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
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.
Community Loan Fund helps Palace Theatre gear up for future
This week, the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region closed on a loan to the Palace Theatre totaling $390,000. The loan will help prepare this performing arts center -- which is best known for its spotlight performances and twinkling marquee -- for a bright future!
Habitat for Humanity levels up Sheridan Hollow
In 2015, Habitat for Humanity of the Capital District, with $600,000 in financing from the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, completed the construction of 13 affordable, energy-efficient homes in Albany’s Sheridan Hollow neighborhood. This project was just the latest phase of residential development for this neighborhood, with included the construction of 30 Habitat homes including both new construction and rehab.In 2015, Habitat for Humanity of the Capital District, with $600,000 in financing from the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, completed the construction of 13 affordable, energy-efficient homes in Albany’s Sheridan Hollow neighborhood. This project was just the latest phase of residential development for this neighborhood, with included the construction of 30 Habitat homes including both new construction and rehab.
Community Loan Fund closes on loans to Living Resources for College Experience program
This week, the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region closed on two loans to Living Resources totaling $470,000, to help support their College Experience program at the College of Saint Rose. Living Resources will use the loans to buy two properties near the college that will help expand the program and accommodate more students.
Latest News
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]
Ready – Set – Spend!
Some of you were fortunate enough to get a stimulus check this January. Instead of heading to your Amazon cart or blowing it on sourdough starter or videos on demand, consider using your [Read More]
Community Loan Fund chosen to join Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
January 14 – The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region is now a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY). The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is [Read More]
Workshops & Events
June 2025
6-Week Childcare Business Development Course Sale has ended
July 2025
Launch Your Own Website: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Online
Affogato Media Mixer- Seamless Storytelling: Print → Pixel and Everything in Between
September 2025
9-Week Business Planning Course
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