In addition to portfolio screening and shareholder activism, socially responsible investing is committed to helping provide struggling communities with the access to capital that is crucial to expanding economic opportunity.

The most direct community investments typically go to community development financial institutions (CDFIs), which are specialized financial institutions focusing on communities that are underserved by traditional banks and financial-service companies. CDFIs include community development banks, credit unions, loan funds, venture capital funds, and microenterprise loan funds. Investments may take a variety of forms, including an interest-bearing money market account, a certificate of deposit, or a loan participation note for a specified time period.

Up to 10% of assets in the Domini Social Bond Fund are devoted to direct community investments. To date, the Fund's portfolio has included community development banks and credit unions from around the country, and will eventually include investments in community development loan funds. In addition, the remainder of the Fund's portfolio is focused on investment-grade housing bonds, issued by government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which help secure the dream of homeownership for millions of middle-income Americans.