Question 1

How will I make a return on my investment?

Accepted Answer

Your investment to Bellwether will earn 2% annual interest which is paid out quarterly for 15 years.

Question 2

What sort of repayment schedule should investors/lenders here expect?

Accepted Answer

Investors will earn 2% annual interest on their principal investment. The interest will be paid out quarterly. The principal will be repaid in full at the loan's maturity date (12/31/34). Investors can elect to call the loan (have the principal repaid in full) at year 5 (2024) and year 10 (2029). Full terms are in the investor contract.

Question 3

I'm curious why you're offering such a low percentage of return? Most money market accounts are paying 2% these days... why take the risk here?

Accepted Answer

Our investors are motivated by the desire to do social good while making a modest return on their investment. By providing low-interest capital to Bellwether, individuals empower our organization to bring more affordable housing to market as soon as possible. Apartments that come online as affordable today will remain affordable for decades to come as a result of your investment.

Question 4

I hope that you get all the funding you need because I believe you are doing good work and more housing is desperately needed. However, this is more charity than a solid investment. An investment would only yield a quarterly interest payment of $2.50 (per $500). Again, the hou...

Accepted Answer

Andrew, thank you for your comment. You are correct that there is a modest financial return paired with a powerful social return. The terms are similar to a CD or money market account. Our investors want their money to be doing good work in addition to accumulating interest. This is a very low risk investment. Bellwether Housing has a strong track record for delivering on the terms for our investments and for being excellent stewards of our resources.

Question 5

For those who would very much like to see a venture like this succeed (and multiply) but perhaps don't feel comfortable tying up and tracking investment money for this long for such modest return, would donating via https://www.bellwetherhousing.org/boc-donation-form also serv...

Accepted Answer

Hi Thomas, Thanks for your question. Yes, donating supports the exact same project goals as investing. If you'd prefer to make a donation, you can absolutely do so at the link above. Thanks for your support!

Bellwether Housing

Seattle nonprofit building 750 new affordable homes. $3M already committed.

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Bellwether Housing

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$50,000

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