A Year of Sustained Commitment and Expanding Horizons

As we turn the page on another year, it’s time to reflect on the journey we’ve undertaken at Fire Capital. We have continued our commitment to sustainability, community involvement, and philanthropy. It’s a year that has seen us grow, learn, and most importantly, make a meaningful impact in various spheres.

Sustainability: A Core Focus

Our dedication to responsible investing has remained a cornerstone of our approach. This year, we are proud to share the MSCI ESG Overall Rating Summary of FCM investments, showcasing our commitment to sustainable investment practices.

As of the end of 2023, using MSCI ESG data, the equities and funds utilized in our investment models avoid any ESG laggards, with approximately one third of our investments ranking as ESG leaders. Additionally, the fund’s alignment with UN SDG exposures further underscores our commitment to addressing global challenges through thoughtful and impactful investment strategies.

Fire Capital Impact Fund: Making a Difference

In our third year of the Fire Capital Impact Fund, as part of the Pledge 1% movement and our ethos as a certified B-Corp, we continued to support causes close to our heart. We have extended our support to four outstanding organizations, focusing on 1) women and girls' empowerment, 2) diversity in finance, 3) education & economic opportunity for all, and 4) environmental initiatives. Each organization has made remarkable strides in their respective areas, and we are honored to be a part of their journey.

1. Pace Miami Center for Girls provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through holistic social, academic, and career-building services. Pace specializes in supporting girls who are struggling and who have experienced some form of trauma, to get their grades back on track, learn in a safe and supportive environment, get along better with friends and family and plan for a productive future.
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2. San Francisco Foundation (SFF) mobilizes resources and acts as a catalyst for change to build strong communities, foster civic leadership, and promote philanthropy in the San Francisco Bay Area. The SFF Grantmaking Programs are committed to expanding opportunity in the Bay Area and work to advance racial equity and economic inclusion in the region. Our Managing Partner, Michael Firestone, is a member of the SFF Professional Advisors Council, and William Reynolds, Investment Associate, has joined SFF's Emerging Advisors Network.
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3. Young Investors Society (YIS) provides a free online high school enrichment curriculum that teaches financial literacy through interactive courses, lessons, and programs that teach the fundamentals of earning money, saving, budgeting, banking, investing, and career exploration. The YIS Access Initiative provides these programs to schools in under-resourced communities.
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4. Save the Bay approaches Bay Area environmental restoration and relief through three strategies: advocate, restore, and educate. Through these lenses, the organization seeks to protect Bay Area communities by supporting affordable housing and transportation, restoration of vital wetlands, and strategies to circumvent the negative impacts of rising sea levels. Additionally, Save the Bay looks towards the future as they provide STEM educational opportunities for Bay Area Youth.

 Volunteer Efforts: Giving Back Time

Beyond financial contributions, our team actively participated in volunteer activities. A highlight was our involvement with Raphael House in San Francisco, where we had the joy of wrapping birthday gifts for children at the shelter. The Raphael House is one of the first shelters serving low-income families experiencing homelessness in San Francisco and helps to provide personalized family-centered solutions for families to achieve stable housing and financial independence. These moments of personal engagement are as fulfilling as they are essential to our mission.

Philanthropic Support for Our Clients

Our role in assisting clients to achieve their philanthropic goals has expanded. This year, we aided in launching a website for one of our foundation clients, enhancing transparency and visibility of their charitable efforts. With nearly $1.9 million granted by our clients towards various causes, we have witnessed the power of thoughtful philanthropy in action.

International Outreach

A notable moment this year was our COO & Director of Social Impact's visit to BarcelonActua in Spain. BarcelonActua, one of our client’s grantees, addresses the growing social gaps for the most vulnerable groups in Barcelona. Alyssa visited one of their homes, BACstation Gracia, which provides shelter, language & job training and legal support for about 20 young refugees. This engagement highlighted the global scope of our impact, touching lives across continents.

Expanding Our Services

Looking ahead, we are excited to grow our foundation consulting services, providing outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) support. Our focus on impact investing education remains a key part of our strategy, as we continue to guide foundations in aligning their missions with their investment portfolios.

Knowledge Sharing and Financial Literacy

We strive to educate and inspire as it is important to make informed and impactful financial decisions. Our Impact Insights series and Finance 101 articles have been a resounding success. We shared resources for exploring various charitable giving vehicles, engaging the next generation of philanthropists in family philanthropy, and how collaborative giving can make a difference. Also, be sure to check out our Finance 101 articles around sustainability and impact investing and informative articles focused on endowment and foundation strategies which we launched this year in honor of Financial Literacy Month.

Gratitude and Forward Momentum

As we move into 2024, our gratitude extends to our community of clients, whose dedication to creating a better world through their investments and philanthropy continues to inspire us. We look forward to another year of partnership, growth, and positive impact.

Fire Capital continues to drive forward with the conviction that our collective efforts can, and do, make a difference. Here’s to a future filled with possibility, responsibility, and impactful change!