Recently Published

By Sydney Aeschlimann and John Brock | By BenefitsPRO

As warm weather brings life to our gardens, it is a perfect time to reflect on how we can nurture and protect participants’ financial assets. Just as a gardener tends to their plants to ensure they grow strong and healthy, stable value investments play a crucial role in nurturing participants’ financial wellbeing.

By Ian Gilbert and Tomas Jansson | By VettaFi Advisor Perspective

As potential income tax increases loom large over the financial landscape, retirement savers are seeking innovative strategies to protect their nest eggs and maximize their retirement savings.

By Natalie Miller and Kristy Legrande | By Financial Advisor

Measuring returns is essential for evaluating the success or failure of an investment program. At first glance, this seems like a straightforward exercise. However, return measurement becomes increasingly complex when looking at less traditional investments, such as private equity or private debt.

By Sloan Smith | By VettaFi Advisor Perspective

The beginning of 2025 has been quite a ride for market participants. After two strong years in the equity markets, greater uncertainties have arisen. Recently, volatility has been driven primarily by stretched valuations in the United States equity market, concerns surrounding inflation and monetary policy, and, most importantly, changes in trade policy, including tariffs.

Published in FIN News

The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund has selected Innovest Portfolio Solutions as its investment consultant for its approximately $2 billion portfolio, a spokesperson said, in an e-mail.

By Sloan Smith and Luke Hollister | Published in Financial Advisor

In a market where equity valuations are above their 25-year average and fixed income has failed to provide substantial inflation-adjusted returns, Investors may be wary of looking solely to public markets for investment options to achieve their long-term goals. In private markets, one area of investment that appears compelling is real assets, specifically, infrastructure.

By Troy Jensen and Luke Hollister | Published in TEXPERS

America is facing a wave of retirements that is unprecedented in modern history. In 2025, more than 11,000 Americans from the baby boomer generation will reach the retirement age of sixty-five. They will find themselves confronted by a decision they likely did not give much thought to prior to retirement: do they keep their retirement assets in their employer’s plan, roll them over to an IRA, or withdraw them as a lump-sum distribution?

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

Do you talk with your donors about their checking accounts or balance sheets? While the answer is probably not directly, in another way, every nonprofit fundraiser does so when they don't go past asking donors for a straightforward one-time gift. I consider these contributions to be "checkbook gifts," and you may be missing one of the biggest opportunities in philanthropy today in the form of non-liquid assets.

By Peter Mustian and Sydney Aeschlimann | Published by PLANSPONSOR Magazine

In this article Peter Mustian and Sydney Aeschlimann explore how options such as collective investment trusts and institutional separate accounts have gained traction in recent years.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

Many people don’t realize the size of the nonprofit workforce in the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the sector accounts for 9.9% of the workforce. However, if you're reading the tea leaves, nonprofits are in choppy waters.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

In 2025, you can't open an app or device that doesn't now have artificial intelligence (AI) integrated into it. In turn, this has created immense data everywhere, including for nonprofits. However, specific to those organizations, it's also created a dilemma: how to translate data into dollars.

Published by Family Office Magazine

Last year, Americans gave more than $557 billion to U.S. nonprofits. We enjoy the most generous tax system in the world in terms of encouraging gifts to charity. It is simply part of our DNA. However, the dark underbelly of American generosity is the lack of awareness

By Steve Karsh | Published by Financial Advisor

All the recent tariff talk has caused the U.S. stock market to experience elevated volatility. Despite the wild ride, markets are almost back to all-time highs again.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by Nonprofit Pro

Many nonprofit boards and executive directors want fundraisers to find shortcuts to getting major gifts. With the uncertainty in the economy now focused on the nonprofit sector, finding new major donors has become a top priority for organizations. And, of course, since artificial intelligence (AI) is a big deal, nonprofits are also debating if an investment in AI tools to uncover prospects is worthwhile.

By Sydney Aeschlimann and Robert Stebbins | Published by 401K Specialist

Reaching summit of the landmark law’s changes made more challenging by two big looming provisions. Navigating SECURE 2.0 provisions has been a journey for plan sponsors and service providers. One could akin the journey to climbing a steep mountain, often without a clear path.

By Rick Rodger and Kyli Soto | Published by TEXPERS

Many things have changed over the past three decades, including the internet, telephones, cameras, and, of course, the retirement plan advisory business. That business has seen an evolution of investment consultants, which, for a while, seemed to create much better conditions for retirement plans and their participants. However, the advisory business has been recently reverting to self-interested arrangements, reversing much of the progress made.

