Key to economic justice initiatives is access to capital. Revitalization of our depressed communities requires significant investment by people and organizations who see the potential of these communities and are willing to commit some portion of their resources. In many instances, such an investment may offer a comparable financial return to traditional options. Examples of such investment vehicles are Community Development Banks, Community Development Credit Unions and Microenterprise Funds.

Five or ten per cent of a church or foundation endowment invested in such a community development vehicle could have a tremendous impact on community efforts while any change in income from the endowment funds would be negligible. The important first step is understanding these alternative investment options and beginning the conversation with the financial advisors to such funds.

In 1999, members of ENEJ created a very useful manuel entitled Community Investing: An Alternative for Religious Congregations Seeking A Social as well as a Financial Return. This manual details alternative investment opportunities that will assist community redevelopment activities. Copies of the manual continue to be available from ENEJ if you are interested in talking with your parish leadership about modifying their investment strategy to be consistent with the mission of the Church.