Why Invest in CCLF?

By investing with CCLF, you share tangibly in financing positive change in local communities. Your capital is essential to low-income communities across the six counties of metropolitan Chicago. CCLF prudently manages your investment while underwriting community projects in affordable and supportive housing, social services and economic development projects that provide employment opportunities and goods and services for neighborhood residents.

How it Works

Investors who want to make a positive social impact accept a below-market return—typically 0 to 3 percent—in exchange for a social dividend. The spread between the below-market rate and what CCLF earns on our community investments offsets operating costs. Investment terms range from one to fifteen years, and interest is typically paid semiannually.

Our investors include banks and corporations, foundations, religious institutions, public sector agencies and individuals. Investments range from a minimum of $1,500 to $4 million or more, yet nearly half of CCLF’s investors are individuals and families who want part of their investment portfolio to help create communities where people thrive. All investments—small and large—are vital to continue our work.

CCLF FINANCIALS

Fiancials

• 2007 Annual Financial Report
• 2008 Annual Financial Report
• 2009 Annual Financial Report
  
• CCLF Investor Packet

Investment Management

Although investments are uninsured and carry no guarantees, CCLF manages its investors’ capital according to stringent guidelines established by the Opportunity Finance Network, the leading network of community development financial institutions. Security is provided by the pooled risk that a fund provides, loan loss reserves, permanent equity and subordinated debt investments.

CCLF is a federally certified community development financial institution (CDFI) and is rated by CARS™, the CDFI Assessment and Rating System, a comprehensive, third-party analysis that provides guidance to investors and donors.

CCLF is audited annually by an independent public accounting firm and has consistently received an unqualified opinion. As a recipient of federal funds, CCLF has also received an A-133 audit with no exceptions noted.

If you have more questions regarding the investment process please contact ourjames [at] cclfchicago [dot] org ( Director of Finance and Administration).