By Richard Todd | Published by Innoviews

Despite a once-in-a-lifetime bizarre election year, the markets were very good, and client returns were excellent in ’24. We appreciate the incredible client trust, loyalty, and robust new business growth as we experienced our best year in our 28-year history

By Rick Rodgers and Christian O’Dwyer | Published in Innovest Portfolio Solutions

Rick Rodgers & Christian O'Dwyer highlight the significance of the Fidelity Blue Chip Growth Fund, emphasizing its strategic role and applications within the broader investment landscape.

By Sloan Smith and Matthew Foster | Published in Family Office Magazine

In this article, Sloan Smith and Matthew Foster explore the advantages and disadvantages of implementing direct indexing and offer insights into the future of portfolio management.

Published by Pensions & Investments

Innovest was named a 2024 Best Place to Work in Money Management by Pensions & Investments for the tenth time in eleven years. (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).

By Christian O’Dwyer and John Walsh | Published in The NonProfit Times

One of the main reasons to set up a spend-down fund is to address causes that require more immediate attention. Some donors are opting to reap the fruits of their gifts while experiencing their impact.

By Steven Fraley and Austin Cleveland | Published in Advisor Perspectives

Congratulations to baby boomers for hitting the investment scenario lottery! You weathered both the dot-com bubble of the early 2000s and the global financial crisis, each of which presented opportunities to buy stocks at bargain prices. In the years that followed, you benefited from exceptional equity returns.

By Peter Girard and Natalie Miller | Published by Advisor Perspectives

In light of an election’s social and cultural consequences, it is easy for investors to exaggerate the president’s effect on the markets. This concern is likely misplaced. More often, what investors do not or cannot expect has the most drastic impact on invested capital.

By Steven Fraley | Quoted in CityWire’s Due Diligence Report

With an objective to grow the portfolio while balancing risk and return, US stocks can help achieve these goals without excessive exposure to market downturns.

By Sloan Smith | Quoted in CityWire’s Due Diligence Report

Sloan Smith provides four key benefits of loans provided by private credit investment managers which have become more favorable for investors, Innovest has become more bullish on the asset class.

By Sloan Smith and Natalie Miller | Published by Financial Advisor Magazine

Since the beginning of 2022, the private equity market has gone through a transition. With the dramatic rise in interest rates, private equity firms, which typically borrow significant amounts of capital, had to reevaluate not only what were the best businesses to purchase but, importantly, how they were going to sell their current underlying portfolio companies

By Peter Mustian | Published by Advisor Perspectives

While strategy provides direction, a strong culture is the foundation that supports and sustains an organization’s success. Culture influences every aspect of an organization and defines the purpose and values that guide the actions of employees.

By Kyli Soto and Joanne Cinalli | Published by TEXPERS

Fiduciaries have a multitude of responsibilities in both their personal lives and professional roles. The intricacies of fiduciary duties may not come naturally to everyone, making it essential to surround yourselves with individuals truly dedicated to this craft.

By Steven Fraley | Published by Advisor Perspectives

The power of changing our minds and adapting to market shifts and evolving landscapes can make us better investors.

By Peter Girard and Austin Cleveland | Published by Advisor Perspectives

Recent increases in the Federal Funds Rate by the Federal Reserve have created potential implications for the economy, financial markets, and investment strategies.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by Philanthropy Daily

Nonprofits can potentially improve fundraising results by focusing on building strong relationships with donors and aligning with traditional American values.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

In some nonprofits, there is always a never-ending search for donors, which is like a mythical snipe hunt. In that ongoing search, the big donor for most nonprofits is tantalizingly out of reach. There's a reason for this.

By Rick Rodgers and Tomas Jansson | Published by Innovest Portfolio Solutions

In this webinar, Rick Rodgers and Tomas Jansson provide an in-depth review of the Total 401(k) Plan Cost Analysis, offering valuable insights into plan expenses and opportunities for informed decision-making.

By Sloan Smith and Steven Fraley | Published by Innovest Portfolio Solutions

Sloan Smith and Steven Fraley explore the significance of Private Credit Opportunities, discussing strategies to access opportunities beyond direct lending and examining alternative approaches within the private credit landscape.

