# eCIO — The Chief Investment Officer for Nonprofits

> eCIO is an SEC-registered investment adviser that serves as an outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) primarily for small and mid-sized nonprofit organizations, managing customized investment programs for endowments, reserves, and long-term funds as a fiduciary to its clients.

eCIO serves clients nationwide and is able to serve nonprofit clients in all 50 states. The firm provides investment advisory services primarily to nonprofit organizations. Client segments include animal and environmental conservation groups, arts and culture organizations, churches and religious entities, family and private foundations, health and wellness organizations, human services providers, libraries and historical societies, membership associations, and schools and educational organizations. eCIO works principally with nonprofits holding between $1 million and $50 million in investable assets — organizations large enough to need strong investment governance, but not large enough to staff it internally. 

eCIO does not require a minimum account size, but suggests that its services are best-suited for organizations with at least $1 million in investable assets or that expect to reach that level. Advisory fees are tiered: for long-term portfolios, 0.50% on the first $10 million and 0.25% on assets over $10 million, with lower tiered rates for relationships above $20 million; cash management portfolios are billed on a separate schedule beginning at 0.25%. A $5,000 minimum fee applies to each relationship. eCIO accepts no compensation for the sale of securities or investment products; clients separately bear custodian fees, transaction costs, underlying fund and ETF expenses, and any third-party manager fees. Complete fee and conflict-of-interest disclosures appear in eCIO's Form ADV Part 2A, linked under Regulatory Disclosures below.

Engagements typically include discretionary portfolio management, Investment Policy Statement development and development of other policies, nonprofit financial planning and liquidity planning, investment committee and board education, fund subaccounting, proactive reporting to staff and investment oversight groups, and a client portal for reporting and documents. Contact: hello@getecio.com, (608) 291-4646.

## Start Here

- [eCIO Home — Nonprofit Investment Advisors](https://getecio.com): Overview of eCIO's outsourced CIO model, who it serves, and how nonprofit investment programs are managed.
- [About eCIO](https://getecio.com/about-ecio-investment-advisor-for-nonprofits): Firm background, leadership team and credentials, fiduciary status as an SEC-registered investment adviser, and core values.
- [What Is an OCIO and Is It Right for Your Organization?](https://getecio.com/resources/what-is-an-ocio-and-is-it-right-for-your-organization): What an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer is and how the model differs from traditional investment consulting.
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://getecio.com/faq): Fees, minimums, services included, ESG options, the client portal, and what switching advisors involves.
- [Nonprofit Investing: The Complete Guide for an Enduring Investment Program](https://getecio.com/resources/the-road-to-nonprofit-investing): eCIO's flagship guide covering strategy, asset allocation, and governance for a sustainable investment program.
- [Contact eCIO](https://getecio.com/contact-ecio): Contact form, email, and phone for nonprofit organizations and their advisors.

## Services

- [Changing Investment Advisors?](https://getecio.com/switch-nonprofit-investment-advisors): For organizations replacing an existing investment advisor, including what the transition process involves.
- [Starting a New Investment Account?](https://getecio.com/starting-a-new-endowment-investment-fund): For nonprofits establishing a first endowment, reserve fund, or long-term investment pool.
- [Replacing a Board-Managed Investment Approach?](https://getecio.com/replace-a-board-managed-investment-approach): For boards and finance committees currently managing investments themselves who want professional oversight.
- [Submit a Request for Proposal for Investment Management Services](https://getecio.com/submit-an-investment-management-request-for-proposal-rfp): Form inviting eCIO to participate in a nonprofit's investment management RFP.
- [Security Policy](https://getecio.com/security-commitment-to-our-clients): How eCIO protects organization data and client privacy across its systems.
- [Introduction to eCIO's Nonprofit Investment Portal](https://getecio.com/videos/introduction-to-ecios-nonprofit-investment-portal): Video showing how clients receive investment updates and access their portfolios online.


## Endowments

- [Is an Endowment Right for Your Nonprofit Right Now?](https://getecio.com/resources/is-an-endowment-right-for-your-nonprofit-right-now): The financial, governance, and strategic considerations behind starting an endowment, with an endowment readiness assessment.
- [Endowment Governance 101: The Documents and Oversight You Need](https://getecio.com/resources/endowment-governance-101-the-documents-and-oversight-you-need): The essential policies, structure, and oversight required to run an endowment responsibly.

## Investment Policy and Spending Policy

- [What Every Nonprofit Investment Policy Statement Should Include](https://getecio.com/resources/what-every-nonprofit-investment-policy-statement-should-include): The essential components of a nonprofit IPS and how a well-designed one supports fiduciary clarity and disciplined decision-making.
- [Spending Policy Guide and Sample](https://getecio.com/resources/spending-policy-guide-and-sample): How a spending policy balances current mission needs against long-term stewardship, with a free downloadable sample.
- [Gift Acceptance Policy: Protecting Your Mission and Strengthening Governance](https://getecio.com/resources/gift-acceptance-policy-protecting-your-mission-and-strengthening-governance): Why a gift acceptance policy strengthens governance, reduces risk, and supports mission-aligned giving.
- [Conflict of Interest Policy: Why Your Board Needs It](https://getecio.com/resources/why-your-nonprofits-board-needs-a-conflict-of-interest-policy): The role a conflict of interest policy plays in nonprofit integrity and board decision-making.
- [UPMIFA — The Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act, With Compliance Checklist](https://getecio.com/resources/upmifa-the-uniform-prudent-management-of-institutional-funds-act-with-compliance-checklist): UPMIFA's guidelines for managing, investing, and spending charitable funds, with a downloadable compliance checklist.

