$1M investment in new impact fund to boost minority and women-owned ventures in KC

A $1 million cash injection from The Sunderland Foundation will further efforts to bolster the only impact-oriented, opportunity zone fund focused entirely on Kansas City. 

equity² Partners announced the investment Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for the mission driven impact investment firm which has committed to deploying capital in inclusive and equitable ways — especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic — through its equity2 Impact Fund. 

“The launch of this new fund could not be more timely. Now more than ever it is important that we invest hometown capital in innovative ways to accelerate financing for underserved businesses,” Randy Vance, president and COO of The Sunderland Foundation, said in a release citing the funds ability to build real equity in Kansas City by further elevating and backing the work of minority and women-owned ventures. 

“We know this investment is going to create a stronger and more inclusive regional economy,” he added.

Contributions from the fund are expected to fuel community-focused real estate projects, affordable housing needs, and quality, sought-after and accessible job creation, equity2 said. 

Such investments are set to begin in the first quarter of 2021, clustered in the historic Northeast/Paseo Gateway, Central City, Blue River Valley, Swope Park, and Martin City areas, as well as opportunity zones in Wyandotte County.

“This really is one of those unique situations where investors can achieve both the personal financial benefits of a traditional investment, as well as the broader community benefits typically associated with philanthropy,” said Emily Lecuyer, managing director of equity² and director of impact investments for AltCap.

“We’re excited to work with such a strong institution and to onboard additional partners to make a meaningful and sustained impact in our community.”

Emily Lecuyer, equity2 Partners, AltCap

equity2 was launched by AltCap in 2019, joining the community development financial institution’s fold of programs and resources that has given entrepreneurs access to $250 million in new markets tax credits and $21 million in small business financing since 2005.

The equity2 Impact Fund is open to accredited investors and accepts qualifying capital gains for opportunity zone tax benefits. 

Click here to learn more about the equity² Impact Fund.