Community Development banks direct local deposits into the kind of local enterprises that regular bankers do not serve.  Anyone can open a checking or savings account, or buy a certificate of deposit in a community development bank.  This can be the simplest way to begin community investment. 

Wainwright Bank & Trust (WAIN) 

One visit to this website  will give you a good idea of what socially responsible, sustainable community investing is all about.  The site is colorful and fun, and the bank is doing some very good things in the Boston community. http://www.wainwrightbank.com/

Awards include one of the top 20 sustainable stocks in the world, and one of the top 11 lender's to women. 

"We believe our continuing focus on strong balance sheet growth will result in higher returns for our shareholders."  -  Jan A. Miller, President & CEO 

Consider the good that your money can do in a community development bank. For $16, you have put $1000 to work for the good of the Boston community! The same idea applies to any of the community banks in any of the areas you might wish to help.

The Progressive Investor publishes a "Sustainable Business Top 20" list rating companies among "world leaders in terms of both sustainability and financial strength" http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/progressiveinvestor/index.cfm

Here is a link to an online broker for an inexpensive way to invest in banks such as Wainwright, and links to other community development banks around the country:

Sharebuilder.com Invest in Wainwright Bank Albina Community Bank - Portland Full-service bank supporting community redevelopment in the Portland area  Chittenden Bank - Vermont Deposits support affordable housing, environmental and conservation programs, sustainable agriculture, education, downtown revitalization, and community-based small business. City First bank of DC Financial services for the underserved in the Washington DC community Community Capital Bank - New York City Supports community development in New York City with small-business, nonprofit, and real estate loans. Eco-Deposits at ShoreBank Pacific Loans promote conservation in the Pacific Northwest. Louisville Community Development Bank Dedicated to revitalizing inner city neighborhoods in Louisville, Kentucky NCB Development Corporation Co-operatively owned financial institution provides financial services to the nation's cooperative business and housing sectors. ShoreBank Rebuilding urban neighborhoods in Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago, as well as rural areas in the Pacific Northwest.  Southern Development Bancorporation Dedicated to economic revitalization of distressed rural communities in Arkansas and the lower Mississippi Delta Wainwright Bank & Trust Company - Boston Loans for community development projects in the Boston, Massachusettes area