Hello from our CEO - Winter 2022
As wintery temperatures are finding their way into Sydney, it’s time for our Sefa autumn highlights.
Our Engagement team and Social Finance crew are currently supporting over 40 clients who have signed up to our free advisory services under the Social Sector Transformation Fund. This service is now at capacity – and in full delivery mode.
It shows just how much organisations need an independent, critical friend by their side to work ‘on’ as well as ‘in’ the business to keep up with our ever-changing world. We are excited to share more of our clients’ impact stories over the coming months.
Recent government announcements about strengthening women’s economic participation (the OSII outcomes fund, NSW Women’s Strategy and NSW venture capital fund for female-led start-ups) have made us reflect on the range of clients we work with. We now realise how deeply connected we are to a gender lens approach in our work. Manfred Bauer (Head of Portfolio Management) and Renee Martin (Head of Engagement) share their perspectives on why gender lens investing is important and what this means for Sefa, our clients and our communities.
We are also energised by the $2m impact capital syndicate we have raised for Covidence, which powers a revolution in academic research. At the same time, we realise that inflation and increasing interest rates are challenging for our loan clients. We believe transparency and foresight are critical, especially in uncertain times, so we’re focusing on new ways to support our borrowers. Read how here. And if you’re after a supportive lending partner, please reach out to us.
I recently shared my journey into impact investing – and where I see opportunity for Sefa to make a mark across both capital and capability – on the Humans for Purpose podcast and in an OnImpact profile article – check them out if you have time.
I’m also excited to welcome the newest recruit, Lucy, as Team Assistant and Sefa squad number 14! She has been busy getting us ready for our big move, with this newsletter edition coming to you from our new home at Yirranma Place. It’s a community precinct for social purpose, brought to life by our partner, the Paul Ramsay Foundation. After an extended period of virtual reality, it is comforting to be able to strengthen connections and collaborate in a new environment – living our Sefa value of togetherness.
On a personal note, I am going on a European holiday in a couple of days to reunite with my entire family after over 2.5 years apart. I wish you similar happy moments of exciting travels and precious time with loved ones, whether overseas, interstate or just across town.
Warmest wishes,
Hanna