ASBN Live: Faithful Finance
Advancing Community Impact through Faith-Based Investing in CDFIs
Faith-based investors from all over the United States are increasing their investment activities in order to align with their missions and support communities that have been affected by disinvestment, institutional racism, and lack of opportunity. The pioneers of faith-based investing have played a crucial role in capitalizing Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) for decades. Nowadays, many more faith-based organizations and congregations are following their footsteps.
On May 22, 2024 at 1 PM ET, ASBN will host a Zoom discussion for faith-based organizations that will focus on CDFI investment as a part of a faith-driven investment strategy. This discussion will build on our previous conversations about values- and mission-related investing in CDFIs. We have partnered with Pam Porter of Stepping Stone Partners and Liz Rogers of Tern Strategies to update research on this important topic of faith-based investors and CDFIs.
Join us for an interactive conversation covering:
- Trends in faith-based investing in CDFIs
- Trends in other forms of mission-related investing
- Obstacles to starting or growing mission-related investing
- Characteristics of successful mission-related investing programs
- Leading with faith while considering scale/return/impact
The results of the research will be shared with everyone through the ASBN website and future webinars.
Pam Porter
Managing Partner
Stepping Stone Partners
Pam Porter is managing partner of Stepping Stone Partners, a boutique consulting firm that works in close partnership with clients to achieve impact and build strong and trusted relationships. Pam brings extensive experience working with impact investors, asset managers, and community development practitioners nationally. Over the past 15 years, Pam has worked with a client roster that includes: Georgia Health Initiative, Baldwin Brothers Investment Advisors, National Disability Opportunity Coalition, and Appalachian Community Capital. Pam is also a member of Investors’ Circle and co-chair of Community Investing at American Sustainable Business Network. In these roles, she has worked closely with colleagues to create resources for individuals and mission-driven organizations to invest in CDFIs. Prior to running Stepping Stone Partners, Pam was EVP at Opportunity Finance Network for nearly a decade, where she led the national consulting practice providing services to thousands of CDFI practitioners each year and building strong relationships across the industry. Pam started her career at JPMorgan and holds a B.A. from Wellesley College.
Elizabeth Rogers
CEO
Tern Strategies
Liz Rogers is the CEO of Tern Strategies, a consulting practice at the intersection of strategic communications, investment and policy development. In her prior role as Chief Communications Officer at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), Liz was a key player in financial management and product design, capital raising, and investor relations. At CEI and as Vice President at national healthcare advocacy organization, Oral Health America (OHA), Liz’s leadership helped secure over $160 million in debt, equity, program-related investments, and grant awards. Her issue-driven communications initiatives at CEI and OHA include award-winning, multi-faceted programs and campaigns that were instrumental in attracting capital, building coalitions, and influencing state and federal policy change. Early in her career, Liz owned Rogers Public Relations Co. and was a producer at Chicago Public Radio. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Virginia, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and University of Southern Maine.
Derek Peebles
Moderator
Derek Peebles is a key figure in community economic development, currently serving as the Senior Director of Inclusive Economy at ASBN. He focuses on sustainable economic growth by fostering collaborations among businesses, residents, and institutions to leverage private, public, and social capital for transformative community opportunities. His efforts include establishing peer networks, advocating for policy changes, promoting place-based finance, and revitalizing local economies. Previously, he led an organization that supported 60 business alliances across 32 states, aiding over 50,000 small business owners, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Derek’s work involves facilitating dialogues among various stakeholders including economic developers, investors, advocacy groups, and community organizations, aiming to align investment strategies with community needs and empower local stakeholders through connected conversations and focused strategies.