Donors to the College who plan to make leadership gifts and wish to have their gifts invested in socially responsible funds now have that option.

The Vanguard Calvert Social Index Fund Institutional Shares and the Calvert Social Investment Equity Fund have been added to Oberlin's endowment as alternative investment vehicles for College donors. The Oberlin College Board of Trustees approved the addition at its March 2001 meeting.

The Calvert Group invests the funds in companies with strong management and solid business practices. Companies are screened to be sure they manage their operations in an environmentally sustaining manner; have a good record of labor relations, including equal employment opportunity programs; and produce or market safe, healthful, and useful products or services. Screening also ensures that companies are responsible corporate citizens of their communities.

The Calvert Group also avoids investing in companies that are major polluters or that have consistent environmental compliance problems; are primarily engaged in nuclear power; have a record of employment discrimination, aggressive anti-union activities, or unsafe workplaces; or that are significantly involved in the manufacture of weapons, tobacco, alcohol, or in gambling operations.

For more information on directing your gift through the Calvert Fund, please contact the Leadership Giving staff at leadership.giving@oberlin.edu or (800) 693 3167.