Research Center
Select a Topic:
.svg){kind=icon}
Climate Adaptation and Resilience: Keys to Sustainable Investing
When investors think of climate-focused investment and sustainable investing generally, they often envision thematics such as renewable power, electrified transport, and industrial decarbonization,...
The Shiny Tinfoil: Investing in AI with Eyes Wide Open
Join hosts George Suttles, Executive Director, and Amanda Novello, Associate Director, in this episode of Espresso Chats, a series by the Commonfund Institute serving up strong, short shots of... Learn More
The Case for the Seventh P: Progression in Nonprofit Investment Stewardship
At Commonfund Institute, we’ve long adhered to the six guiding principles of nonprofit investment stewardship, often referred to as the "6 Ps": Purpose, Policy, Process, Portfolio, People, and...
Key Takeaways: 2026 Investment Stewardship Academy
The 2026 Investment Stewardship Academy, hosted by Commonfund Institute from June 7–10 on Yale University’s campus in New Haven, Connecticut, brought together institutional investors, foundation...
Higher Education Price Index Forecast June 2026
According to Commonfund Institute's latest update, HEPI forecasts a 3.4 percent inflation rate for U.S. colleges and universities in fiscal year 2026. The latest forecast, based on data through June...
AI's Productivity Payoff Is Here
When ChatGPT launched in late 2022 and the AI revolution took off, the central question was about whether the staggering sums being invested would ever fulfill the promise of boosting productivity.
Higher Education Endowment Return Assumptions in a Changing Environment
Many colleges, universities, and nonprofit institutions built long-term endowment portfolios on assumptions about investment returns, donor giving, and federal support that once enabled confident...
Interval Funds and Semi-Liquid Structures: How Liquid Are They Really?
The case for interval funds and other semi-liquid vehicles is straightforward: access to private markets without a ten-year lockup, and the appeal of periodic liquidity. It's a compelling pitch. It...
Religious K-12 Schools: Endowment Trends and Performance
Earlier this year, Commonfund Institute released the 21st annual Commonfund Benchmarks Study of Independent Schools (“CSIS” or the “Study”), reporting on key investment governance trends and insights...
Endowment Performance & Practices of Carnegie-Classified Institutions
Earlier this year, Commonfund, in partnership with the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), released the 2025 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments (NCSE). The...
Principles of Investment Stewardship for Nonprofit Organizations
Explore essential investment stewardship principles for nonprofit organizations, focusing on the six principles for effective decision making.
Religious-Affiliated Higher Ed: Endowment Performance & Investment Practices
Earlier this year, Commonfund, in partnership with the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), released the 2025 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments (NCSE). The...
Performance and Practices of Smaller Institutions in the NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments
Earlier this year, Commonfund, in partnership with the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), released the 2025 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments (NCSE, or,...
AI in Venture Capital: Separating Hype from Opportunity
Join host Amanda Novello, Sr. Policy and Research Analyst, in this episode of "Espresso Chats," a series by the Commonfund Institute serving up strong, short shots of governance and leadership...
Fiscal Year-End and Mid-Year 2026 Market and Investment Review