A model we believe in
Steward Ownership
Steward ownership shifts control from investors to the people who run a business and live on or use a property — that is, the stewards — putting investors and stewards on the same side of the table. For us as investors, it isn't philanthropy. These are investments that make our capital enabling, not extractive.
In a typical landlord–tenant or investor–operator arrangement, the two sides are often at odds. Steward ownership removes that tension: the people closest to the work — or to the home — hold the power to run it, and the property is protected for its mission rather than for profit.
The principles we share across everything we do
Whether the property houses a business or a family, the same commitments hold. Stewards pay only the actual carrying costs of the property — taxes, mortgage, and insurance — and nothing more. As investors, we take no return on our capital. For a restaurant, that means that rather than paying us so we can turn a profit, the stewards can use those funds to pay employees more and keep prices reasonable. And for housing, it means the rent can stay affordable.
The rights we give up
As investors, we deliberately give up rights that would normally be ours. As long as the stewards keep paying the carrying costs and stay true to the agreed-upon mission, we cannot mortgage or sell the property out from under them. That security is the point — it lets stewards commit fully, knowing the ground won't shift underneath them.
The Golden Share
Each project also includes a Golden Share — a special share held by an entity whose only role is to ensure the mission is maintained. It's a lasting safeguard that keeps a project true to its purpose, no matter who comes and goes.
Two ways we put it to work
The core model is the same; the details differ depending on whether the space serves a business or a home.
Steward-owned businesses
Businesses
Space and stability for mission-driven ventures, stewarded by the people who run them.
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We as investors purchase a building property.
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The building is renovated to make it ready for the business.
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The people who operate the business — the stewards — take over and run it themselves.
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Stewards pay only actual carrying costs — taxes, mortgage, insurance, and maintenance — and nothing more.
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If we and the stewards all agree to sell a property (approved by the Golden Share holder), we split the upside 50/50 with the stewards.
Steward-owned housing
Housing
Homes kept permanently affordable, stewarded by the people who live in them.
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We purchase a residential property.
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It's renovated to be safe, attractive, and ready for residents.
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Residents become the stewards, responsible for the upkeep of their homes.
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Residents pay only actual carrying costs — taxes, mortgage, insurance, and maintenance — and nothing more.
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If we and the stewards all agree to sell a home (approved by the Golden Share holder), we split the upside 50/50 with the stewards.
Why it matters
This is an ideal model for the next generation. In the next two decades, over a trillion dollars is being transferred to the next generation. Those who inherit these vast sums want to put their money to work for good but not simply give it away. Steward ownership offers a third path: using capital that's enabling rather than extractive to build long-lasting mission-driven businesses and affordable homes, with the people who do the work — and live the life — holding the power.