Through community development, investors designate part of their portfolio for credit unions, non-profit banks, or funds that make loans to start-up enterprises in low-income communities. Such programs provide capital and technical expertise to persons and groups that are often under-served by traditional lenders. Affordable housing and successful minority-owned businesses are other goals of community investing. See a complete detailed list of our community investments.
Is your organization interested in being considered for a UUCEF community investment? If so, please refer to the Request Memo Guidance for UUCEF Community Investments for instructions on how to apply.
Good General and Community Development Information
- Green America—Practical Suggestions for using your consumer and investor power for social change—includes excellent Community Development information
- Social Investment Forum (USSIF) CDFI
- Opportunity Finance Network—CDFI information
UUA Policy on Community Investments
In January 2003 the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Board of Trustees passed a policy formally requiring that a portion of UUA funds be invested in Community Investing (CI) Assets, generally recognized as investments in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Congregations are encouraged to invest idle cash and investment funds in community investments.
Key Definitions
Community Investing (CI) is financing that creates resources and opportunities for economically disadvantaged people and communities underserved by traditional financial institutions. CI supports development initiatives in low-income communities both in the United States and in developing countries. CI financing creates access to affordable financial services and financial education, loans for first-time homebuyers and affordable housing development, micro and small business development, community services, and venture capital financing.
Community Investments are offered by community investing institutions and include checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, loan notes, equity investments in community development, and money-market funds.
Community Investing Institutions include community development banks, credit unions, loan funds (including microenterprise lenders), venture capital funds, and other institutions which offer investment products that support community development, e.g., Calvert Foundation Notes. See section below for Community Investing database requirement.