Northstar Asset Management, Inc. - Socially Responsible Investing

Activism at NorthStar

At NorthStar Asset Management, we take a multi-faceted approach to activism, guided by our strong history in this arena and by your own concerns.

Shareholder resolutions bring issues before all shareholders for a vote. In the past, we have sponsored resolutions on issues of limiting executive compensation, improving corporate environmental practices, and protecting workers from discrimination. You can read more about these on our Media page, or view a table of recently filed resolutions here.

Charitable giving is an effective and rewarding form of activism. NorthStar Asset Management, Inc. works with clients - some of whom are new to charitable giving and others who have been actively giving for over fifty years - to build a focused plan that bridges their values and personal resources. We encourage clients to approach their giving in a comprehensive way and to use resources strategically maximizing their desired social impact and their personal tax benefit. To see some of the organizations that our clients support, please click here.

Corporate philanthropy: As an organization, NorthStar contributes time and money to many causes. We support organizations that complement and augment our work for social justice and change:

Responsible Wealth, a project of United for a Fair Economy, teaches wealthy individuals how to be a voice for economic social change. NorthStar partners with Responsible Wealth to create change within corporations through shareholder activism and shareholder resolution work. Responsible Wealth members use their unique voices, as large asset holders, to propose changes that will lead to a more fair economy and democratic society.
The Social Investment Forum is a national membership association dedicated to advancing the concept, practice, and growth of socially and environmentally responsible investing. Its members integrate economic, environmental, social and governance factors into their investment decisions, and SIF provides programs and resources to advance this work.
NorthStar advocates for gay rights in our work and our giving. Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), is the organization that argued for equal marriage for lesbians and gays before the Massachusetts courts and continues to support and defend the Court's decision. The Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) supports students and educators in creating schools that are free from anti-gay bullying, harassment and name-calling. The youth-led and adult-supported Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Youth (BAGLY) provides a safe space for youth to explore their identities.
Like many of you, NorthStar gives locally to support dynamic and vital communities. Boston Women's Fund gives grants to innovative organizations run by and for women and girls in Boston. Spontaneous Celebrations builds community by forging relationships between culturally diverse people through celebration and education. Mass Equality, a grassroots organization working to achieve full equality for the LGBT community, protects marriage equality in Massachusetts and supports other New England states in winning marriage equality.