Tools for Impact, Tools for Engagement

What on earth is a Program Related Investment (PRI)? The more one reads online to try and understand this and other financial tools that might help an organization, the easier it is to become lost and confused. Sometimes you just need a face-to-face conversation and some examples.

PRIs may help a program acquire property; reach scale; create jobs, products or services; or approach self-sufficiency. They can be applied to both traditional commercial entities with charitable purposes or to organizations with nonprofit structures. In short, PRIs are “investments made by foundations to support charitable activities that involve the potential return of capital within an established time frame.” (The Foundation Center) They may take the form of linked deposits, loans, or equity investments, among others.

Some program areas funded by PRIs include: Affordable Housing, Arts, Community Development, Cultural Organizations, Historic Preservation, Economic Development including Entrepreneurship and Micro-Businesses, Charter Schools, Health Clinics, Child Care Centers, Faith-based Structures and Programs, Social Services, and Open Space and Wildlife Habitat Protection.

Come join this conversation in Portland, OR, on Tuesday, April 27th, as part of a day of hands-on workshops that follow up on Monday’s ReVisioning Value conference. Learn how foundations are increasing impact through the use of Program Related Investments. Understand the challenges, potential, and trends of PRIs and how they could work for you, whether you are a foundation interested in moving in this direction, or a change organization getting ready to receive one.

Peter Berliner, Managing Director, PRI Makers will host a workshop specifically addressing PRIs. Bring questions, bring examples, bring concerns.

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What’s a PRI?

What are our readers’ experiences with PRIs? Please share your thoughts, knowledge, doubts and praise for Program Related Investments in the comments section below!