The second largest financial institution in British Columbia, Vancity Credit Union has 330,000 members, 2,300 employees, $11.5 billion in assets, and an agenda for social responsibility.   

In 1986, Vancity created the Ethical Growth Fund, Canada's first socially responsible mutual fund.  The family of Ethical Growth funds attempt to balance maximum returns with long-term growth, but only invest in companies that use progressive social, environmental and corporate governance practices in managing their business.

The Credit Union also offers socially responsible term deposits.  Since 2005, Vancity members may choose The Shared Growth CD that invests money in projects that improve the social and environmental well-being of local communities, projects like the local co-ops and non-profit community organizations.

Another Ethical CD product, The Shared World CD, takes deposits and invests them in groups that provide affordable credit for people in poor and developing regions of the world.  The funds deposited in the CD is directed towards international groups that provide small-balance personal loans and capital for local community projects.

The Credit Union also invests in their own local community. Through the Vancity Shared Success program, the Credit Union donates a portion of our profits to British Columbia organizations that improve social, economic and environmental conditions.  In addition to various smaller grants, one local recipient receives a $1 million Vancity Award that goes to a local community project that the Credit Union members choose as most deserving.

In recent years, Vancity Award funds have gone towards an urban greenway for cycling/walking, a program for at risk children, remodeling a local facility for cultural events, and a community wellness center.