Socially Responsible Investments

We invest in sustainable agriculture and forestry, local food systems, renewable energy, and local community building enterprises.

Investments for Social Good

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area and initially established as a real estate investment company in 1995 to invest in the Thoreau Center for Sustainability, Highlands SRI has become increasingly drawn to innovative social enterprises that are locally focused and responding to the needs of marginalized and underfunded communities.

We recognize that a lack of access to capital for communities comprised of Indigenous, Black, and People of Color is both a symptom and a cause of a broken, extractive economic system based on racism and inequity, that this is a global phenomenon, and that low-cost, patient, integrated capital is needed to build capacity, diversify wealth systems, and promote racial and economic equity. 

Highlands SRI and associated entities occasionally invest in third-party managed funds as intermediaries, and we also greatly value our direct, long term relationships with highly creative and dedicated small businesses, non-profits, CDFIs and other organizations working to expand the field of socially responsible investments.

We do not seek investors and we do not accept unsolicited proposals for potential investments.  However, we are interested in co-investing with others, when mission and values align.  Our larger mission is to help in small and direct ways to build towards a regenerative economy, based on responsible and appropriate initiatives, that respect both natural ecosystems and local communities.  We take an integrated capital approach to investments utilizing equity, loans, and convertible debt, and occasionally grants. We are particularly interested in social enterprises that work with and empower Native American, Indigenous, Black, Immigrant, and other marginalized communities when they see themselves as stewards for the land in reciprocal relationship with the natural world and with future generations.

Sectors We Invest In

Highlands SRI is a socially responsible private investor based in California.  We invest toward a green economy, in non-extractive sectors. Across all sectors, we invest with a preference for organizations led and/or owned by Indigenous, Black, and People of Color. 

Sustainable Agriculture – Food and Textiles

  • Smallholder Farms
  • Food Sovereignty
  • Healthy Foods                            
  • Healthy Soils
  • Organic Textiles
  • Local Production

Community Prosperity and Access to Capital

  • Native and Black-owned businesses and non-profits
  • Native CDFIs 
  • Access to Capital for Underfunded Communities

Community Infrastructure

  • Renewable Energy
  • Community Development
  • Affordable Housing
  • Household Improvements (water filters, solar lamps, off-grid solar systems)

Forest and Fisheries

  • Local Sustainable Commercial Fishing
  • Forest Planning and Conservation 
  • Ocean Habitat Restoration and Ecosystems

Related Organizations

Highlands SRI manages direct investments for our own portfolio and we partner with several associated organizations.

Tamalpais Trust supports the development and strengthening of Indigenous-led initiatives, organizations, and global networks that promote and serve Indigenous cultures, economies, and lifeways, values and knowledge, human rights, ceremonial practices, and the protection of sacred waters and lands.

  • Private Trust
  • International Grantmaker
  • Investment Portfolio is Primarily US-Based 
  • Investments are Focused on Increasing Access to Capital

The Highlands 3:23 Fund, Highlands’ own Donor Advised Fund housed at Impact Assets in Baltimore, was opened in 2018 specifically to provide integrated capital for businesses and non-profits run by African American, Indigenous, and other People of Color including LatinX and Asian/Pacific Islanders. 

DAF for Grants, Low-Cost Loans and Equity Investments

  • Domestic Grantmaker
  • Primarily US-Based Investment Portfolio

common humanity –  respect  – dignity – agency

Global Whole Being Fund supports courageous, compassionate, heart-led local, national and international programs and initiatives serving forcibly displaced and receiving communities. 

  • Private Grantmaking Fund
  • International and Domestic

    Meeting the Moment

    COVID-19

    Highlands and some of our affiliated organizations recognize that flexibility is needed by our investees now more than ever. 

    Cavallo Point Disaster Relief Fund

    As an investor during the development of Cavallo Point Lodge, Highlands worked with the Lodge and with Turning Green non-profit in San Rafael, to develop and fund a grant fund for employees who are laid off or underemployed due to COVID-19.  

    BIPOC Investments Initiative

    Increasing Access to Capital for People of Color

    During this important time of transformation, Highlands has stepped up its ongoing efforts to partner with organizations led and/or owned by Native American, Black, and other People of Color. 

    We’re providing low-cost, patient capital, often paired with small grants, to support operations, development, expansion, or capacity building, with the intent of contributing to economic and racial equity for those who’ve been denied access to asset-building financial systems in America.   

    See More about Highlands 3:23 Fund.