Lending

Flexible capital to help secure, preserve, and grow community-serving spaces

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Our Approach

We provide loans that help California nonprofits and social enterprises buy, improve, and preserve the spaces they need to serve their communities—often with more flexible terms than a conventional lender.

Our lending is rooted in our theory of change. We believe that community ownership of social purpose real estate is a powerful tool for advancing racial and economic equity. That’s why we partner with deeply rooted organizations to provide flexible financing that establishes lasting community assets and builds power through place.

Our Offerings

Financing Products

We provide loans for a variety of social purpose real estate projects, from youth centers to health clinics to affordable housing and more. Every loan is structured in partnership with our borrower—because one-size doesn’t fit all.

Nonprofit Community Facility Loans

Loans for predevelopment, acquisition, rehabilitation, and construction of community-serving spaces.

NMTC Source Loans

Loans that serve as a source of leverage in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) transactions, supporting projects in underserved communities.

Affordable Housing Loans

Loans for predevelopment, acquisition, rehabilitation, and construction of affordable housing led by mission-aligned developers.

Borrower Eligibility

Nonprofits and social enterprises in California.
Organizations that demonstrate ability to meet the terms of the proposed loan.
Organizations that serve historically underserved communities—particularly through affordable housing, healthcare, human services, education, arts and culture, or community development.

Typical Loan Terms

Loan Amounts: $250,000 to $5 million — larger loans available in some cases
Terms: Up to 10 years
Loan-to-Value: Up to 90%
Interest Rate: Fixed rates of interest, generally below market rates
Fees: 1-1.5% commitment fee
Collateral: Real estate preferred, but will consider other types of collateral. Subordination to conventional lenders considered.

Let’s build a financing solution that moves your vision forward.

Our Process

We build relationships, not just transactions. Our lending team works closely with you to understand your vision, assess feasibility, and support you in each step of the process.

Initial Inquiry

Email us at lending@communityvisionca.org to get started. We’ll schedule a brief call to learn about your project and determine if it’s a potential fit. From there, we’ll either request more information or let you know if we’re not the right resource at this time.

Information Gathering

If there’s alignment, we’ll ask for additional information such as:

  • Financial statements
  • Board and staff information
  • Project operating projection and sources and uses
  • Social impact goals

After reviewing, we’ll either proceed to the next step or let you know if we’re not the right resource at this time. 

Full Application

This phase includes:

  • A term sheet outlining preliminary terms
  • A loan application checklist to guide your submission
  • Your signed term sheet and deposit to begin the process
  • Ongoing review of submitted materials to keep things moving

You can submit items as they’re ready—we review them on a rolling basis to save time.

Underwriting and
Credit Approval

Once complete, your loan officer begins a full credit and risk assessment. This step typically takes 4–8 weeks, depending on complexity.

Underwriting is a detailed process that involves many questions, especially about your financials and project plans. Our goal is to fully understand your vision and assess financial readiness, and we’re committed to supporting you through this step with transparency, respect, and care.

You’ll receive:

  • Regular updates and communication on timing and progress, including additional questions your loan officer may have
  • An official commitment letter if approved
Closing and
Disbursement

We’ll work closely with you to gather final materials and ensure a smooth, timely closing. Our staff, often working with a law firm, will draft legal documents for your and your counsel’s review. Once finalized, funds are disbursed to support your project.

Get Started

Ready to explore a loan for your project? Reach out to our team at lending@communityvisionca.org to start the conversation. We look forward to learning about your vision.

Get started

Meet the Team

Get to know the people behind the process. Our team brings deep expertise—and a commitment to building strong, trust-based partnerships from day one.

Meet the team

Client Stories

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Together, we are advancing community ownership of community assets across California.

Learn more about our work and those we serve.

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