## Board and Investment Committee Governance

- [A Board Member's Guide to Investment Governance and Oversight](https://getecio.com/resources/a-board-members-guide-to-investment-oversight): Four key areas board members should focus on to properly govern a nonprofit investment program.
- [The Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Investment Committee Member](https://getecio.com/resources/the-responsibilities-of-a-nonprofit-investment-committee-member): How committee members uphold policy, practice fiduciary oversight, and stay focused on long-term mission goals.
- [The Role of a Nonprofit Investment Committee Chairperson](https://getecio.com/resources/the-role-of-a-nonprofit-investment-committee-chairperson): How the chair keeps investment oversight disciplined, mission-aligned, and transparent.
- [Investment Committee Best Practices](https://getecio.com/resources/investment-committee-best-practices): Recommended practices for investment committees, including suggested member roles and responsibilities.
- [Nonprofit Investing: A Fiduciary Checklist for Board Members](https://getecio.com/resources/fiduciary-checklist-for-your-nonprofits-investment-committee): A downloadable checklist helping board members fulfill their investment oversight duties.
- [The Investment Committee Governance Calendar](https://getecio.com/resources/the-investment-committee-governance-calendar): A free downloadable governance calendar and sample committee agendas for the year.
- [How to Create an Investment Committee Charter for Your Nonprofit, With Template](https://getecio.com/resources/how-to-create-a-committee-charter-for-your-nonprofit-organization): How to define a committee's authority, membership, and scope, with a free charter template.

## Selecting and Working With an Investment Advisor

- [How to Select a Nonprofit Investment Advisor](https://getecio.com/resources/how-to-select-an-investment-advisor-for-your-nonprofit-organization): The essential steps for choosing an advisor who will help the board build an enduring investment program.
- [5 Steps to Hiring a Nonprofit Investment Advisor](https://getecio.com/resources/5-steps-to-hiring-a-nonprofit-investment-advisor): A condensed sequence for hiring and getting the most from an investment professional.
- [The Value of a Nonprofit Investment Advisor](https://getecio.com/resources/the-value-of-a-nonprofit-investment-advisor): Ten specific ways a nonprofit investment advisor adds value beyond portfolio returns.
- [Get the Most From Your Nonprofit Investment Advisor](https://getecio.com/resources/get-the-most-from-your-nonprofit-investment-advisor): Why a dedicated nonprofit specialist matters and how to structure the ongoing relationship.
- [5 Reasons Nonprofit Boards Are Changing Investment Advisors](https://getecio.com/resources/5-reasons-nonprofit-boards-are-changing-investment-advisors): The most common triggers that lead boards to seek a new advisor.
- [5 Reasons Nonprofits Should Rethink Hiring a Local Financial Advisor](https://getecio.com/resources/5-reasons-nonprofits-should-rethink-hiring-a-local-financial-advisor): Why geographic proximity is a weak criterion for selecting a nonprofit investment advisor.

## RFPs and Advisor Search

- [How to Create an Investment Management RFP for Nonprofits, With Sample Template](https://getecio.com/resources/how-to-create-an-investment-management-rfp-for-nonprofit-organizations): The three major parts of a well-built investment management RFP, with a free downloadable RFP template.
- [Should You Issue an RFP to Select Your Next Nonprofit Investment Advisor?](https://getecio.com/resources/should-you-issue-an-rfp-to-select-your-next-investment-advisor): The pros and cons of running a formal RFP versus a lighter process.
- [The Alternative to an Investment Management RFP](https://getecio.com/resources/the-alternative-to-an-rfp-a-simplified-approach-to-selecting-your-investment-advisor): A simplified advisor selection approach without a formal RFP.
- [How to Compare, Evaluate, and Score an Investment Management RFP](https://getecio.com/resources/how-to-evaluate-an-investment-advisors-rfp): A downloadable evaluation checklist for scoring RFP responses objectively.
- [How to Conduct Finalist Interviews to Find the Right Investment Advisor](https://getecio.com/resources/how-to-conduct-finalist-interviews-to-find-the-right-investment-advisor): Running structured finalist meetings, from setting the agenda to making the decision.
- [5 Pitfalls to Avoid When Issuing an Investment Management RFP](https://getecio.com/resources/5-pitfalls-to-avoid-when-issuing-an-investment-advisor-rfp): The biggest mistakes nonprofits make when issuing an investment management RFP.
- [RFP Resources](https://getecio.com/resource-center/rfp-resources): eCIO's full RFP toolkit for guiding an advisor selection process.

