Investment Policy
The Harris and Frances Block Foundation asset management approach recognizes our mission of making the world a better place by addressing the root causes of human and environmental problems. Principles of environmental stewardship, concern for community and human rights, corporate responsibility and corporate accountability to shareholders and stakeholders inform our investment decisions.
Spending and Investment Goals
The spending and investment goals of the foundation are:
- To generate income and capital gains necessary to support the foundation's operations and fund its grantmaking activities over the long-term; and
- To invest in companies whose environmental or social impacts are compatible with the goals of the Foundation. The Foundation will avoid investing in companies whose environmental or social impacts contribute to the problems which the foundation's grant-making seeks to remedy.
We will not invest in companies that:
- Produce synthetic pesticides, herbicides or other agricultural chemicals, especially those that are believed to cause birth defects or disrupt endocrine systems in humans and animals;
- Derive their revenue from the manufacture and sale of tobacco products.
- Are engaged in the research, development or production of nuclear or other weapons.
- Any manufacturer that uses “sweat shops” for the production of their products.