CRA Investors Impact Investors

CRA Investors Impact Investors Contact Us

Impact

Impact investments are made with the intention to generate positive, measurable environmental and/or social impact alongside a financial return. Since 1999, we have invested approximately $16.6 billion in impact initiatives nationwide on behalf of our clients.

We believe a fully integrated impact portfolio can deliver strong financial performance while having positive long-term environmental and/or social outcomes. We provide impact investing solutions coupled with customized reporting to clients on the positive impact outcomes of their investments. Within our fixed income portfolios, clients can direct their capital to specific geographies, impact themes, or impact initiatives.

Customization

Reporting

Impact Policy

Stories of Impact

About

The Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center was established in 1987 by the Sisters of Charity of New York. It was founded to provide specialized clinical and rehabilitative services to medically complex children with multiple physical and neurological conditions and disabilities. In March of 2012, the Center relocated from Manhattan to a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Yonkers, NY. This 165,000 square foot complex serves 137 of New York State’s most medically complex children.

Impact

The loan to Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center helped finance the construction and expansion of the Center to accommodate 32 additional children who are dependent on ventilators. The three-story addition enables the facility to serve a total of 50 ventilator-dependent children and brings the total number of children served by the Center to 169. In addition, the on-site John A. Coleman School added more classrooms to educate these new residents. With the expansion, the Center has hired an additional 100+ employees. The Center is also committed to the environment through its green initiative and building design. The Yonkers facility has been awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification.

On-Site Visit

In 2016, David Sand, chief investment strategist, went on a tour and was impressed with the Center, its level of care for the children, and its commitment to the environment. He learned about the many services offered including clinical, rehabilitation, palliative care, and creative arts therapies.

Impact Themes

Affordable Health
and Rehabilitation Care

Education and
Childcare

Enterprise Development and
Jobs

Environmental
Sustainability

About

Built on what was once a set of vacant lots, home to drug crime, foreclosures, and crumbling houses, Hawthorne Eco Village Apartments is an affordable rental property in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Located in a low-income, majority-minority, and high-poverty census tract, Hawthorne Eco Village is anticipated to help revitalize the Lyndale and Lowry intersection and be a catalyst for additional housing development in the area. The development of Hawthorne Eco Village Apartments used best practices in community-based development, neighborhood revitalization, and sustainable green development to create a model for healthier and more stable, livable communities.

Impact

Project for Pride in Living (PPL) built and manages the property. The 75 units at Hawthorne Eco Village are part of over 1,300 units of safe, quality, affordable housing built and managed by PPL throughout the Twin Cities available to households making less than 60% of the area median income. In addition to affordable housing, PPL also provides no cost employment readiness services for residents and the greater community. Other property and features and amenities include a green roof, playground for children, fitness room, and community garden. Up to four of the apartments will be set aside for those experiencing long-term homelessness and earning at or below 30% of the area median income.

On-Site Visit

In 2019, Alyssa Greenspan, president and COO, visited Hawthorne Eco Village and met with Joanne Kosciolek, vice president for development and internal affairs at PPL, which developed the property. In Alyssa’s words: “I was so impressed by the spacious apartments and the amenities including a fun playground area; a rooftop garden to prevent run-off; exercise room; bicycle storage; and a community garden for growing fresh fruits and vegetables. The development has helped revitalize the neighborhood with affordable workforce housing, an increase in retail stores, and the addition of affordable single family homes.”

Impact Themes

Affordable Housing

Education and Childcare

Enterprise Development and Jobs

Environmental Sustainability

Healthy Communities

Human Empowerment

Minority Advancement

Neighborhood Revitalization

Poverty Alleviation

Transit-Oriented Development

About

Henry Greene Apartments is an affordable rental property in Louisville where 124 of the 125 units receive Section 8 assistance. Henry Greene Apartments is in a low-income, high-minority, and high-poverty census tract. Most of the population residing in this census tract are minority households and live below the poverty line.

Impact

In 2019, the property began a $17.5 million renovation that included energy efficiency and safety changes. Those changes included more lighting outside, better walkways, and upgraded appliances. The apartments remained affordable during the upgrade and residents were not displaced. The property is in the Russell neighborhood, which is going through a revitalization that includes a new, mixed-income housing development, a new YMCA, and a new multi-sport facility developed by the Louisville Urban League.

On-Site Visit

In 2020, Jamie Horwitz, chief marketing officer, and James Malone, chief financial and diversity officer, visited the property. In their words: “We were surprised when we learned that Henry Greene Apartments was only a 10-minute drive from the beautiful downtown hotel where the conference we were at was being held. It was quite a dichotomy to go from the city center to another part of town – literally just down the road – and see another side of Louisville. The neighborhood had the feel of an older, historic area that appeared to have been run down over the years, but one where we could see pockets of reinvestment. The apartment complex was on a quiet block, and the multi-sport facility was under construction. We are hopeful that these important affordable complexes, upgrades, and neighborhood revitalization plans will help the community grow and thrive.”

Impact Themes

Affordable Housing

Healthy Communities

Environmental Sustainability

Minority Advancement

About

Wilshire Towers is an affordable rental property for seniors in Los Angeles County, California with 287 total units where 98% of the units receive Section 8 assistance. The property is located in a low-income, high-minority, and high-poverty census tract. The majority of the population residing in this census tract are minority households (87%) and 32% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Impact

In the last few years, the property underwent extensive renovations including upgrades to all resident units as well as a fully remodeled community room, gym, library, and new laundry facilities. Wilshire Towers is conveniently located in the heart of Koreatown, close to downtown Los Angeles, and near public transportation including the Metro purple line. Wilshire Towers has a Walk Score of 96 which is considered a walker’s paradise, where daily errands do not require a car. In addition, this address scored a 79 for its Transit Score, indicating public transit is convenient for most trips.

On-Site Visit

In 2019, Martha Schuman, senior client portfolio manager, visited the property. In Martha’s words: “The Wilshire Towers was my first experience visiting an affordable housing project and it really changed my perception of affordable housing. The building is located in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles, a rapidly gentrifying area of the city. From the outside, the building looked like a nice apartment complex found in any major city. Inside, the residents have beautiful gardens with a koi pond, exercise facilities, and a well-equipped common area, all within walking distance to bus stops for medical appointments or shopping. I also saw the pride the on-site manager had in caring for the facility and the warmth the residents greeted him with while touring the property. I enjoyed my time meeting with several of the people that live in Wilshire Towers and seeing first-hand the impact it has on their lives. It was truly a rewarding experience.”

Impact Themes

Affordable Housing

Environmental Sustainability

Healthy Communities

Minority Advancement

Seniors and the Disabled

Transit-Oriented Development