Vancity Impact™ Term Deposit

The Vancity Impact™ Term Deposit works like a regular term deposit, but deposits are used to finance impact projects that meet specific sustainability criteria under the Sustainability Issuance Framework (SIF). These local impact projects are owned and operated by our own commercial and business members.  

A Term Deposit is a fixed‑term investment where the investor places a lump sum with a financial institution for a set period at a pre-determined interest rate. The original principal amount is guaranteed, and therefore there is no risk to the investor. Learn more.

The Vancity Sustainability Issuance Framework is a set of principles and guidelines that direct how Vancity funds projects with positive environmental and social impact. It aligns with international standards such as the Green Bond Principles and Social Bond Principles, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of proceeds. The framework prioritizes areas like clean energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, affordable housing, and support for Indigenous communities and women-owned businesses, reinforcing Vancity’s commitment to climate action, reconciliation, and community resilience.

The eight categories under SIF are: affordable housing, clean energy, clean transportation, energy efficiency, green building, Indigenous communities & businesses, socioeconomic advancement, and women entrepreneurs.

Lending projects at Vancity undergo a vigorous process of review and alignment with continued monitoring:

1. Initial eligibility check
   Projects must fit into at least one eligible category under the Sustainability Issuance Framework (SIF), including:
• Green projects: green buildings, clean energy, energy efficiency, and clean transportation
• Social projects: Indigenous communities and businesses, women-owned or controlled businesses, affordable housing, improved access to financial services, or initiatives that support economic opportunity
2. Alignment with recognized standards>
   Assessment follows the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) Green/Social/Sustainability Bond Principles and LSTA/LMA Green & Social Loan Principles, ensuring consistency with global best practices.
3. Impact and use of funds
   Vancity confirms that loan funds are used to finance or refinance projects that create clear environmental or social benefits. Projects must also align with Vancity’s impact priorities, such as climate action, reconciliation, community resilience, and affordable housing.
4. Governance and approval
   The Sustainability Issuance Committee reviews and approves all eligible projects. Approved projects are recorded in a Sustainability Issuance Register, which supports transparency and annual audits.
5. Monitoring and reporting
   Funded projects are regularly monitored, and Vancity publishes annual reports on how funds are allocated and the environmental and social impacts achieved. These updates are shared on Vancity’s website.

Planet-wise™ products were designed to help individual members take personal climate action in affordable, accessible ways. Think lighter living and reducing carbon footprint where the member themselves is the primary beneficiary. Examples include Planet-Wise™ Home Renovation Loans or Transportation Loans. 

Vancity Impact™ Term Deposit is a Term Deposit product that is explicitly tied to Vancity’s Sustainability Issuance Framework (SIF), funding projects that deliver measurable community-level environmental or social impact (e.g., affordable housing, Indigenous business development, clean energy). The member’s investment benefits the broader community and supports systemic change above and beyond personal benefits.

This offer is subject to an aggregate investment cap of CAD 250 million across all Vancity members and accounts. Vancity may, in its sole discretion, discontinue this offer at any time, with or without reaching the cap, and without prior notice. See full terms & conditions.