4 Steps to a Brighter Future: How Jones+Feliciano Changes the World Through Impact Investing
We’ve all heard of investing. But what about investing for impact?
Here at the Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano’s Initiative (Jones+Feliciano), we believe there’s a HUGE difference in investing for economic return versus investing to better the community and people around you. But luckily, we have a foolproof system in place to help us do both.
You see, here at Jones+Feliciano, we’ve made a commitment. For every for-profit venture we invest in, we make a contribution to a non-profit organization. Why? Because we’re here to create change and a positive impact on humanity. Although not our sole focus, our investing for impact model takes into account diversity and inclusion as well as access to capital for underrepresented groups.
Are we dealing with a level playing field here in the U.S.? No. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take meaningful action towards creating a future where opportunity is accessible for all.
We know that’s a big claim. But luckily, by following our four core pillars, we’re closer to equality for all genders, races, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, and zip codes now more than ever before. What are these four “pillars” we keep mentioning?
Education. Entrepreneurship. Equity. Empowerment. They may not seem groundbreaking at first glance, but let us assure you that with the way we apply them, they’re so much more than what meets the eye.
1) Education.
We already know that education is one of the first societal experiences we all get in life that can make or break us. Is it high quality? Is it accessible? If the answer to just one of these questions is no, the future of that individual has already become compromised. That’s where Jones+Feliciano comes in. We strive to put an end to the educational divide that exists in our society by donating to higher education institutions—such as Princeton, Kwanza and Jose’s alma mater, Stanford, and local programs like the Neighborhood Youth Association (NYA)—to ensure that the faces who receive high-quality education represent a diverse student body.
2) Entrepreneurship
Owning a business is the path to self-sufficiency, self-empowerment, and wealth. It’s a part of our economy that is underrepresented due to lack of opportunities and assistance. As two minority individuals, Kwanza and José recognize that innovation has consistently been the driving force of our economy. Entrepreneurship doesn’t come in one color, from one neighborhood, or one culture. That’s why Jones+Feliciano stands behind companies like Harlem Capital who focus on investing in minority and women founders in the United States.
3) Equity
A no-brainer. It’s tough to say all men are created equal when in reality...we are not. Some people are in need of a bigger boost because they simply do not have the same resources and opportunities as others. Where the system fails is the point where Jones+Feliciano steps in. We’ve funded organizations like the Toigo Foundation that have the same goal in mind that we do: Level the playing field and create a better, more equitable tomorrow.
4) Empowerment
Why leave our favorite pillar for last? Because all of our pillars do just that! They empower. Jones+Feliciano doesn’t just throw money at organizations and walk away. We provide allyship, advice, purpose, and direction to every single one of our impactful investments. That is what truly sets us apart from other investment orgs. We know better than anyone else that at the end of the day, money disappears but empowerment lasts.
Hopefully, if you didn’t understand investing for impact before, you do now. Jones+Feliciano will continue to create a lasting impact by powering possibilities for humanity and its future.
So thank you for joining us to learn a little bit more about our story. We can’t make big changes without open-minded people like you.
Regards,
Kwanza Jones and José Feliciano
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