Investments

RainFrog actively seeks investments in companies that provide solutions to social and environmental challenges. However, we do not limit our investment to sectors that are commonly thought of as "alternative." We also invest in companies that have achieved the best environmental, social and corporate governance practices in their field. By investing in sustainability leaders, investors can encourage other companies to pursue sustainability as well.

While conventional mutual funds often seek to balance their portfolio between industries or sectors, RainFrog divides its portfolio according to the ethical rationale behind each investment. The classes of holdings in which we invest are described below. Because our portfolio is constantly evolving to reflect both market conditions and the changing interests of our partners, the exact balance of these groups in our portfolio will change over time.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is clean and carbon-neutral, so it doesn't contribute to global warming. Moreover, it allows communities to generate power locally, and thus to have control over their own energy sources. RainFrog's investments include solar power, wind energy, geothermal, and even methane generated from animal waste!

Energy Efficiency

Renewable energy may help to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, but we will not be able to move away from polluting energy sources entirely unless we use our energy more efficiently. RainFrog's energy efficiency investments include flywheel and compressed air technology for clean and safe energy storage, as well as soy-based friction reduction systems.  We also invest in railroads, which are three times as efficient as trucks for moving goods.  We are particularly proud of our investment in ultra-low emission hybrid locomotives! RainFrog's investments in public transportation also fall into this category.

Recycling

Recycling conserves both resources and energy. RainFrog invests in materials recycling such as lumber replacements that can be made from low-grade post-consumer plastic, as well as product recycling through companies like Appliance Recycling Centers of America. We also favor companies with strong internal recycling programs that reduce their contribution to the waste stream.

Sustainability

RainFrog invests in companies that focus on sustainability in the manufacture and delivery of products we use every day. For example, we invest in Canon Corp and Herman Miller, each of which is an energy efficiency and recycling leader in its industry. We also invest in ProLogis, the first US warehousing company to achieve carbon-neutrality at all of its facilities. 

Organic Agriculture

Organic agriculture protects both farmland and the natural ecosystems in which farmland is embedded, and a growing amount of research suggests that organics may have human health benefits as well. RainFrog proudly invests in the providers of organic produce.

Communications and Information Technology

RainFrog believes that communications and information technology have the potential to change the world for the better. When people can understand the connections between their actions and the lives of people in other parts of the world, they can make fair and informed decisions both in the market place and in the voting booth. Communication empowers people by facilitating community-building locally and grassroots networking on continental and global scales. RainFrog's investments in communications and information technology include hardware such as energy efficient computer processors as well as services such as wireless and Internet provision both in the developed and in the developing world.

Human Health

RainFrog believes that human health is worth investing in. We invest in medical technology and in healthcare providers, as well as athletic facilities and fitness equipment. Access to safe drinking water is expected to be one of the most important human health issues in the 21st century, and RainFrog places its investments in clean water technology in this category.

Community Finance

Individuals, families, and communities all need access to capital.  RainFrog participates in community finance by investing in small regional banks with excellent records of social and environmental responsibility and community service. We have also invested in MuniMae, a lender than facilitates affordable housing and renewable energy projects for municipalities both in the US and abroad.

Education

Education is an inherently ethical investment. RainFrog invests in educational institutions through the Massachusetts Health and Education Trust, and helps finance education for individuals with debt and equity financing to student loan providers.

Research

A thorough understanding of our natural world is essential both to conservation and to improving human standards of living. RainFrog supports in the pure sciences by investing in both research equipment and research facilities for public and private institutions.