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
Hudson Sloop Club takes kids to the river
"The Community Loan Fund made it possible for us to realize the long-standing dream of building the Everett Nack Environmental Education Center for the people of the City of Hudson," says Nick Zachos, Executive Director, Hudson Sloop Club. "Thanks to the Community Loan Fund, our small volunteer-run non-profit is able to do big things." The Hudson Sloop Club also offers fishing, boating, ecology, and even boat-building courses for youth.
Camp Little Notch promotes strong, resilient women
Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region loaned Camp Little Notch the money they needed to purchase a former Girl Scout camp, to secure the camp for future generations of young women.
Puzzles Bakery offers a missing piece for the community
Pratt started Puzzles in 2015, with help from the Community Loan Fund. "I'm a firm believer that every dollar we spend in our communities is like casting a vote for the world we want to live in," says Pratt. "We are so fortunate that the Community Loan Fund was willing to invest in Puzzles Bakery & Café early on-- this allowed us to open our doors for business and fulfill our mission of providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with special needs."
Out of the Pits rescues dogs and changes the way we think about pit bulls
Out of the Pits was founded in 1998 to rescue pit bulls. Today, more than 6,000 pit bulls have been saved by this growing organization. In 2018, the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region loaned this non-profit the funds to build a new kennel - making it possible for them to save even more pups.
Latest News
Albany County COVID-19 Grants – Helping businesses all over the county, including Downtown Albany Businesses
The Albany County Legislature, in partnership with the Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region fast-tracked $500,000 worth of grants to 132 businesses impacted by COVID. The [Read More]
Albany County COVID-19 Grants – Helping businesses all over, including Central Avenue and Colonie Businesses
The Albany County Legislature, in partnership with the Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region fast-tracked $500,000 worth of grants to 132 businesses impacted by COVID. [Read More]
Schenectady grant recipients provide more positives
The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region continues to award grants to grateful Schenectady businesses. The organization is making awards to small businesses impacted by COVID, and hearing from previous grant recipients about [Read More]
More positive growth from Schenectady grant recipients
The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region continues to award grants to grateful Schenectady businesses. The organization is making awards to small businesses impacted by COVID, and hearing from previous grant recipients [Read More]
Workshops & Events
January 2025
Basic Legal Formations for Small Businesses
Money Optimization Blueprint: Simplify and Amplify
9-Week Business Planning Course
Business Health Check-Ups
February 2025
Money Optimization Blueprint: Simplify and Amplify
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