As the world faces unprecedented challenges—from climate change to economic inequality—2025 presents a pivotal moment for investors to redefine the future through impact investing. More than a buzzword, impact investing is growing rapidly, offering individuals, foundations, and corporations alike the opportunity to align their financial goals with their values while making a tangible difference in communities and the planet.

Why Impact Investing Is Gaining Traction

2025 marks a critical juncture as global challenges push investors to consider the impact of their financial decisions. The growing popularity of impact investing reflects broader shifts in priorities, driven by factors such as the increasing urgency of climate change, heightened social consciousness, and a wealth transfer to younger, socially-minded generations. According to the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), the global impact investing market has experienced significant growth, with assets under management (AUM) increasing from $715 billion in 2020 to $1.571 trillion in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21% over that period (source: GIIN). This growth underscores the accelerating momentum behind impact investing as a powerful tool for addressing today’s most pressing issues.

The Mechanics of Impact Investing

At its core, impact investing involves directing capital toward projects and organizations that deliver measurable social or environmental benefits alongside financial returns. From renewable energy and affordable housing to women’s entrepreneurship and small business growth, this approach empowers investors to support initiatives aligned with their values. The Flagship Fund* and Wisdom Fund* by CNote provide actionable pathways to achieve this dual objective of potential financial growth and meaningful change. All investments involve a risk of losing money when you invest. Investors should consult financial, legal, and tax advisors before making decisions. 

• The Flagship Fund*: This fund channels investments into mission-driven financial institutions, which fuel affordable housing, small business expansion, and economic development in underserved areas. By investing in the Flagship Fund, impact investors support local economic growth.
• The Wisdom Fund*: Focused on economic equity, the Wisdom Fund delivers essential capital to BIPOC women-owned small businesses that often face systemic funding barriers. This initiative exemplifies the transformative potential of impact investing, breaking down barriers to foster economic inclusion and opportunity.

The Financial Case for Impact Investing

Impact investing is no longer a trade-off between doing good and earning returns. Numerous studies demonstrate that investments aligned with positive social and environmental outcomes can deliver competitive returns. For instance, a report by the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) provides a comprehensive review of research on the financial performance of impact investments, indicating that investors targeting market-rate returns can achieve them, depending on fund manager selection (source: GIIN). Additionally, a study by the Wharton School evaluated the financial performance of 53 impact investing private equity funds and found that certain market segments yielded returns close to those of public market indices (source: Wharton News). These findings suggest that aligning investments with social and environmental goals does not necessitate sacrificing financial performance.

By diversifying into funds like CNote’s offerings, investors have the potential to achieve long-term financial goals while addressing critical societal needs.

The Power of Investor Action

Investors hold immense power to drive change. By investing in causes that investors believe in, each dollar becomes part of a larger movement to create jobs, reduce economic disparities, and promote sustainability. By choosing impact-driven strategies, investors actively participate in shaping a more equitable and resilient future. Examples like the Flagship Fund and Wisdom Fund demonstrate how capital can create tangible, positive outcomes in communities nationwide.

2025: A Pivotal Year for Impact Investing

The convergence of heightened global challenges, evolving regulations, and growing investor demand makes 2025 a defining year for impact investing. As more individuals and institutions prioritize values-driven investments, the impact investing movement is poised to redefine traditional finance.

Discover how CNote’s Flagship Fund and Wisdom Fund can help align your investments with your values.

* Disclosures: Returns are not guaranteed and investing involves risk. CNote Group, Inc. (“CNote”) is not a bank, a credit union, or any other type of financial institution. CNote is not a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or a broker-dealer authorized by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). CNote is not a legal, financial, accounting or tax advisor. CNote offers unregistered securities consisting of various promissory notes (“Notes”) to eligible investors pursuant to Regulation A and Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. For more information on risks related to investing in our Flagship Fund Notes, for unaccredited investors please see our latest Flagship Fund Offering Circular as filed with and qualified by the SEC. For accredited investors please see our latest Flagship Fund Private Placement Memorandum and Wisdom Fund Private Placement Memorandum. Neither the SEC nor any state securities regulator has passed upon or endorsed the merits of any investment in CNote’s offerings. Investments in our Notes are not bank deposits and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), or any other governmental agency. Investing in our Notes involves risk of loss, including the principal invested. We encourage you to consult with a financial adviser or investment professional to determine whether or not the CNote platform makes sense for you. Information provided herein is for educational purposes only and is not tailored for any individual investor or client. It should not be relied upon as financial or investment advice. Any projected returns are illustrative, based on interest rates offered currently or in the past, which may be subject to change, and may not reflect the ultimate rate of return for any particular investor or client. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and future returns may vary.