This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

----------------------------------------

Welcome to Episode 85 of the Investing in Impact podcast. Today, I'm joined by Matt Eldridge, Executive Director of Realize Impact, on using Donor Advised Funds to innovate impact investing.

Impact investing is often perceived as complex, requiring a balance between financial returns and social good.

Realize Impact eliminates these barriers, providing a streamlined process that enables individuals, foundations, and donor-advised funds (DAFs) to invest in high-impact ventures while maintaining financial sustainability.

How It Works

Impact investing through Realize Impact is facilitated via the Philanthropic Investment Grant (PHIG)—a simple and effective way to direct capital toward high-impact ventures.

By recommending an investment and providing matching capital, donors can amplify their contributions while supporting meaningful change.

Realize Impact simplifies impact investing into three steps:

1. Grant Recommendation – Investors recommend an impact investment through a grant from a DAF, foundation, or personal funds.
2. Due Diligence & Investment – Realize Impact conducts research, reviews terms, and executes the investment in debt, equity, or revenue-based funding.
3. Returns & Reinvestment – 99% of the investment returns are donated back to the investor’s recommended DAF, foundation, or nonprofit for reinvestment.

This model allows investors to support impactful projects without the complexities of direct investment management.

What is a Donor Advised Fund?

A Donor Advised Fund is a philanthropic giving vehicle that allows donors to contribute funds, receive immediate tax benefits, and then recommend grants to eligible charities over time.

Think of it as a charitable savings account, where individuals or families set aside funds dedicated to philanthropic purposes.

These funds are managed by sponsoring organizations, such as community foundations, universities, or specialized charitable organizations, which administer the DAF on behalf of the donor.

Unlocking Capital for Global Solutions

Significant capital remains idle in donor-advised funds and foundations. Realize Impact mobilizes these funds into ventures addressing key global challenges such as:

• Climate change – Investing in renewable energy and sustainable business models.
• Economic empowerment – Supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs with access to capital.
• Social equity – Financing housing, education, and healthcare initiatives.

By actively deploying philanthropic capital, Realize Impact maximizes both financial and social returns.

Transparent Fee Structure

Realize Impact offers a straightforward, affordable pricing model:

• $500 flat fee for investments of $10,000 or more.
• No fee for investments under $10,000 (though returns are not re-donated).

This ensures accessibility while maintaining financial sustainability.

Redefining Impact Investing

Contrary to the belief that impact investing sacrifices returns, Realize Impact proves that financial and social benefits can align.

By reinvesting returns into donor-advised funds and nonprofits, the organization amplifies the impact of every dollar.

----------------------------------------

Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:

• Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.
• Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.
• Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.
• Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.
• IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.
• Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.
• Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.

As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.com