Lending
Propel’s Loan Fund fuels the impact of nonprofits with capital. As a federally-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Propel makes loans to a wide range of nonprofits of different sizes and fields of service. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Minnesota and the adjacent states of Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota, and Native nations sharing this geography are eligible to apply.
When you work with our lending team, you get more than just access to capital. We understand that every nonprofit is unique, with a distinct mission, program mix, and business model. Putting our knowledge of nonprofits to work, our lending team can help determine the best solution: usually a mix of capital and custom technical assistance, to meet your organization’s unique needs.
Questions about Capital
Working Capital
Our working capital loans can provide extra support to manage cyclical cash flow challenges or program expansion, and other business model changes. We know that every organization’s needs are unique, and some would benefit most from longer-term working capital, while others need access to a line of credit to support a reimbursing contract, for example. Short-term financing to bridge the timing gap for receipt of a committed grant or contract is also an option.
Typical loan sizes
$20,000 to $600,000
Microloans
Loans ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 with a maximum repayment period of 3 years. These loans might be a good fit for smaller or emerging nonprofit organizations, nonprofits going through a period of leadership change, or organizations recovering from financial challenges or crisis.
Community Facility Loans
Our community facility loans could be used to support a short-term project like building improvements, repairs, or equipment purchases. Bridge loans to capital campaign funding are also an option. Longer-term mortgages are also available to support the purchase of buildings, large-scale renovations, or other construction projects. Typical loan sizes range from $50,000 to $1 million.
Typical loan sizes
$50,000 to $1 million
Community Asset Builder Loan Program
Nonprofits are trusted community resources and assets. The Community Asset Builder program provides nonprofits access to capital they need to achieve financial stability, serve more people, and invite them into their spaces. Each nonprofit facility project would also serve as a statement in a community that has been underinvested in—operating in that property, on that street.
The process of acquiring and managing a facility is complex and requires careful planning, access to resources, and flexible financing. That’s why Propel has developed this product and program to help nonprofits acquire community facilities. In addition to loan capital, feasibility grants may be available to borrowers to support project planning.
Our goal is to help BIPOC-led nonprofits acquire or renovate their own facilities and provide long-term, stable, and quality services to their communities.
Terms
Propel’s lending team works with nonprofit organizations to craft lending solutions that work for them. Loan structure, interest rates, collateral and repayment plans are customized to fit each organization’s unique business model, cash flow and project plans. Loans are generally available for periods of a few months up to 10 years.
Ready to apply?
Our lenders are available to talk through any questions you have about the lending process and what might be right for your organization. To start a loan application, reach out to one of them today.
Related Resources
Loans: A Guide to Borrowing for Nonprofit Organizations
This Propel Nonprofits guide is designed to help nonprofits understand loans, uses for loans, and when loans make the most…
Cash Flow Template
Propel Nonprofits template helps you understand the ebbs and flows of your organization’s cash in order to manage your cash…
Annual Requirements for Nonprofit Organizations in Minnesota
Wondering what’s required for your nonprofit on an annual basis? Check out Propel Nonprofits’ Annual Requirements for Nonprofit Organizations in…
What is a CDFI?
Thanks to our friends at the Opportunity Finance Network for this helpful intro to Community Financial Development Institutions (CDFIs). Learn more about CDFIs at our blog.
The Lift Garage
"I felt like Propel was in it for us, the staff was a safe place to take questions – the staff wanted to help us succeed and that is a good feeling."
Need assistance?
ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Send an email to info@propelnonprofits.org
Lug tshaaj tawm: Yoj has tas koj has lug Hmong, hab xaav tau kev paab txhais lug. Peb paab dlawb rua koj. Xa email rua info@propelnonprofits.org.
Ogeysiis hadii aad u baahantahay in lagaa caawiyo xaga turjumaanka ee luqada Somaliga Fadlan codsi soo dirso adigoo istalaya iimeelkeena oo ah info@propelnonprofits.org.
ATENCIÓN: Si usted habla español, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística gratuitos a su disposición. Envíe un correo electrónico a info@propelnonprofits.org.