Political and social agendas aside, here are some Web sites that provide basic information on socially responsible investing:
The Social Investment Forum's Web site, socialinvest.org, provides a wealth of information, not the least of which is a rundown of the returns on selected funds. Also, look for explanations of various screening processes, the most well known of which involves criteria screening, and a matrix showing the filters used by major funds. Any rep can use the site — and join the forum — even if they're not exclusively devoted to socially responsible investing. Members are included in a directory accessible by potential clients.
First Affirmative Financial Network, firstaffirmative.com, is a registered investment adviser offering turnkey products (from mutual funds to annuities), services and research to SRI advisors. Membership in the network is open to any broker, and it, too, provides a referral list of advisors for public use.
In a similar vein, MoneyandValues.com, provides technology to assist advisors with allocating assets across products — stocks, annuities, wrap accounts, etc. — according to a client's values.
