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
The Bundle Store wraps up natural parenting products, classes, with advice and warmth
The Bundle Store is the Capital District’s first Natural Parenting Store, specializing in natural wellness during and after pregnancy for mom and baby. "When I opened The Bundle Store in 2013 with the help of The Community Loan Fund, my goal was to build an open and casual space that brought awareness to and connected all of the many options of birth and parenting that exist in the Capital Region," says owner Amber Chaves.
Beautiful and unusual: Makeup Curio makes up witches one day and brides the next
At Makeup Curio, Jenn Dugan "blends the beautiful and the unusual," and provides a mix of makeup and esthetic services. Her services include special occasion makeup - and special effects makeup. Dugan earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design from Marist College, an Associates in Business Administration from Schenectady County Community College and her NYS Esthetics License. She opened the Makeup Curio in downtown Schenectady in 2017 with a loan from the Community Loan Fund.
Gatherer’s Granola started with beloved family recipe
Gatherer's Granola started with a winning family recipe. Now, it's being sold at 500 stores in 8 states! Back in college, company founder Alessandro Gerbini used to get care packages containing his mom's homemade [Read More]
This couple is on fire for dance – and you will be, too
Natalia O’Connor is a National Champion, World Semi-finalists and World Cup Finalist in ballroom dancing. She and her partner, Florin Vlad, have represented the United States at FIVE World Championships! In 2017, this couple [Read More]
Latest News
Community Loan Fund, Godfrey Financial and Root3d launch financial/wellness workshop: New three-part series navigates financial trauma for women and BIPOC communities
The Community Loan Fund will partner with Godfrey Financial Associates and Root3d to present “Financial/Wellness: Overcoming Financial Trauma, Mapping a Path Forward” a three-part, healing-centered financial education series to help women and BIPOC. This [Read More]
City of Troy Partners with Community Loan Fund to Award $300K in Small Business Grants
TROY, NY – Mayor Patrick Madden today announced the availability of $300,000 in federal grants to assist small businesses in Troy impacted by COVID as part of the Troy Small Business Grant Program. The [Read More]
Colonie partners with Community Loan Fund to award $189K in small business grants
March 16 - The Town of Colonie will partner with the Community Loan Fund to award $189,500 in federal grants to small businesses impacted by COVID as part of the Colonie Small Business Low [Read More]
Community Loan Fund welcomes new board members
Local CDFI adds 7 new members from finance, small business, and DEI sectors The Community Loan Fund is pleased to welcome five new members to its Board [Read More]
Workshops & Events
September 2025
9-Week Business Planning Course
AARP Work For Yourself at 50+
The Family Business: Managing Money as a Family
October 2025
Community Loan Fund 40th Annual Event
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