HealthSpark Foundation Launches Local Impact Investing Initiative to Strengthen Montgomery County Communities

Every community has within it the potential to grow, to adapt, and to thrive. At HealthSpark Foundation, we’re nurturing that potential by investing in Montgomery County’s future. We’re proud to share the next step in that commitment: the launch of our Local Impact Investing portfolio, where we are committing to investing $2 million, or 5% of our endowment, by the end of 2027 into mission-aligned nonprofit and for-profit ventures that will build healthy, equitable, and hopeful communities throughout Montgomery County.

To start, this fall we are launching the Montco Housing Loan Fund – a new effort designed to expand access to attainable housing and increase public, private, and philanthropic investment into Montgomery County’s affordable housing stock.

To seed this work, HealthSpark will invest $1 million of our assets into the Montco Housing Loan Fund, providing flexible, mission-aligned capital to help nonprofit and community developers create and preserve affordable homes across Montgomery County. As a revolving loan fund, it allows us to continuously reuse capital for housing projects in the county, creating a cycle of growth and reinvestment into communities. Even more, our aim is to exponentially increase that impact – not just with a simple one-time investment by a singular foundation, but by pooling capital among HealthSpark and its philanthropic peers, amplifying collective efforts to create lasting change. 

Second, we are partnering with Philadelphia-based firm Zenith Wealth Partners to deploy another $1 million into local for-profit ventures that are aligned with our values of community power and community-led solutions. As a 100% minority-owned firm, Zenith brings expertise in supporting foundations in using their resources to close the wealth gap by creatively targeting their assets to groups with limited historic access to capital, where investments will provide both social and financial impact.

"I’m so proud to see HealthSpark step deeper into our mission by adding a local impact investing strategy to our portfolio,” said Emma Hertz, President and CEO of HealthSpark Foundation. “By investing a portion of our endowment into local companies and nonprofits, we can spur even greater outcomes for our community while simultaneously ensuring we can provide continued grant support for years to come.”  

As previously noted, by 2027, 5% of our endowment will be dedicated to mission-aligned investments. This will establish a roadmap, with half of the funds supporting affordable housing and the other half advancing nonprofit and for-profit ventures that reflect our values to build community power. These commitments expand on our increased grantmaking commitments through 2028- reflecting our dedication to stepping into this moment with integrity, courage  and hope for the future. Ultimately, we are also working toward ensuring that by 2029, 100% of our overall investment portfolio is aligned with our mission. 

These efforts mark a natural extension of our grantmaking and programmatic work, deepening our impact and inviting new partners to join us in building a stronger Montgomery County. 

This journey began back in 2008, with the opening of the Community Partners Center, built by HealthSpark Foundation and the purchase of a neighboring house to provide affordable housing for tenants. The Center’s goal was designed to strengthen local nonprofits, improve access to community services, provide free convening space for nonprofits, and offer a professional, welcoming environment for both staff and clients. The adjacent home reflected our commitment to investing in affordable housing in Montgomery County. 

This first chapter of the journey laid the foundation for a deeper dedication to investing in our community’s future. Building on that vision, our staff and board have continued to explore how to expand this work. In the coming months, we will share more about this journey – how we are learning, growing, and partnering for thriving communities, and opportunities and justice for all.

We are investing in possibility – building homes, supporting local leaders, and helping shape a Montgomery County that is affordable, inclusive, and full of promise – today and for generations to come.