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
Cori Rodriguez’s nail services were in high demand – so she opened her own business
Cori Roriguez started her nail business right after graduating from the Aesthetic Science Institute, and within a year, business was booming. She rented a chair at Pinup Jordan’s Mermaid Lounge in Scotia two [Read More]
Wiawaka rebuilds beloved dock and welcomes new generation of women to its shores
Wiawaka Center for Women in Lake George is the oldest women’s retreat in the country – and with support from the Community Loan Fund, it continues its mission to foster and celebrate the [Read More]
Qaadir Islam uses power of language to lift people up at Universal Concepts
Qaadir Islam, life coach and owner of Universal Concepts, says that words make people. Islam has been working with clients dealing with addiction, trauma, and other issues for more than 30 years, and [Read More]
Pember Library & Museum builds addition, with help from the Community Loan Fund
This year, the Pember Library & Museum completed renovations to the 110-year old building to make it fully accessible, with support from the Community Loan Fund. The library was able to build a 725 [Read More]
Latest News
Community Loan Fund Announces New Leader of Training and Technical Assistance: Lending Officer Destiny Watkins promoted to lead Training Department
This week, the Community Loan Fund announced that Community Development Lending Officer Destiny Watkins will succeed Paul Stewart as the CDFI’s new Manager of Training and Technical Assistance. Watkins was promoted to the position [Read More]
Community Loan Fund Training Director Paul Stewart Announces Retirement After 23 Years
Paul Stewart, Director of Training at the Community Loan Fund announced that he is retiring in January 2022, after 23 years with the organization. During his time with the organization, he has helped hundreds [Read More]
Community Loan Fund celebrates 36 Years of Community-Supported Lending
On Thursday, October 21, the Community Loan Fund celebrated 36 years of community-supported lending and training at the STEAM Garden on Central Avenue. The party included food from local restaurants, exhibits by small business [Read More]
TD Charitable Foundation Supports Helps Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region Provide Training and Flexible Financing to Grow Small Businesses
The TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, recently donated $25,000 to the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region to support the organization's efforts to provide [Read More]
Workshops & Events
September 2025
9-Week Business Planning Course Sale has ended
October 2025
Community Loan Fund 40th Annual Event
Dream Bigger: Align Your Money Mindset With your Goals
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