The hallmark of the Mercy Investment Program is social responsibility coupled with sound investments. Mercy Investment Program, Inc., traces its roots to 1974, to what began simply as a good idea. Then, several regional communities of the Sisters of Mercy decided to pool their investment resources, in order to gain access to a higher level investment management and, most importantly, to provide for an integrated, active social responsibility agenda. This good idea was informed by two key factors: first, the Mercy value of collaboration. Secondly, the desire to use Mercy's resources in order to make a difference for the people Mercy serves. These values have guided a fund which began with less than $5 million dollars and has grown to more than $300 million. Today, Mercy Investment Program serves the varied investment needs of 13 Mercy regional communities and many of their sponsored and affiliated charitable organizations. There are investment options available across the capital markets, as well as a professionally managed community economic development loan fund, the Mercy Partnership Fund.