Impact Investing

Impact Investing is the active placement of capital in businesses and funds that generate social and environmental benefit while simultaneously generating financial returns. Departing from a strict separation of the financial and philanthropic worlds, impact investing utilizes and blends best practices from traditional asset management, private equity and venture capital investing, business development, international and domestic economic development, and environmental innovation to support enterprises that maximize financial returns and social good.

The Impact Investing Initiative at the Ballard Center focuses on:

  • Experiential Learning with leading impact investment firms, social entrepreneurs, foundations, and family offices
  • Education through innovative impact investing courses, curriculum, and case studies
  • Research by professors with unique access to BYU alumni and their network of industry and community leaders
  • Outreach through community building and economic development programs

The Ballard Center’s Impact Investing program is currently anchored by its first initiative, the University Impact Fund (UIF). Founded in 2010, The University Impact Fund is the first student-run Impact Investing firm in the world. UIF partners with leading social investment firms, impact investors, social entrepreneurs, innovative non-profit organizations, and foundations to identify, assist, and fund social enterprises with significant potential. 

UIF Internship Program

UIF is currently accepting applications for the fall 2011 internship program. Bridge the gap between business and social cause
and gain the following benefits:
 
1. Experience | At UIF, students work alongside leading investment funds, foundations, and social enterprises to analyze investment opportunities in emerging markets. Student Associates play a critical role in the investment analysis from day one.
 
2. Global Network | UIF’s students have access to an extensive network and interact daily with leading industry experts, investors, and social entrepreneurs throughout the world.
 
3. Career Development | Through UIF’s extensive training and experience, students develop skills necessarry to pursue a wide variety of careers, including venture capital, private equity, impact investing, and social entrepreneurship. UIF offers a students unparalled opportunities to start their careers in exciting industries & regions throughout the world.
 
Cover Letters & Resumes are due 14 Sept 2011 at midnight, please send to apply@uimpactfund.com
 
For more information please visit www.uimpactfund.com or email info@uimpactfund.com

 

 

UIF is an affiliate of the University Venture Fund (UVF), an $18M independent venture fund that leverages the skills of undergraduate and graduate students throughout the state. Lewis Hower, UIF's executive director, is a Ballard Fellow.

For more information on Impact Investing take a look at the following resources: