What is Natural Investments?
Natural Investments is a pioneering firm dedicated to healing humanity’s relationship with money. Since 1992, it has been leading the charge in socially responsible investing through thought leadership, podcasts, webinars, and books. The firm focuses on sustainable finance, racial justice, climate change, and innovative ownership models, like its transition to a perpetual purpose trust. This approach isn’t just about numbers—it’s about aligning investments with values that promote a prosperous planet.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Natural Investments stands out for its deep commitment and impressive credentials. Here are some key facts that highlight its impact:
- B Corp score of 93.4, reflecting outstanding social and environmental performance
- Published three influential books on socially responsible investing since 1992
- First financial services company in the U.S. owned by a perpetual purpose trust (2023)
- Team composition: 60% women and 33% people of color, promoting equity and diversity
- Certified B Corp since 2007, one of the earliest in the world
- Focus on holistic planning, asset allocation, and portfolio management with a green and sustainable lens
Books That Shape the Industry
Natural Investments isn’t just about managing money—it’s about educating and inspiring change. The firm has published three groundbreaking books that have shaped the socially responsible investment (SRI) industry:
- The Resilient Investor: Expands investing beyond finances to include personal and social assets, exploring evolutionary strategies close to home.
- Investing With Your Values: Delves into equity, fixed-income investments, community investing, and shareholder advocacy with a conscience.
- Investing From the Heart: Chronicles the early developments of the socially responsible investing movement.
These works have helped define what it means to invest with purpose and integrity.
Commitment to Social and Environmental Justice
At its core, Natural Investments is deeply rooted in activism and advocacy. The team has been active in environmental, local economy, social, and racial justice movements for over a generation. Their founding partners were educators in environmental and permaculture principles before turning to finance as a tool for evolutionary change. This unique background fuels their dedication to gender and racial equity, ecosystem regeneration, and systemic social change.
Innovative Ownership and Business Model
Natural Investments’ ownership structure is as forward-thinking as its investment philosophy. In 2023, the firm became a Public Benefit LLC and the first financial services company in the country to be owned by a perpetual purpose trust. This model ensures the company remains independent forever, sharing power and profits equally among its diverse team. It’s a living example of how business can embody the values it promotes—sustainability, equity, and long-term stewardship.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – Promoting a workforce with 60% women and equitable leadership
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Emphasizing racial justice and inclusion with 33% people of color on the team
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Advocating for sustainable finance and regenerative investing
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Addressing climate change through investment strategies and education
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Supporting ecosystem regeneration and environmental stewardship
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Engaging with community investing and shareholder advocacy
Natural Investments’ Role in the Future of Finance
Natural Investments continues to push the boundaries of what investing can be. By combining financial expertise with a passion for social and environmental justice, the firm offers a holistic approach to asset allocation and portfolio management. Whether it’s through their educational content, innovative ownership, or commitment to sustainability, they’re shaping a future where money serves people and the planet—not the other way around. It’s about investing not just for returns, but for real, lasting impact.
