Nonprofit Finance Fund
Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) provides financing and consulting to non-profits and other community organizations. The organization has supported more than 65 charter schools with $202 million in financing.
Open process / apply anytime
Loan sizes (range, $): $500K-$6M ($1.5M avg.)
Current portfolio: $70M; 30 schools
Cost share (equity) required: Flexible
Collateral required: Yes (real estate or other)
Standard CDFI due diligence
Nonprofit Finance Fund promotes the success of non-profits by providing capital, strategic consulting, and knowledge to transform the funding and financing landscape. NFF has a deep understanding of the non-profit sector and supports it with capital and expertise, particularly in developing business models and advocating for change.
Since 1980, Nonprofit Finance Fund has provided $996 million in financing and access to additional capital. Core financing products and services include:
- Real estate loans: These fund acquisition of new facilities; expansion of existing buildings; construction, renovation, and leasehold improvements; and re-development and/or project-related soft costs.
- Working capital: Nonprofit Finance Fund offers lines of credit to smooth irregular, episodic funding streams.
- Equipment loans: These support purchases such as computer hardware, software, presentation equipment; office and classroom furniture; playground equipment, walls, and fencing; and green and energy efficiency improvements.
Nonprofit Finance Fund recognizes its responsibility in making the non-profit funding sector more equitable and in addressing decades of disinvestment in communities of color. NFF supports grassroots organizations in advocating for their own needs and in 2021 will expand lending and partnerships involving communities and organizations led by people of color with a target to reach 50% of all loans and consulting work completed in 2021.
Focus Areas:
Geographies: Nationwide, primarily in urban areas; no historical lending in Indian Country but interest in supporting Native projects
Sectors: Multiple non-profit sectors including health, human services, education, arts and culture, and housing
Schools: Typically works with schools in the second or third year of operation or expansion/replication of proven model; some experience financing start-ups
Sheila C. “Skip” Nowell Leadership Academy (Providence, RI)
Nonprofit Finance Fund provided a $610,000 construction loan to support the consolidation of two campuses into one location in Providence, RI. Nowell is a transfer charter school serving pregnant and parenting students and the only such school in Rhode Island. NFF’s investment will assist the school in providing additional services to students and eliminate barriers to attendance, including lactation/health rooms, transportation services, and free on-site childcare services.
Applicants are encouraged to complete the online financing application form and contact Nonprofit Finance Fund. Depending on the size and complexity of the transaction, underwriting typically takes six to eight weeks.