I’ve saved up some amount of cash, but family is poor and hasn’t had useful advice. I feel like the stock market hasn’t been great for society, but surely there are some causes who would use the capital for good (and give it back when I need it later)? I have a half remembered portfolio from a previous union with a big war chest, but it doesn’t feel actionable.
I’m in North America + UK; but answers globally I think are interesting.
I mean, broadly speaking, you’re always going to be a drop in the ocean as an individual investor. So you’re not really investing ethically so much as investing to feel better about your choices.
That said, if you’re interested in operating as a VC or Angel Investor, you can find (or even cultivate) entrepreneurs in your neighborhood. The risk is high. And the ROI probably isn’t great. But you do get the satisfaction of contributing to the community, encouraging commerce you find ethical, and “job creating” in the literal sense.
I do feel like this treads the line between investment and simple philanthropy, though. Certainly not something I’d recommend for someone with a portfolio in the four or five digits, much less someone who has this money earmarked for retirement or some other explicit long term savings goal.