In keeping with UMF’s commitment to socially responsible investing and following the guidance of The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, short-term dollars can now be invested in the Short Term Investment Fund, managed by the Self-Help Credit Union of Durham.
SHCU is a federally insured, state-chartered entity founded in 1984 to “create ownership and economic opportunity for minorities, women, rural residents, and low-wealth families.” SHCU provides mortgage loans to homebuyers and commercial loans to small business owners and non-profits.
The credit union is part of a larger entity, the Center for Community Self-Help, which has provided $5 billion in financing to 55,000 small businesses, nonprofits, and homebuyers since 1980. The Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit community development financial institution (CDFI) that includes the credit union.
Self-Help relies on loans and investments from private and public institutions to provide the capital to make their community investments. Every dollar of invested capital is placed directly with projects that transform communities and expand opportunities. Its investment partners include nonprofit and religious organizations, such as UMF, and other socially responsible individuals and institutions.
Even after the Foundation’s administrative fees are deducted, we anticipate this fund will offer a potential increase in total return for account holders when compared against other short-term rates. Deposits and withdrawals can be made on a monthly basis, providing the flexibility often needed in such an account. The annualized rate of return for 2006 was 4.11% (after fees).
For additional information, contact Rev. Jim Mentzer, Director of Planned Giving, at 800-555-4718 or by e-mail: .
Read the
2007 Self-Help Impact statement (pdf)
Review
Self-Help Annual Reports