The Framing of Sustainable Finance in Charitable Foundations—Findings from a Qualitative Study

In the face of decreasing returns on investments and growing influence sustainability requirements, foundations have had to adjust way they invest their assets. Sustainable shown themselves be as robust in terms conventional and—more than that—they can support foundations’ goals much more effectively. But only very few implement sustainable investment strategies. The present study analyses reasons for this, by means interviews with personnel responsible interviewees operate ‘sense givers’ who kickstart a process strategic readjustment. reference framework ways thinking acting has been investigated using framing analysis. So-called sense isolated position is rather disturbing finding this study. Familiar strategies action seem little help endeavours. This frequently expressed sometimes poignant calls external guidelines role models, while specific ideas about courses remain relatively vague. applies particularly large where readjustments are hindered complex structures hierarchies, whereas small-scale entities, decisions follow shorter, face-to-face pathways. imperative carving out discourse drives givers activities like networking inside outside order exchange build alliances, example within German Association Charitable Foundations. Investment managers need first all develop new convince range stakeholders foundations.