The Sorenson Impact Institute collaborated with the Impact Evaluation Lab to conduct rigorous research and testing for its Impact Authenticity Score (IAS), a comprehensive framework designed to address challenges in the impact investing sector, such as ‘impact washing.’ The IAS framework provides an opportunity to enhance transparency, credibility, and alignment within the impact investing sector by providing investors with a systematic and transparent resource for evaluating impact investment strategies and performance against impact goals. SII conducted an independent evaluation of the framework, worked with IEL to refine the framework, pilot tested the framework on 17 impact investing funds, and co-authored a White Paper summarizing the results from the pilot test.

The IAS introduces a consistent and rigorous ratings methodology to evaluate specific investment products, assessing their authenticity and potential to achieve desired impact outcomes and financial returns.