By Rick Rodgers and Tomas Jansson | Published by Innovest Portfolio Solutions

Rick Rodgers and Tomas Jansson provide a detailed examination of frequent errors employers make when designing and funding 401(k) plans. Their discussion offers strategic guidance to help organizations optimize plan performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance retirement outcomes for employees.

By Rick Rodgers and Jared Martin | Published by Innovest Portfolio Solutions

Rick Rodgers and Jared Martin provide valuable insights into international investing, offering a strategic overview of global market opportunities. Their discussion highlights key considerations and critical questions investors should address before pursuing international investment strategies.

By Sloan Smith and Steven Fraley | Published by Innovest Portfolio Solutions

Sloan Smith and Steven Fraley examine the potential opportunities within general partner stakes, offering strategic insights into how investors can effectively engage and capitalize on this evolving segment of the private markets.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

A nonprofit decided last year to have a reception targeting major donors in March. That organization is located in an area where the weather is quite cold at that time of year. Unfortunately, the nonprofit didn't hit its fundraising goal because many donors were in southern states for the winter.

By Sloan Smith | Published by CityWire

When cultivating multi-asset portfolios, advisors, wealth managers and investment consultants are planting different portions of assets in the municipal bond market, as we found out from five of them.

By Sloan Smith | Published by Family Office Magazine

In 2022, the Federal Reserve increased short-term interest rates at a historically swift pace as a means to hinder inflation. The rate escalation created an interesting dynamic in the commercial real estate market. Higher borrowing costs made it more expensive for investors to finance both commercial real estate acquisitions and developments. M

By Peter Girad | Published by Advisor Perspectives

Investment offerings will encounter quantitative challenges at some point in their lifecycle. Those issues within the realm of due diligence encompass all measurable aspects that might signal problems from an investment management perspective.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

Wealthy donors aren't accepting the role of management and stating that as the “shareholders” who are significantly investing in the future of the organization, they have the right to dictate the terms of what a nonprofit does

By Rick Rodgers and Frank Cornett | Published by VettaFi

Investment consulting firms are often engaged for their independence, expertise, experience, and innovative solutions. But the consulting industry is changing through acquisition and consolidation.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

It's easy to get distracted from the idea that together we can do incredible things. It seems that every day we wake up, there's more discussion about tribalism and polarization. In the nonprofit sector, there are many conversations about how artificial intelligence (AI), changing donor ideas, and social strife are causing nonprofits to change and even appear as institutions of the past. 

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

The fact is that the best fundraisers are in high demand. These professionals know the art and science of cultivating, stewarding and, most importantly, making the right ask at the right time to the right person for the right reason.

By Kristy Legrande | Published by Innovest Portfolio Solutions

In light of recent elections and ongoing market shifts, Kristy Legrande explores key public policy issues affecting high-net-worth and family-owned businesses, providing insights into how these changes may shape future financial strategies.

By Rick Rodgers and Brett Minnick | Published by Innovest Portfolio Solutions

In this webinar, Rick Rodgers and Brett Minnick review an interview with Boston Partners, offering key insights into mid-cap value investing and the strategic perspectives shared during the discussion.

By Sloan Smith and Steven Fraley | Published by Innovest Portfolio Solutions

Sloan Smith and Steven Fraley with Versus Capital explores the evolving real estate investment landscape, examining the key headwinds and tailwinds shaping future opportunities. The conversation provides strategic insights into market trends, risks, and potential areas of growth within the sector.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published in NonProfitPRO

Paul D’Alessandro examines the evolving landscape of modern philanthropy, emphasizing the need for nonprofits to adopt bold, forward-thinking visions to drive lasting impact. It highlights strategic approaches to innovation, leadership, and mission alignment in an increasingly competitive and purpose-driven sector.

By Sloan Smith | Published in CityWire.

The ‘magnificent seven’ have led the stock market this year as U.S. large-cap tech returns to form but are there better opportunities overseas?

By Steven Fraley and Brett Minnick | Published in Advisor Perspectives

Equity-market concentration has been a topic of growing concern. The seven mega-cap tech giants, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, and Tesla, have dominated the performance of the global stock market. There has been so much hype around those companies that they have commonly been referred to as the “magnificent seven,” the largest U.S. companies by market capitalization.

By Christian O’Dwyer and Austin Cleveland | Published by CityWire

With yield around 2% over inflation, Cetera Investment Management in El Segundo, California, is an ‘aggressive buyer’ of fixed income.

