Aeris Insight Inc.

Aeris Insight Inc. is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, designated as a 501(c)(3) entity, primarily operating in the realm of community improvement and urban, community economic development. With a focus on financial and impact performance analysis, Aeris Insight guides capital investments that meet both risk parameters and impact goals, particularly within the impact investing sector.

Mission and Operations

Aeris Insight's mission is to increase investment and knowledge that benefit underserved markets by providing indispensable tools and solutions to over 200 corporate, government, and philanthropic investors. Since its inception in 2004, the organization has become a leading expert in evaluating the financial and impact performance of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and other private impact loan funds. Aeris' services include ratings, due diligence, and data analysis, which help investors source, underwrite, and monitor investments aligned with social and environmental goals.

Service Offerings

Aeris offers its services through the Aeris Cloud, a web-based data platform. This platform collects and standardizes data on the financial and impact performance as well as portfolio quality of CDFIs and various private funds. This enables investors to make informed decisions regarding social and environmental investments. As of recent years, Aeris' analyses cover more than 150 CDFIs managing over $19 billion in loan capital.

Financial Overview

Aeris Insight's revenue is primarily derived from program services, which account for approximately 79% of its total revenue. Contributions also play a significant role, making up around 20% of its revenue stream. The organization's total assets have grown over the years, reaching over $1.6 million as of recent reporting.

Grants and Support

Aeris Insight has received support from notable foundations, including the MacArthur Foundation. Between 2017 and 2022, Aeris was awarded a total of $625,000 in grants. These grants supported strategic planning, platform development, and impact management rating products aimed at enhancing the efficiency of impact fund management and attracting more capital to social and environmental investments.

Governance and Leadership

The organization is governed by a diverse board of directors, featuring representatives from various backgrounds in impact investing and community development. The board includes leaders from institutions such as Calvert Impact Capital, Nuveen, and The San Francisco Foundation. Aeris Insight's executive team is led by President and CEO Paige Chapel, with key roles held by Helen Leung as Chief Operating Officer and Karen Seabury as Director of Ratings & Analysis.

Impact and Recognition

Aeris Insight plays a crucial role in accelerating the flow of impact capital to underserved communities. By providing rigorous data services and due diligence, it supports a wide range of stakeholders, from large financial institutions to mission-driven foundations and government agencies. The organization's work is recognized for facilitating more efficient and effective social and environmental investments.