Our "Get to YES" Attitude

CCLF is in the business of taking risks, and our appetite is fairly high. We believe in giving dreams a chance, even when some things about an organization or project may not be fully developed at the time of our loan commitment (especially for predevelopment loans). So we provide ample free (or low-cost) technical assistance throughout our process to ensure a group or project is more solid by the time we close (disburse) the loan. We work creatively and energetically to help your organization "get to YES."

Our Specialty

For 15 years, CCLF has cultivated its unique approach to lending. We have the patience and flexibility to remian 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 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.

Our Criteria

• All loans are rigorously underwritten and evaluated in terms of their fiscal soundness, management capacity of the borrowing organization and social impact.
  
• The current lending maximum is $350,000 per project.
• Interest rates are generally set between 7% and 9%; loan terms range from 1 to 15 years.
• Closing costs are usually set between 0 and 2 points (as a percentage of the total loan amount); generally there is no application fee.
• Upon receipt of the application, loans are typically committed within 6 to 8 weeks.

What We Don't Do

• CCLF does not make emergency loans; the process for loan approval generally takes 6 to 8 weeks
• CCLF does not make grants; ALL LOANS MUST BE REPAID, with interest.
• CCLF does not make cash flow loans.

Have questions? Feel free to email the lending team.

Learn more about how to apply for a CCLF loan and how our lending program works: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)?

Learn more about the step-by-step loan approval/closing process.

Need to know when and how to apply for a loan ?