By Kyli M. Soto and Troy Jensen | Published by 401k Specialist

When it comes to 401(k) participants no longer working at a company, Innovest’s Kyli Soto and Troy Jensen take inspiration from The Clash classic in suggesting why plan sponsors might want to provide nudge toward moving those assets out of plan

By Sydney Aeschilmann and Brett Minnick | Published by Financial Advisor

Mid-cap equities, like middle children, can often be overlooked. It is easy to be captivated by large-cap equities, with their impressive scale or an up-and-coming small-cap tech company that is slated to be the next big thing, but nestled between these two extremes are mid-cap companies. With market capitalizations ranging from $2 billion to $10 billion, mid-cap companies inhabit a sweet spot in the market, balancing growth potential and security.

By Sloan Smith | Published by Family Office Magazine

In 2022, the Federal Reserve increased short-term interest rates at a historically fast pace in order to hinder inflation. This had a massively negative effect on equities and fixed income, where both were down 18% and 13%, respectively.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

As we have seen in recent years, our country is hurting. According to reporting from ABC News, from 1980 to 2022, there were 8.1 significant climate events. Between 2018 and 2022, the number is 18. That's sobering, of course, but as a nonprofit executive, have you ever considered that it increases the chances that your donors will be affected and maybe even come to you for assistance, depending on your work?

Published by Denver Business Journal

Innovest Portfolio Solutions, an independent provider of investment-related consulting services, announced that Christian O’Dwyer has rejoined the firm as a Principal and Consultant specializing in investment strategy, primarily for foundations, endowments, nonprofit organizations, and families. He also works with families on next generation planning, financial education, and financial literacy for future leaders.

By Sloan Smith and Cos Braswell | Published by Advisor Perspectives

The turmoil in the banking system earlier this year caused private-debt issuers to make concessions, including floating rates and improved covenants, which make this an attractive asset class.

By Frank Cornett | Published by Financial Advisor

It would be an understatement to say that Americans and broader the population worldwide have experienced several significant events with a profound impact on their lives. Advisors and economists often field questions around prediction of the next economic decline or recession. Apprehension that the next recession will have as much impact as many major recent events is pervasive.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

For many years, I insisted that there was a paradigm shift in the nonprofit sector, like that moment when the sea retracts into itself before the water surges forward in a tsunami. At times, I got pushback from fundraisers who said that any change wouldn't be massive. In short, they thought everything would stay the same as it always was — until the pandemic happened. Now it's harder to contact donors or ask them to support campaigns.

By Richard Todd | Published by The Denver Business Journal

At nearly any organization with a service or product to sell, there is an integrated relationship between service and sales. Ideally, they work hand in hand: a culture of excellent client service will drive greater sales, and a client-focused sales culture will in turn enhance the scale and efficiency that allows for better service. When these two factors get out of balance, conflicts arise.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

We know that we're the most philanthropic country on the planet. For decades, wealthy and not-so-rich donors have contributed billions to nonprofit organizations. However, something has quietly been happening at the millionaire and billionaire levels right under everyone’s noses. It's a shift away from dealing directly with nonprofit executives and fundraisers and instead, wealthy donors are adding layers of distance between themselves and the nonprofits they support. 

Published by The Denver Business Journal

Innovest Portfolio Solutions, an independent provider of investment-related consulting services, announced that Jason Romero has joined the firm as a Vice President.

Published by CityWire

Last year was a bleak one for bond investors as prices saw historic lows come from the Federal Reserve’s anti-inflation policy stance. But 2023 signals better prospects, according to some asset managers.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

In fundraising, major gifts are often considered the holy grail. Still, in my experience, fundraisers don't really know how to deal with them. Sure, they look for opportunities to learn how to do major gift work. They read about the latest trends in tech, and understand the correct portfolio size and moves management system to implement, but they don't internationalize the message that there's one singular approach to success — relational fundraising.

By Steven Fraley and Nancy Rimington | Published by Advisor Perspectives

Equity and bond markets are often impacted by global events and the health and direction of the economy. This has been increasingly relevant over the last few years given the global health pandemic, war in Ukraine, and the highest U.S. inflation in more than 40 years. Recent failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse have contributed to an understandable dip in consumer sentiment. This shaken confidence can lead to increased concerns and fears about what’s to come and cause a ripple effect in investment markets.

By Richard Todd | Published by Philanthropy Daily

An organization’s culture is simply defined as the shared values and practices that align its employees. In other words, it is the glue that holds an organization together. The more a company’s leaders care about its culture, the more likely it is to be successful. Less successful organizations might struggle to define their culture, but they certainly have one (and it’s likely negative).

