Anyone know where to find a good list of socially responsible banks?

[Elad]

I'm looking for a reliable list of national banks that have a proven record of social responsibility, preferably compiled by a progressive/environmental group.

Any assistance would be most appreciated, thanks. :)

[Misinformed01]

1. Read this

http://www.greenmoneyjournal.com/

and google "Domini social index funds"

[chiburb]

2. Take a look at Shore Bank in Chicago...

Used to be South Shore Bank.

Here is their mission statement:
ShoreBank's Mission........

ShoreBank invests in people and their communities to create economic equity and a healthy environment.
Since our founding in 1973 as the nation's first community development bank, we've stayed true to our mission of providing innovative loan, deposit and investment products, while posting strong financial performance.

We have lent approximately $600 million to 13,000 families and businesses in South, Near-South and West Side companies and nonprofits and minority owned communities throughout Chicago - and our reputation increasingly attracts customers from throughout the metropolitan Chicago area.

Part of the earnings from ShoreBank are used to fund the activities of other ShoreBank affiliate organizations in Chicago, across the United States and internationally.
Learn more here:
http://www.sbk.com/livesite/main/

[Elad]

8. Yes, they've been the only Chicago area bank I've turned up

in my searching. Unfortunately I'm in the western suburbs, and it doesn't look like they have any locations nearby. However, I do go into the city fairly often, so I think I may go there anyway, with direct deposit and everything else I rarely have to physically go to the bank anyway.

Thanks! :)

[IrateCitizen]

3. Join Co-op America, you get the National Green Pages

I joined them just a couple of months ago, and got their National Green Pages and guide to socially responsible investing. They have a ton of info on banks, if you would like you can PM me where you're looking and I'll look up some info for you.

I think you can access them (the organization, not the books) over the internet.

[proud patriot]

4. These folks

should have that info elad .
http://www.workingassets.com/

edited to add the green pages
http://www.greenpages.org/

[Wwagsthedog]

5. Be sure to ask where your customer service phone calls are answered.

Many banks are offshoring phone oriented services to places like India or the Phillipines.

[rucky]

6. Credit Unions

With all the money you save on fees, you can donate however you want. Plus, they're member owned.

[proud patriot]

7. Yeah that's how I bank

a small local credit union , they support the
local community by sponsoring events .

[Elad]

9. I've been at a credit union for years

And I love it. Unfortunately, my ex took over the account when we split, and my credit's not good enough for me to get membership on my own (I already tried).

[Mairead]

13. Check out a different CU. The idea that your credit isn't good enough

doesn't fit with the CU model, so it's possible that one is not working according to the co-op principles. Really!

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

10. Agreed: Credit Unions are Democratic Banking

:)

[Mairead]

12. Exactly! Credit unions are socialism in action

[wickerwoman]

11. I try to avoid banks that use Diebold ATM machines

and tell them why they aren't getting my business.

But the issue's pretty academic for me since I don't have any money anyway. :-)

[xxqqqzme]

14. go 2

Co-op America. They R wired N2 fair trade and supporting institutions. coopamerica.org

[ProfessorGAC]

15. Try A Community Chartered Credit Union

I'm on the board of one. There are no owners, just members. Small ones don't do big biz loans. You don't have to be in any employment group to join a community chartered CU. You only have to live or work in the chartered area.

The one i'm one is a little under $100 million, and part of the CU charter includes servicing the "underserviced". (Translate as working poor.)

The rates are typically very competitive with the banks, and since there are no stock holders (save the people with savings in the union), there is far less motivation to do things not in the best interests of the greatest numbers of people in the field of membership.

The Professor