Our Approach

CCLF finances projects across metropolitan Chicago that revitalize neighborhoods, promise high positive social impact, incorporate sustainable design practices and have the potential to leverage significant additional investments from other sources.

Since 1991, CCLF has cultivated its unique approach to lending. CCLF has the patience and flexibility to remain committed to borrowers through lengthy public financing approval processes; to partner with small, midsize and emerging groups on their first projects; and to take on some of the most difficult projects. CCLF goes to great lengths to ensure that the projects we support succeed.

CCLF specializes in serving the needs of emerging organizations—who often have the most difficulty accessing capital—by providing reasonably priced, flexible loan products and free (or low-cost) technical assistance. CCLF's equity requirements are flexible and its loan-to-value ratios are more generous than many other lenders, even other CDFIs.