Published by Plansponsor

Search consultants can provide employers additional insights that help to extract the most from requests for information and requests for proposals, but there are several things to consider before deciding to use an intermediary.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

The case statement is long considered essential to a successful campaign in nonprofit fundraising. The assumption is that a well-crafted case statement provides a solid foundation for your organization's fundraising efforts. As talented fundraisers know, a good case includes defining your cause, goals and the impact of donor support. But what if your nonprofit case is doing more harm than good?

By Sloan Smith | Published by CityWire

When it comes to private markets, an area that has become interesting is private equity secondaries. In 2022, we saw a substantial sell off in not only the global equity but also the fixed income markets. On average global equities were down 18% and high-quality fixed income was down 13%, its worst one-year performance in almost one hundred years. However, the private equity space held up relatively well and didn’t experience substantial write downs during the course off 2022

Published by Family Office

Innovest’s Chief Investment Officer (CIO) services were recently highlighted in Family Office Magazine, showcasing the firm’s distinctive culture and core values. The feature article offers insight into the principles that guide Innovest’s approach to serving clients with integrity, expertise, and a long-term perspective.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

Many in the nonprofit industry think things will always remain the same or evolve slowly. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. I predict that by the end of the decade, philanthropy will be upended by the economy, technology and donors who don't trust or want to support nonprofits. As a result, there’s a growing opportunity for innovation in social good — and one approach is impact investing, also known as mission- or values-based investing.

The NAPA Top DC Advisor Team list highlights the nation’s leading retirement plan advisor firms. Unlike other lists, this focuses on teams, broadly defined as being in a single physical location, and having at least $100 million in DC assets under advisement. Innovest was listed within this year list.

Published by Plansponsor

Innovest’s Portfolio Solution was recently featured in PLANSPONSOR magazine, highlighting the firm’s innovative approach to investment management and its commitment to delivering tailored solutions for institutional clients.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

As we know, nonprofit organizations provide services to the general public. As a result, they have a unique role in society. In short, we trust them to support socially good and positive causes, and, in exchange, the government generally provides them with tax exemptions. However, many nonprofits make a serious error in thinking that the annual reporting of how great the sector’s doing is predictive of the future.

Published by The Denver Business Journal

One of the best parts about being a business leader is belonging to a group of entrepreneurs facing the same challenges and opportunities. Talking things out with others who are facing similar situations allows you to get advice and be understood. Richard Todd, CEO of Innovest, shares his insights and personal experiences on leadership within the investment industry, offering a thoughtful perspective on guiding a values-driven organization.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

The public's trust in nonprofits continues to decline. The reality is that there's a good reason. People care about making a difference and a positive social impact. I hear it all the time as I spend a lot of my days speaking to donors — from major donors giving away millions to small-dollar donors. But donors know that the way the sector is structured doesn't necessarily work.

By Brett Minnick and Kyli Soto | Published by BenefitsPro

Any discussion of capital preservation in a defined contribution plan can cause confusion or disinterest amongst plan fiduciaries. But much like the offensive line during a game-winning drive, its importance is most apparent amidst times of turmoil. As capital preservation continues to be one of the few asset classes providing participants with a positive nominal rate of return, fixed account products and stable value funds have come to the forefront when fiduciaries speak with recordkeepers and investment managers.

By Paul D’Alessandro | Published by NonProfitPRO

Do you work at a nonprofit where everyone's focusing on the near term without an eye to the future? Do you realize that there are shifting tides happening in philanthropy, but when you speak to executives or even the board, it's a cycle of dealing with what is versus what is needed for growth? If someone takes the time to do the work, it's plain to see that donors have started to move their financial contributions away from nonprofits to impact investing, venture philanthropy and donor-advised funds — whose grantors are, in fact, nonprofits.

By Troy Jensen | Published by TEXPERS

When should we expect that working like ‘pop’ to happen? Normal retirement age has long been conventionally held to be 65, a number we owe mostly to the Germans, from a policy they derived from World War I. In an era where more American workers are retiring each day than ever before- Boomers, a great deal of analysis and electronic ink has been put to examining whether that age is still the appropriate target.

Published by Innovest Portfolio Solutions

Discover Innovest’s Portfolio Solution, designed to support multiple retirement plans with a long-term, strategic investment approach tailored to meet the evolving needs of the clients.