Socially Responsible Investing (SRI)

As a socially responsible investor, all of the General Board's investments are screened according to investment policies adopted by our board of directors in accordance with the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church. These policies exclude investments in companies earning significant revenues from gambling or from the manufacture, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages, tobacco-related products, pornography, weapons, or the management or operation of prison facilities.

The General Board was one of the original signatories to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), a multi-stakeholder initiative dedicated to promoting and incorporating environmental, social and governance factors into investment decision-making. Learn more about the PRI and the General Board’s involvement in this initiative.

Advocacy & Engagement

The General Board is an advocate for environmental stewardship, human and workers' rights, access to health care and sound corporate governance in accordance with Social Principles and The Book of Resolutions. Advocacy is an interpersonal effort that takes place through meetings and other discussions with company executives, letter writing, filing of shareholder resolutions and actively voting the proxy cards of almost 3,000 companies annually.

Positive Social Purpose (PSP) Lending Program

The General Board uses the Positive Social Purpose Lending Program to promote affordable housing, community development and expanded loan opportunities for poor communities around the world, all while earning a market rate of return commensurate with risk.