For decades, investing was often framed as a cold calculation: maximize returns, minimize risk, and let ethics or social causes fall to the side. But over the last 10–15 years, something has shifted. Increasingly, affluent investors are asking a new question:
“Can my money do good for the world and deliver the steady income I need?”
The rise of impact investing shows us the answer is yes. Today, investors don’t have to choose between financial performance and positive change. In fact, some of the most stable, cash-flowing opportunities exist in areas where capital is directly improving lives.
At Oak Street Assets, our Impact Lending Fund (ILF) embodies this philosophy. For accredited investors who want predictable monthly income without tying up their capital, ILF offers something rare:
- Attractive yields (8%+ annualized).
- Liquidity with quarterly redemption options.
- A decade-long track record of zero losses.
- And perhaps most importantly—capital that helps expand housing and community development.
Let’s explore how this works, why it matters, and why affluent but conservative investors are increasingly drawn to this blend of impact + income.
The Rise of Impact Investing
Impact investing has grown from a niche concept into a mainstream expectation. According to the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), the market surpassed $1 trillion in assets in recent years. That number represents a growing movement of individuals and institutions who believe their capital should achieve more than just financial gain.
But for many affluent professionals—especially those nearing or in retirement—the question becomes: How do I participate without sacrificing my financial security?
This is where debt-focused funds like ILF stand out. They offer the safety and consistency of real estate-backed loans while directing capital into areas with measurable social benefits.
How ILF Capital Creates Community Impact
The Impact Lending Fund primarily invests in real estate debt secured by housing and community development projects. Here’s what that means in practice:
- Housing Expansion
- ILF helps fund loans for multifamily housing developments and renovations.
- These projects expand the supply of quality housing, often in areas facing shortages.
- More housing supply translates to more affordable, accessible living options for families.
- Community Development
- Capital flows to projects that revitalize neighborhoods, improve infrastructure, and strengthen local economies.
- This isn’t abstract—your dollars may literally help transform an underutilized property into a vibrant living space.
- Job Creation
- Construction, renovation, and management of these projects create employment opportunities.
- The ripple effects extend through communities, from contractors and suppliers to property management staff.
- Stability Through Tangible Assets
- Unlike speculative tech startups or abstract ESG funds, ILF’s investments are backed by physical real estate.
- Investors can point to real-world properties their dollars support.
The result? Your capital doesn’t just sit in a bank account—it actively supports housing solutions, community growth, and local economies, all while earning you income.
The Investor’s Pain Point: Head vs. Heart
Many accredited investors, particularly doctors, executives, and retirees, wrestle with a common tension:
- Head: “I worked hard for this money. I need safety, consistency, and liquidity.”
- Heart: “But I’d also love for my money to contribute to something meaningful.”
Traditional investments force you to choose. Donate for impact, invest for returns. But ILF removes that false choice. It says: You can have both.
The Numbers Still Have to Work
Let’s be clear—impact alone doesn’t justify an investment. For affluent but conservative investors, the math has to make sense. That’s why ILF is structured to deliver:
- Predictable monthly income. Investors receive cash flow every month, creating stability.
- 8%+ annualized target yield. That’s roughly double what high-yield savings accounts offer.
- 90-day liquidity. You can request redemptions quarterly, without multi-year lock-ups.
- 10+ years with zero investor losses. Backed by DLP Capital’s billion-dollar AUM track record.
When compared side by side, the numbers are compelling:
- $250,000 in savings at 4% = $10,000 annually.
- $250,000 in ILF at 8% = $20,000 annually.
That extra $10,000 isn’t theoretical. It’s cash flow you can use to fund travel, support family, or reinvest—while your dollars are simultaneously helping expand housing and communities.
Why This Matters for Retirees and Near-Retirees
When you’re 45–70 years old and thinking seriously about retirement, your goals look different than those of a 30-year-old chasing aggressive growth. You’re less interested in “swinging for the fences” and more focused on:
- Preserving capital.
- Generating predictable income.
- Maintaining flexibility in case of unexpected expenses.
The Impact Lending Fund aligns perfectly with this stage of life. It doesn’t ask you to risk principal chasing equity growth. It doesn’t tie up your money for 5–7 years. Instead, it provides steady income and keeps your capital accessible—while making a difference in the real world.
Closing Thought
Impact investing isn’t about charity. It’s about recognizing that your capital has power—the power to generate income for you and the power to improve communities at the same time.
With Oak Street Assets’ Impact Lending Fund, you don’t have to choose between doing well and doing good. You can achieve both, in a way that’s predictable, liquid, and proven.
Because at the end of the day, the best investments don’t just grow your balance sheet. They grow your legacy.
