The church should be at the forefront of the impact economy

For those not familiar with this term, the impact economy is where private capital, enterprise and philanthropy are deliberately focused on generating positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. 

This isn't something that is just relevant to organisations like The Church Commissioners that have considerable resources, it is also something local churches and faith groups should very much be involved in and there are still lots of things that can be done to ensure finances are used to deliver broad positive outcomes.  

 As most churches and faith organisations are charities, the Charity Commission's guidance, Investing charity money: guidance for trustees  is a good starting point.  Does your church/faith group have an investment policy aligned with this guidance and have you looked to ensure that your investments are connected with net‑zero and human‑rights plans, with perhaps a portion of cash to mission‑aligned options?

What about piloting a small, repayable investment (e.g., energy retrofit, community hub, supported housing) with a specialist intermediary? 

If you make grants, treat these as place‑based investments – set simple outcome metrics (homes supported, kWh saved) and publish a one‑page annual update.

Perhaps most importantly use the moral capital you have, in conjunction with other churches and faith based organisations, to use your procurement and convening power; ask suppliers for climate/nature/human‑rights disclosures, requiring social value from them, host local “impact roundtables” with council and funders.