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What are successful examples or provisions for impact fund LPAs, and what should be avoided?

The Cornerstone LPA includes elements where impact could be integrated (e.g., fund thesis, prohibited sectors, the optional Mensarius Oath). However, an impact fund might want to go beyond that. What do impact funds layer into standard LPAs? What has worked well, what has not worked well, and under what conditions?

VC Lab has an article on impact venture funds below, but it does not delve deeply into mechanics. 

VC Lab's article on impact venture funds: https://govclab.com/2023/05/22/impact-venture-funds/
Examples in a 2023 article on "impact carry": https://impactvc.substack.com/p/lets-talk-about-impact-carry
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Common impact LPA add-ons that tend to work:

- Define the **impact thesis** clearly in the mandate, but keep room for judgment
- Add **negative screens / prohibited sectors**
- Require **annual impact reporting** with a small set of measurable KPIs
- Use **LPAC oversight** for conflicts or impact-policy exceptions
- Put bespoke rights in **side letters**, not the core LPA

Usually avoid:

- **Hard impact carry** or carry forfeiture tied to subjective metrics unless metrics, verifier, timing, and dispute process are extremely clear
- Broad LP vetoes over ordinary investment decisions
- Overly detailed KPI covenants that create reporting drag and hurt execution

Rule of thumb:
- Put principles in the LPA
- Put operating detail in policy documents / side letters
- Keep the fund investable first, reportable second

References:
- https://decilegroup.com/articles/lpa-template-for-vc-funds
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https://decilehub.com/base/1-general_questions/163975-cornerstone-lpa-what-protections-can-an-lpa-offer-to-risk-averse-lps-without-limiting-the-gp-s-ability-to-make-timely-investment-decisions-or-manage-the-portfolio-effectively

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