Community investment basically refers to the action taken by businesses, private individuals and other organizations whereby investments are made into a community. These investments have the purpose of improving the quality of life of its residents. They can take the form of finances, time and services to name a few. Often, when many different sectors come together to help a community in this way it is referred to as a community investment network.

This community investment network will consist of businesses, grass roots organizations, private individuals and the like. They will focus on various areas of the community to help improve the way of life its current residents. Changes can be physical, like cleaning up the area and bettering the environment on the whole. Perhaps introducing a clean park or library are also considered.

Financial investment comes mostly from businesses and they are most commonly in the education sector. This means that schools will be sponsored either with books or computers as a way of improving the level of education received in the area. The basic tenet of community investment is that if care is taken now, it will pay off for all in the future.

A community investment network will often work to transform a community holistically. This means that focus will be given to as many areas of improvement as possible, the responsibility of which is equally shared among the network.

Grass roots organizations will take to educating residents about life skills for instance. In a particularly under privileged community it is not uncommon for residents to be taught the skill of self-sustenance as a way to survive by living off the land.

Individuals will often “adopt” communities either themselves or through churches and other groups. This kind of assistance will come in the way of volunteering services and donations of all kinds that are delivered to families within the community. This takes care of the natural well-being of residents.

Money is invested in a community to improve things like schools, libraries and shared public areas. This helps to increase the level of community pride among residents and works to reform the way of life for all in the area.