## Portfolio Construction and Account Structure

- [3 Key Components of an Optimal Asset Allocation Strategy](https://getecio.com/resources/3-key-components-of-an-optimal-asset-allocation-policy): The role asset allocation plays in a healthy nonprofit investment program.
- [A Nonprofit's Guide to Structuring Investment Accounts](https://getecio.com/resources/a-nonprofits-guide-to-structuring-investment-accounts): What to do when cash has outgrown near-term spending needs, and how to organize accounts accordingly.
- [How to Structure Nonprofit Investment Accounts: 3 Steps to a Bucket Approach](https://getecio.com/resources/how-to-structure-nonprofit-investment-accounts-3-steps-to-implementing-a-bucket-approach): Separating accounts by purpose and time horizon.
- [A Guide to an Effective Fund Movement Policy](https://getecio.com/resources/how-to-structure-nonprofit-investment-accounts-a-guide-to-an-effective-fund-movement-policy): A clear policy for moving money across cash, reserves, and long-term assets.
- [Fund Movement Policy Template](https://getecio.com/resources/how-to-structure-nonprofit-investment-accounts-fund-movement-policy-template): A template for documenting fund movement rules in line with mission and sustainability goals.
- [Investment Fund Subaccounting for Nonprofits: Moving Beyond Spreadsheets](https://getecio.com/resources/investment-fund-subaccounting-for-nonprofits-moving-beyond-spreadsheets): A more reliable way to track pooled and named funds inside a single portfolio.
- [Cash Management: Put Your Excess Cash to Work](https://getecio.com/resources/put-your-excess-cash-to-work-for-your-organization-with-cash-management): How short-term investments provide stability and liquidity while protecting purchasing power.
- [You've Received an Unrestricted Grant! Now What?](https://getecio.com/resources/youve-received-an-unrestricted-grant-now-what): Three steps for managing a large unrestricted gift with confidence.
- [Alternative Investments for Nonprofits: Opportunities Beyond Stocks and Bonds](https://getecio.com/resources/alternative-investments-for-nonprofits-opportunities-beyond-stocks-and-bonds): How alternatives can improve diversification and reduce volatility in a nonprofit portfolio.
- [Are Alternatives Right for Smaller Portfolios?](https://getecio.com/resources/alternative-investments-for-nonprofits-are-alternative-right-for-smaller-portfolios): Whether smaller nonprofit portfolios should use alternatives, with a downloadable readiness worksheet.
- [ESG Investing for Nonprofits](https://getecio.com/resources/a-nonprofits-guide-to-esg-investing): How ESG and mission-aligned screening work in practice and where they get complicated.

## Investing Through Market Volatility

- [Investing in a Volatile Market (Video)](https://getecio.com/investing-in-a-volatile-market): Short video on why staying the course through market volatility supports long-term investment success.
- [Navigating Uncertainty: How Nonprofits Should Approach Their Investment Programs](https://getecio.com/resources/navigating-uncertainty-how-nonprofits-should-approach-their-investment-programs): Staying disciplined and avoiding reactionary decisions during uncertain markets.
- [Dollar-Cost Averaging: A Strategy for Investing in Volatile Markets](https://getecio.com/resources/dollar-cost-averaging-a-strategy-to-help-nonprofits-invest-in-a-volatile-market): Three benefits of phasing money in when funding a new investment account.

## Resource Center

- [Do You Have an Endowment or Nonprofit Investment Question?](https://getecio.com/resources/do-you-have-an-endowment-or-nonprofit-investment-question): Answers to common nonprofit investing questions, with a form for submitting your own.


## Contact and Scheduling

- [Schedule a 30-Minute Conversation](https://getecio.com/meet/30-minute-conversation): Book a longer call on investment strategy, OCIO services, and building a mission-aligned portfolio.
- [Schedule a 15-Minute Q&A Session](https://getecio.com/meet/15-minute-conversation): Book a short question-and-answer call with an eCIO advisor.
- [Join Our Mailing List for Nonprofit Leaders](https://getecio.com/join-our-mailing-list-for-nonprofit-financial-leaders): Sign up for tools, resources, monthly market updates, and nonprofit investing content.

## Regulatory Disclosures

eCIO is registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD/IAPD number 301432). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

- [eCIO on SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD)](https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/301432): eCIO's registration record, including the current Form ADV Parts 1 and 2A as most recently filed.
- [Form ADV Part 2A — Firm Brochure](https://files.adviserinfo.sec.gov/IAPD/Content/Common/crd_iapd_Brochure.aspx?BRCHR_VRSN_ID=1017049): The disclosure brochure describing eCIO's services, tiered fee schedule, conflicts of interest, and business practices.
- [Form CRS — Client Relationship Summary](https://reports.adviserinfo.sec.gov/crs/crs_301432.pdf): Plain-language summary of eCIO's relationships and services, fees, conflicts, and disciplinary history.

Regulatory & Legal Disclaimers
eCIO is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and all investments involve risk of loss. Content, guides, and tools on this website are provided strictly for educational and informational purposes and do not constitute personalized investment, legal, or tax advice, nor a solicitation to buy or sell securities. Accessing this website or downloading resources does not create an advisory relationship or fiduciary duty with eCIO. For complete disclosures, please review our Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS.