Blog

FEBRUARY 13, 2026 – Choosing an investment manager to steward your nonprofit’s funds can feel daunting. You want a partner that will value your mission, understand your organization and manage your assets with care. But how do you know where to begin?

We sat down with Jordan Lovelady, Vice President of Client Investment Solutions, to discuss the questions nonprofits most often ask when considering a partnership with HighGround.

How can a nonprofit tell if HighGround is the right fit?

Several things set us apart from other investment managers. First, we serve nonprofits exclusively. As a nonprofit ourselves, we understand the intricacies of nonprofit governance, board structures and mission-driven decision making.

We also encourage nonprofits to consider mission alignment. HighGround invests in socially-screened investment funds that reflect our values. It’s important for nonprofits to determine whether those values align with their own.

How does HighGround help nonprofits establish and assess their investment goals?

Many prospective clients come to us wanting a plan for their funds beyond a checking account or a general investment account. Some organizations have a specific purpose for their funds, such as an endowment or building fund, while others want to grow an emergency fund or operating reserves. In each case, they are looking for a strategy that meets their needs now and creates long-term impact.

Our first step is helping clients build or review their Investment Policy Statement (IPS). Together, we help them determine the different “buckets” of funds, each with its own risk tolerance, purpose and time horizon. We guide clients through key questions: Do they need access to the funds now or later? What are the funds supporting? Who is responsible for oversight? These considerations help build a plan that works today and well into the future. We also recommend reviewing the IPS periodically to ensure it continues to meet the organization’s needs.

Some nonprofits come to us with a clear vision, while others need guidance. Either way, we help them build a plan that fits their objectives.

What makes HighGround’s investment philosophy unique?

Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that consistent, fundamentally sound investment and risk management practices improve your ability to meet long-term objectives. We believe asset allocation is the best way to balance risk and return, and we advocate for global diversification across both public and private markets to improve risk-adjusted returns. HighGround also utilizes active management strategically to increase economic value over passive options. 

Our five core investment tenets are asset allocation, long-term focus, global diversification, active management and disciplined process. Rather than riding the waves of volatile investments, our portfolios are designed for steady, long-term growth.

What investment strategies are available for nonprofits of different sizes?

HighGround offers investment strategies ranging from turnkey, pre-built solutions to fully customizable. Our most popular option is the Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) model, ideal for organizations that want to grow their assets but lack internal resources to manage investments. Larger organizations may prefer to set their own objectives and risk tolerances and decide which funds they wish to invest in. For these organizations, HighGround can serve in an advisory capacity.

We build custom solutions based on each organization’s needs and their desired level of involvement. We don’t require clients to fit into our platform; we shape our approach around them.

You can learn more about our investment philosophy and strategies here.

What else sets HighGround apart?

Our socially-screened funds are very popular with nonprofits who want their investments to reflect their values and beliefs.

We also serve a wide range of nonprofits, from small churches to large educational institutions, and we offer solutions tailored to each of them. We don’t have account minimums. Every client, regardless of size, has access to all of our investment options, including alternatives such as hedge funds, private credit and private equity. All of our funds offer liquidity, giving clients quick access to their assets when needed.

In addition to comprehensive investment and asset management services, HighGround provides charitable gift planning support and guidance on matters unique to tax‑exempt organizations and the individuals who support them.

Most importantly, we offer personal service. Every nonprofit we serve is paired with both a relationship manager and an account manager. When questions arise, they speak with people who know their organization and are dedicated to serving them with excellence, not an automated system, a generic service representative or a 1‑800 number.

Interested in learning more about partnering with HighGround? Contact our Vice President of Client Investment Solutions Jordan Lovelady at  214.978.3314 or jordan.lovelady@highgroundadvisors.org.