Negative Returns: the Impact of Impact Investing on Empowerment and Advocacy

This article critically examines the impact of impact investing on empowerment and advocacy efforts. It suggests that while impact investing aims to create positive change, it can inadvertently lead to "negative returns" by shifting focus away from core advocacy and capacity-building activities within organizations. The author questions whether the pursuit of financial returns might compromise the broader social mission and the ability of organizations to empower communities and champion their interests.