PRIs at Work

PRIs at Work are examples of how PRI funds are being used and current opportunities for PRI funders, both within and outside of the PRI Makers Network membership. To see investment opportunities that our members are involved in, visit the Deals Clearinghouse, an interactive tool where members post co-investment PRI opportunities.

ROC USA

Since 1984, the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund has been helping homeowners in manufactured home communities purchase the land underneath their homes, and in-turn transform their communities into housing co-ops known as “resident-owned communities” (or, a “ROC”). The premise of the program being that community land ownership, in place of commercial or investor land ownership, more accurately aligns the interests of the residents and the preservation of the land. To the homeowners, community ownership provides market and rent stability, increased property values, and the peace of mind that the land will not be sold. As to the interests of the land, resident ownership is a first step to preserving communities and addressing water quality and conservation issues, energy conservation issues, and possibly increasing investment in infrastructure and sustainable land development.

The PRI Makers Network interviewed Michael Sloss, managing director at ROC USA Capital about the organization and how PRIs from the Ford Foundation have helped ROC USA successfully make resident ownership nationwide possible. 
Read the interview here.

Energy Efficiency Opportunity Fund

This new fund will finance innovative efforts to retrofit homes, businesses and community facilities to achieve greater energy efficiency and other environmental benefits, while creating jobs and cutting costs for low-income families. The fund is sponsored by Living Cities, a consortium of 21 global foundations and financial institutions that has deployed $600 million in capital to strengthen low-income communities, and Green For All. The proposed $20 million fund is expected to leverage approximately $200 million in financing for building energy retrofits resulting, on an annual basis, in 37,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided – the equivalent of more than 4,700 cars taken off the road; 25% energy savings on average in 15,000 homes, with total household savings of $6 million; 25% energy savings on average in 2,000 commercial/community buildings; 2,500 clean energy jobs, with substantial opportunity for low-income people; and improved health, increased household income and/or greater worker productivity experienced by 40,000 people.
Energy Efficiency Opportunity Fund

Window of Opportunity

The MacArthur Foundation has announced a new round of grants and PRIs ($32.5 million) to 12 states and cities to preserve more than 70,000 affordable rental homes, as part of the Foundation's $150 million, 10-year effort (started in 2007) to preserve affordable rental homes. Meyer Memorial Trust is a key partner on these investments in Oregon and several other foundations – including community and regional foundations -- are making PRIs for funds in Denver, Los Angeles, Florida, and other locations to leverage additional impact. This initiative is a successful example of national and local/regional efforts using PRIs and working together to meet mutual objectives.
Window of Opportunity - MacArthur Foundation (March 2009)

Community Investment Center at www.Socialfunds.com

Community investing addresses the financial needs of low income communities by providing capital for affordable housing, small business development, and non-profit development. Community investments can be made through community development banks, loan funds, and credit unions and include loans, CDs, checking, savings, and money market accounts. Use the Community Investment Center to explore investment opportunities in the United States and around the world.
Social Funds' Community Investment Center

Global Partnerships Social Investment Fund 2010

Founded in 1994, Global Partnerships is a nonprofit social investor whose mission is to expand opportunity for people living in poverty. Our fourth fund, Social Investment Fund 2010 (SIF 2010) is providing $25 million in affordable financing to more than 20 microfinance institutions and cooperatives in Latin America. SIF 2010 invests in a range of sustainable solutions to help impoverished people earn a living and improve their lives, including microcredit, basic health care, business education, technical assistance for farmers and green technology. A five year fund, SIF 2010 offers foundations a program related investment opportunity with well managed risk, competitive returns and high social impact. Since the inception of our first fund in 2005, we have repaid investors 100% on time and in full.
Global Partnerships (Jan 2010)

Know of a compelling investment opportunity?

Report your current activity for placement here (email Peter Berliner) or include your deals in the PRI Activity Database or in the Deals Clearinghouse.