Somewhat similarly, I recently became a Special Depositor at new mutual bank that's in organization (Walden Mutual). This involved sending them a few thousand d

Somewhat similarly, I recently became a Special Depositor at new mutual bank that's in organization (Walden Mutual). This involved sending them a few thousand dollars, which will be part of their pool of capital for making loans. I cannot withdraw the principal, although I should be able to sell ownership of the deposit to someone else, and of course I would also be considered a (subordinated) creditor if they fold. In exchange, as soon as they are profitable (in a few years) they will be paying dividends at a pretty good rate, indefinitely. The rate is not guaranteed, though. This feels like a good idea to me because this bank is in the business of making local agricultural loans, and the founders are aligned with my values -- this is an institution that I want to have exist. But also I think they're well positioned to make these loans, so it should be a good investment. Mutual banks also tend to be long-lived, so this is an investment that should continue to pay dividends for many decades.