A Five-Year Case Study of Fossil Fuel Divestment at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund

In September 2014 The Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF) announced it would divest from all fossil fuels. With a mission to advance social change that contributes to a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world, RBF knew it had to ensure all of its assets – not just the required 5% – were aligned with this mission. Since committing to fully align its investments with its mission, RBF has cut fossil fuel exposure to less than 1% of its portfolio. This case study and the related materials highlight how RBF – an institution founded by oil wealth – became active shareowners, shifted a large percentage of its endowment to MRIs, and overcame resistance from its investment committee to transition its endowment from oil to clean energy.