Through an increased investment allocation to a product licensing JLens’ Jewish Advocacy Strategy, AJF aims to continue its mission of providing its clients with a more fulfilling way to give and strengthen Jewish values-based investing for a better and richer Jewish future.
The Atlanta Jewish Foundation (AJF) has significantly expanded its investment in a product licensing JLens' Jewish screening, research and advocacy strategy (“Jewish Advocacy Strategy”), reinforcing its commitment to aligning capital with Jewish values and supporting Israel through shareholder advocacy. This strategic move exemplifies the Foundation's mission to enrich both hearts and communities, offering a more fulfilling way for donors to give while supporting advocacy on Jewish communal priorities in the corporate arena.
Mark Teichner, Chair of the Foundation’s Investment Committee and Director of Investments at Argent Institutional Trust Company, explained the decision: "Our goal was to enhance our portfolio's institutional quality while increasing our Jewish alignment. The JLens Jewish Advocacy Strategy’s returns, consistent with the S&P 500 benchmark, made it an attractive option that resonates with our mission to sustain causes our community cares about. This type of enhanced quality and alignment of Jewish goals gets our community excited about the work that we're doing. They are engaged and enthusiastic about how we work to achieve our combined goals."
AJF is an integral part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. The AJF Investment Committee is made up of a number of investment professionals from the Atlanta community and the Foundation manages approximately $400 million in assets. This includes donor-advised funds, agency endowments, and other restricted funds, representing 24 local organizations. By increasing its allocation through JLens’ Jewish Advocacy Strategy to 20% of its overall large-cap U.S. public equity exposure, the foundation is greatly amplifying its impact and continuing to forward its goal of providing a richer future for the Jewish community and beyond.
Lindsay Kopecky, the Vice President for the Atlanta Jewish Foundation, emphasized the importance of alignment with donor values in the Foundation’s decision-making process: "Our donors are seeking to make a meaningful impact and ultimately change the world through their giving. JLens' approach empowers investors to align their capital with Jewish values, which deeply resonates with our charitable fund holders’ and community's aspirations."
Kopecky added, “We have the best and brightest investment professionals in the Atlanta community on our decision-making committee. The fact that Mark and the rest of the committee, who are out in the field and truly represent the cream of the crop in this community, thought the JLens Jewish Advocacy Strategy was a good option, speaks volumes.” Tim Hemphill, CFO of the Jewish Federation and member of the Foundation’s Investment Committee, added, “Another important goal that we want to share with our Board of Trustees is how we differentiate ourselves from other similar pools of capital. Most retail investors and institutional investors will often receive a generic allocation across various styles of investments, and investment managers don’t really consider incorporating a Jewish focus to that. So there is certainly a passion across members of the Foundation and the Committee to differentiate ourselves when reporting to the community, Jewish community agencies and donors, to truly reflect that what we are doing is different from other community foundations.”
Kopecky asserted that she had seen this firsthand and that it has resulted in positive feedback from investors. “I've seen this now in action. Since the investment committee made the decision to increase the allocation through JLens’ Jewish Advocacy Strategy and Israel Bonds, whenever I or a member of my team speak with stakeholders and share the news with them, their eyes light up. They're just so excited about it. They're thrilled to know that their funds are going to be mission-aligned.”
JLens' unique focus on Jewish advocacy in the corporate world sets it apart from other socially responsible investment options. The organization conducts shareholder advocacy on behalf of Jewish communal priorities with the largest U.S. public companies, combating antisemitism and hate, supporting Israel, and promoting sustainable business practices.
This comprehensive approach helps investors align with these Jewish values, with a particular emphasis on supporting Israel, especially after October 7th. Tim Hemphill noted, "The Investment Committee carefully balanced our fiduciary responsibility with the desire for mission-aligned investing. JLens allows us to inspire the alignment of Jewish communal investment capital with Jewish values leading to positive impact."
The Foundation's increased allocation comes at a critical time following the October 7th attacks and the subsequent rise in global antisemitism. Teichner remarked, "There is an urgent need to support Israel and Jewish causes globally. Our investment in a product licensing JLens’ strategy strengthens our ability to advocate for these priorities in the corporate arena."
Implementing this increased allocation was a fluid process with AJF’s investment advisor because of AJF's previous experience with JLens. Working with their Outsourced Chief Investment Officer, they adjusted their asset allocation by reducing exposure to an S&P 500 index fund to accommodate a larger investment licensing JLens’ Jewish Advocacy Strategy.
AJF's approach offers valuable insights for other Jewish Community Foundations considering values-based investing. Hemphill advises, "Educate your decision-makers on how these options align with your mission. You may find opportunities that are easy to implement without sacrificing financial performance."
Teichner added, "I encourage other Jewish foundations to consider JLens. The more assets invested in products licensing JLens’ Jewish Advocacy Strategy, the more effectively JLens can advocate for Jewish communal priorities and combat Israel divestment efforts that may appear neutral but could have detrimental effects."
Looking ahead, AJF remains open to further increasing its allocation, provided the Jewish Advocacy Strategy continues to yield returns similar to the benchmark. They are also excited about JLens' efforts to make their strategy more accessible to pooled capital, potentially broadening access, advocacy and impact.
The Atlanta Jewish Foundation's increased allocation demonstrates how institutions can effectively balance financial performance with mission-aligned investing. By partnering with JLens, AJF contributes to a broader effort of Jewish advocacy in the corporate world, paving the way for a more impactful and values-driven approach to Jewish communal investing.
As of October 31, 2024, over 30 Jewish institutions have invested approximately $290 million in products licensing JLens' Jewish screening, research and advocacy strategy (“Jewish Advocacy Strategy”) since 2015. On behalf of the Jewish community, JLens conducts research and advocacy with the 300+ U.S. public corporations held in this screening strategy.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as investment advice or an investment offering. Investors should consult with an advisor to determine the suitability of any investment option or strategy. JLens makes no representation as to the advisability of the strategy or investing in any investment fund or other vehicle. Composition of the strategy’s portfolio is subject to change. JLens disclaims responsibility or liability for any advice given to third parties or decisions to invest in any investment or other vehicle by you or third parties based on the information. Any investment in funds involves a risk of losing money. Past performance is not indicative of future results.