Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

As a firm, we believe that a diverse workforce leads to higher quality work, better decision-making and greater employee and client satisfaction. The value of diversity, equity and inclusion extends far beyond corporate output. 

Racial and gender equity have important implications for the long-term health and effectiveness of our industry, the nation and the world. This is only likely to increase in importance over time as the percentage of people of color rises and more women are able to participate actively in the workforce due to changes in technology and employment norms, such as working from home. When we encourage and include women, racial/ethnic minorities and others traditionally underrepresented in financial services to come into asset management and rise through the ranks of leadership, not only do we help to change the lives of those people, we broaden the investment opportunity set for investors and, ultimately help to build a more equitable and balanced society at large.

diversity

Our Mission

In 2018, we created a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office to intentionally promote and foster inclusion and equity across the firm and our investment process, thought leadership, and professional and organizational development.

Video published September 2024

Initiatives

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in action.

People

Investments

Thought Leadership

Recruitment, Retention & Advancement
Intentional hiring of diverse talent
Leadership training for high potential talent
Financial support for professional designations
Implicit Bias Awareness and Mitigation training
Diverse Manager Outreach
Proprietary diverse manager database
Diverse Manager Portal to expand outreach
Host invitational Diverse Manager Day annually
 
Implementation
Incorporate diverse managers in searches
Inclusion of DEI questions in manager due diligence process
Partnerships & Collaborations
Collaborate with trade associations, academics, and other strategic partners
Interview, highlight and convene diverse nonprofit and investment leaders
 
Insight
Publications on DEI via Commonfund Institute
Serve as a clearinghouse for information on DEI in the asset management industry

2016

Diverse manager investment program established

Partnership with  Girls Who Invest begins

Veterans Day acknowledgement*

2017

Volunteer Diversity Committee established

Implemented Commonfund’s version of the “Rooney Rule” for new managers and hires

Hosted a table at TOIGO Gala

Joined the Board of the TOIGO Foundation

2018

Formed Diverse Manager Committee

Incorporated DEI into 3rd-party investment manager due diligence process

Became signatory to Pension Real Estate Association Foundation Diversity Initiatives

Heritage Month Celebrations begin

Initiated partnership with ABC Wilton

2019

Proprietary Diverse Manager Database launched

Diverse Manager Portal Created

1st DEI Employee survey conducted

2020

Developed DEI Policy and Diversity Committee Charter

1st Implicit Bias and Bias Mitigation Training conducted

1st invitational Diverse Manager Day held

Became signatory to Confluence Philanthropy Racial Equity Pledge

Juneteenth recognized as company holiday

2021

Co-hosted speaker series with Ford Foundation

1st biennial DEI report produced

Developed a mentor program

2022

Participated in the WKKF/McKinsey Expanding Equity Program

Employee Resource Groups created

2023

Sponsored Gender Equity Consortium

Joined the CFA Institute Committee on DEI

Hosted 1st keynote HBCU panel at annual Forum

Hosted Pride Month training with CT Pride Center

Launched Diverse Manager Spotlight video series

2024

Became a signatory to CFA Institute Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Code

Hosted educational session with The Bard College Center on the Study of Hate

*Veterans Day has been celebrated since our founding in 1971.

CFA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Code

Commonfund is a signatory to the CFA Institute DEI Code. The Code champions positive systemic change in the investment industry, reflecting and addressing challenges that come with demographic, cultural, and societal variations across markets.

Read more about our commitment in our Corporate Responsibility Report.

Social Media DEI Code US and Canada

Thought Leadership

Browse our DEI Thought Leadership

We recognize that in order to create sustainable momentum, we must continue to shape and express our point of view—diversity, equity, and inclusion should be advanced in our industry.

Browse our DEI Thought Leadership

Diversity Resources

Diversity

A Closer Look at Minority-Serving Higher Education Institutions

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Diversity

Commonfund’s Investments with Diverse Managers Continue to Grow

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Diversity

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: A Resource Guide

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