
Achieving your philanthropic goals requires informed, strategic, and thoughtful investment choices. At Rose Community Foundation, our objective is to protect and grow the inflation-adjusted value of our portfolio over the long term while maximizing the impact of your investment. Since our founding in 1995, we have carefully stewarded charitable funds through a strategic and disciplined investment program.
Investment Returns
Investment returns play a crucial role in driving our revenue model. These returns are more than just a source of income; they are essential to ensuring the Foundation’s long-term stability and ability to support the Greater Denver nonprofit community.
As a mission-driven organization, we view impact holistically, recognizing that every investment decision influences our ability to fulfill our purpose. By thoughtfully selecting and managing investments, we aim to not only achieve financial returns but also enhance our impact, aligning our financial goals with our broader goals in the community.
Mission & Values Aligned Investing
Mission and values-based investing is a proactive approach that enables the use of our investment dollars as a tool for driving positive change. By aligning investments with the Foundation’s core values, we reinforce the commitment to making an impact that goes beyond traditional financial returns.
In partnership with our Outsourced Chief Investment Officer, we actively pursue investment themes that reflect our clients’ values and priorities. We are proud to collaborate with donors who are equally passionate about driving meaningful, lasting change.
Oversight of Investment Portfolio
Rose Community Foundation’s staff, investment committee, and professional asset managers bring expertise and sound financial management to maximize your investment in the community.
Our investment committee is composed of board of trustee members and experts from the community. The committee works with global investment firm Cambridge Associates as the Foundation’s outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO). Cambridge Associates is responsible for managing custom strategies for the Foundation’s investment pools. With over 50 years of experience, Cambridge Associates has built institutional-quality portfolios for renowned endowments and foundations across the country. They have a long history of helping clients integrate mission and values into their investment strategies without making concessions on returns.
Investment Options
Growth Pool
Suitable for fundholders looking for a diverse investment portfolio for the long-term investment of charitable funds. Invested to provide safety through diversification in a portfolio of common stocks, bonds, mutual funds, alternative investments and cash equivalents. Annual investment fees range from 85-95 basis points.
Balanced Pool
Falls between the Long-Term and Short-Term pool, offering fundholders a split between equities and fixed income and striking a balance between being positioned for moderate growth while not being exposed to substantial value-eroding risk. Invested in a portfolio of common stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and cash equivalents with Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria incorporated in decision making.
Money Market
Designed to support short-term grantmaking goals and reflect donor preferences for investment risk. The money market pool includes investments in money market, commercial paper, corporate securities, U.S. Treasuries, etc. Annual investment fees are approximately 0 basis points.
Asset Allocation
Rose Community Foundation strategically manages investments to maximize returns and minimize risk. A balanced, diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, mutual funds and alternative investments ensures that philanthropic capital is maximized through all market cycles.
Our Strategies
- Focus on the Long-term: Steady growth helps minimize risk to build lasting resources, rather than changing strategy based on short-term market conditions.
- Utilize Economies of Scale: Funds are combined for investments to leverage efficiencies. This allows smaller funds access to more sophisticated investment vehicles that might not otherwise be possible.
- Practice Portfolio Diversification: Diversification increases the likelihood of meeting or exceeding the fund’s desired return during market fluctuations.
- Track Fund Performance: Each fund is tracked individually. Comprehensive statements are issued on a quarterly basis, and all information is available anytime through the Donor Portal.
Learn More
If you’re interested in partnering with Rose Community Foundation for your investment needs, please reach out to our Philanthropic Services team. For existing fundholders, log in to your fundholder portal to manage your account and access additional resources.