Credit Union Research

GENERAL RESEARCH ON RESPONSIBLE BANK TOPICS

[Article about Community Development Orgs] with a definition of different types:

Community development banks provide communities in need with many of the same services as commercial banks and are subject to the same government regulations. Community development banks, however, focus on improving their communities rather than maximizing the profits of their shareholders. They accomplish this goal primarily by providing loans to individuals and organizations that use the money in a manner that will ultimately benefit the community.

Community development credit unions operate much like standard credit unions. They are government-regulated nonprofits, owned and controlled by their members. Like community development banks, these credit unions focus on the revitalization of low-income communities by providing members with loans and standard banking services.

Community development loan funds are also nonprofit organizations, but they are not subject to government regulations. They aggregate loans and investments from socially responsible individuals and institutions at below-market rates, then re-lend the money to organizations working to rebuild the community.

Community development venture capital funds make equity investments in small to medium-sized businesses. The goal of these investments is to create prosperity in low-income communities through an infusion of wealth and jobs while generating a profit for investors.

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General research on Socially Responsible Investing

[Article about "Socially Responsible Investment Companies"]

[The Forum for Sustainable Investing]

SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT COMPANIES

[Mutual Fund comparisons by FSI]