Posts by Winters Richwine
What is Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI)?
Introduction Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI), a type of faith-based investing, is gaining ground with both institutional and retail Christian investors. Now more than ever, financial capital is being used as a tool to influence the decisions companies make. The purpose of this article is to explain what is Biblically Responsible Investing and to articulate why…
Read MoreHow to Evaluate Investment Performance
Introduction Many organizations struggle with investment performance evaluation. How can one determine if the investment program is doing well, or how does one even define “well”? In this blog, we provide some ideas on how to evaluate investment performance from a variety of angles. As you read this article, we encourage you to keep in…
Read MoreWhat’s Going on With Bonds?
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. We’re currently in the worst period for bonds in history. As of October 31, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate is down 15.7% year-to-date. The Bloomberg Global Aggregate is faring even worse, with a year-to-date decline of 20.4%. Bonds are supposed to be a steady asset class. Why are we experiencing…
Read MoreWhat is a Christian Investment Firm?
Introduction Investment firms are numerous, and they vary in numerous ways. For example, firms may have different views on market timing and asset allocation. Different investment firms offer different services as well. One important but often overlooked aspect of a firm is its values. Organizations may be well-served by seeking out investment firms that share…
Read MoreFinancial Tips for Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations face significant challenges each year with rising costs and uncertain giving. While these circumstances can’t be fully controlled, nonprofits can take action to maintain financial stability. In this article, we share a handful of key financial tips for nonprofits. Implementing these tips should remove some of the stress of day-to-day financial matters and…
Read MoreBiblically Responsible Investing 101
Biblically Responsible Investing (or “BRI” for short) is a form of faith-based investing. BRI focuses on the Christian faith, though there is a large degree of nuance across various denominations and philosophies. BRI is also considered to be part of the Socially Responsible Investing movement. However, BRI often varies significantly from a secular Socially Responsible…
Read MoreHow to Choose a Nonprofit Financial Advisor
Introduction Choosing a nonprofit financial advisor can be a difficult task. Nonprofit organizations can benefit from selecting an advisor who specializes in the unique financial considerations of nonprofits. Different service offerings, fee schedules, and investment approaches pose challenges in the decision-making process. Furthermore, a lack of published reviews makes it difficult to determine whether a…
Read MoreInterest Rate Commentary – October 2021
Federal Reserve Comments & Projections In response to economic fears from COVID-19, the U.S. Federal Reserve initiated a series of Fed Funds rate cuts (including an emergency rate cut) to bring the Fed Funds target rate to 0.00% – 0.25% as of March 15, 2020. After a short period of shrinking, the Federal Reserve’s balance…
Read MoreWhat is a Donor Advised Fund?
Introduction to Donor Advised Funds Donor advised funds (DAFs) are a rapidly-growing giving tool: DAF assets nearly doubled from 2015 to 2019. They provide flexibility in the timing of the charitable deduction, the timing of the ultimate charitable gift, and the selection of investment approach. Furthermore, they are accessible to many donors and offer several…
Read MoreFinancial Stewardship: Don’t Bury Talents
Then you ought to have invested my money… I should have received what was my own with interest. -Matthew 25:27 As an investment consultant for Christian nonprofits, Cornerstone Management often encounters organizations with a conservative philosophy toward investing. We believe that approach can be wise stewardship, particularly when we consider that the funds entrusted to…
Read More