Investment Guidelines

Merck Family Fund's commitment to responsibly investing its $62 million (as of 12/31/23) endowment began over 25 years ago with  socially responsible stock screening. MFF has continuously improved upon this approach, and today, its portfolio aims to exclude investments in companies that:

  • Profit from gambling or tobacco

  • Profit from coal, oil, or gas production or use.

  • Produce nuclear power, or mine or process uranium

  • Mine gold

  • Manufacture or sell weaponry

  • Operate or provide services to for-profit prisons

Environmental, Social, and Governance Considerations

Whenever possible, MFF invests in businesses that prioritize environmental protection, reduce pollution and climate change, employ sustainable practices, and address systemic issues like climate change. The MFF portfolio includes companies that have low Carbon Intensity relative to peers, diverse board structures in terms of gender and race, and a commitment to transitioning to clean energy and Net Zero carbon emissions.

Mission Related Investments

In 2016, MFF launched a mission related investment program focused on scalable business models aligned with MFF’s Energy Efficiency grant program areas in the Northeast and Southeast, and companies or projects within the geographic range of MFF’s urban grantees that strengthen the social fabric or physical landscape of urban communities

Between 2016 and 2022 $1 million in commitments were invested in efforts closely aligned with MFF’s philanthropic priorities.

Equitable Future For All

As MFF  embarks on its new 10-year strategic plan we intend to align our investment strategy with our new  place-based approach to grantmaking. We hope this will increase our efforts towards building  a sustainable and equitable future for all.

Mission Related Investment Commitments

  • Agrarian Trust

    Agrarian Trust catalyzes support for next-generation farmers by working with communities to acquire and steward land for equitable access, cultural reconnection, regenerative agriculture, and ecological restoration

  • Boston Impact Initiative

    Boston Impact Initiative advances economic and racial justice by building a sustainable and inclusive economy where entrepreneurs and communities of color have financial, social, and political power.

  • BlocPower

    BlocPower uses proprietary technology to analyze, finance and upgrade homes and buildings with the latest in energy-efficient, electric technology and appliances. In this way, they reduce soft costs, shorten project timelines and make the benefits of these upgrades accessible to all.

  • Sustaining Urban Neighborhoods (SUN) Initiative

    BlueHub Capital's SUN Initiative helps families who are facing foreclosure stay in their homes—as homeowners. They work together with homeowners to save their homes and build financial health for a brighter future.

  • Local Enterprise Assistance Fund (LEAF)

    LEAF is a non-profit CDFI that provides flexible and affordable financing to healthy food enterprises in Massachusetts and food co-ops throughout the United States.

  • Partner Community Capital

    Partner Community Capital (PCAP) helps small businesses get the capital and other resources they need but can’t access. They deliver flexible, empowering loans to borrowers in underserved communities.

  • Resonant Energy

    Resonant Energy is a Boston-based solar company with a mission to build a more equitable clean energy transition by serving nonprofits, affordable housing and underinvested communities across Massachusetts.

  • Sunwealth

    Sunwealth puts investors money to work in community-based solar projects that benefit people and the planet. They provide community organizations with access to affordable clean energy while creating social, environmental and financial returns.