Welcome to the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region
The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region is a nonprofit community development financial institution serving the Capital Region of New York State — Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren & Washington Counties. Incorporated in 1985, our mission is to provide unique access to financing and business training to nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, in partnership with community minded stakeholders, helping deliver essential services to the economically underserved. Our vision is for a Capital Region where all residents have equitable access to the resources they need to build a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous community.
We provide access to capital by pooling investments and donations from socially concerned individuals and organizations, and re-lending it to nonprofit organizations and small businesses. We also offer training and technical assistance programs for small business owners and nonprofit leaders.
Explore our work and join us in this partnership by becoming an investor, a donor, or a nonprofit or small business borrower – together we are strengthening communities and changing lives.
Our Community Members
“Without the Community Loan Fund, we would not have been able to get construction started. People that were homeless for years and years, now have permanent housing.”
Janine Robitaille
Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless
“Without the Community Loan Fund, we would not still be in business, nor would we have been able to expand to a second location. We truly appreciate being part of this wonderful organization, and look forward to working with the Community Loan Fund for many years to come.”
Jason Wellington
Joyful Beginnings Early Education Center
“The Community Loan Fund made Bliss possible, as they were the first source of funding we acquired. Without their faith in our business, we would not have been able to bring this business to our community.”
Katie Dievendorf
Bliss Juice.Smoothie.Self
“The Community Loan Fund was very patient and helpful during the entire process and helped speed up our process immensely! The staff was always very accommodating and ready to help whenever needed.”
Ruth Randall & Selma Ogresevic
Green Sugar Leaf Farms
Borrower Bios
“Opportunities Without Limitations” Battenkill Community Services Receives $490,000 Loan From CLF
Nestled on the Battenkill River in historic Washington County, Battenkill Community Services provides compassionate person-centered services for adults, teens and children with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Recently, the Community Loan Fund provided [Read More]
Living Resources Expands Housing Inventory For Individuals With Disabilities- With Help From Community Loan Fund
The Community Loan Fund recently closed on a $600,000 loan to Living Resources Corporation to assist the organization in purchasing and rehabilitating a home in Niskayuna (Schenectady County). Once renovated, the property will be [Read More]
Revitalizing History: Burden Ironworks Museum Receives Upgrades
Nestled in the heart of South Troy, the iconic Burden Ironworks Museum is receiving a well needed face lift, thanks to the Community Loan Fund! Owned by the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway (HMIG), the [Read More]
Green Sugar Leaf Farms Brings Healthy Options to NYS Concourse
The Community Loan Fund recently closed on a $25,000 small business loan for Green Sugar Leaf Farms and their new brick and mortar location in the New York State Concourse. The loan allows [Read More]
Latest News
Dorian Wells Named Executive Director
Albany, NY- Dorian Wells has been named the fifth Executive Director in the history of the Community Loan Fund. Previously serving as the organization's Sr. Lending Director, Wells has been with the organization [Read More]
Community Loan Fund Awarded $200,000 Grant From KeyBank Foundation To Support Affordable Housing Initiatives
Albany, NY- Celebrating 200 years of service to communities across the United States, KeyBank announced earlier this year the creation of a $5.4M special grant program designed to strengthen Community Development Financial Institutions [Read More]
Community Loan Fund Receives CDFI Certification Under New, Higher Standards
Albany, NY- The Community Loan Fund is proud to announce that it has officially received its recertification from the U.S Department of Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. This certification comes following a [Read More]
Small Business Spotlight: Emma Ruth’s Soulful Cuisine and Catering
Emma Ruth's Soulful Cuisine and Catering, Inc. is the dream enterprise of Mark Manigault, a local chef who has been cooking since he was a child in his mother’s kitchen. [Read More]
Workshops & Events
September 2025
9-Week Business Planning Course Sale has ended
The Family Business: Managing Money as a Family
October 2025
Debt Knockout
Tax Basics Every New Business Owner Must Know
Community Loan Fund 40th Annual Event
Dream Bigger: Align Your Money Mindset With your Goals
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