Impact of debt crowdfunding for civic projects on the optimal portfolio of a socially responsible investor

Abstract

Investors strive for profit, but many are also socially responsible. They want to do their fair share, for example supporting the local community. Traditionally, they can donate money to charities. The rise of crowdfunding offers them another possibility to fulfil their social goals. They can directly back projects or give small low-interest loans to finance civic projects. This paper provides an example of how a socially responsible investor’s optimal portfolio changes when the possibility of supporting civic projects by the means of low-interest loans is introduced.