activities · 27
what they do
direct service · 21
- Affordable Housing Development Financing Acquisition and Rehabilitation of Affordable HousingProvides capital to nonprofit and for-profit developers to build affordable rental and ownership housing nationwide, including support for specific projects such as 35 single-family homes and a multi-family rental community in Lamont, CA, and a 400-unit affordable housing project in National City, CA.
- Affordable Housing Development Financing Acquisition and Rehabilitation of Affordable HousingProvides capital to nonprofit and for-profit developers to build affordable rental and ownership housing nationwide, including support for single-family homes and multi-family rental communities such as a 400-unit project in National City, CA.
- Community Health Center InvestmentInvests in community health centers by providing financing for construction, acquisition, and operations, including clinics like the Jesse Owens Clinic in South Phoenix and multiple phases of the Esperanza Health Centers facility.
- Community Health Center InvestmentFinances the construction, acquisition, and improvement of community health centers in underserved areas, including the Jesse Owens Clinic in South Phoenix and multiple phases of the Esperanza Health Centers clinic featuring exam rooms, pharmacies, senior centers, and community spaces.
- Disaster Resilience Construction Investment Disaster Recovery Construction and Debris RemovalInvests in construction projects that enhance the resilience of homes and buildings against natural disasters such as storms, floods, and wildfires.
- Education Facility FinancingProvides financing for charter, private, and independent schools, including support for the construction of a new elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, and the purchase and development of facilities for Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School.
- Education Facility FinancingFinances charter, private, and independent schools and supports the construction or acquisition of educational facilities, such as a new elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, and the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School building.
- Financing Affordable Housing DevelopmentProvides capital to nonprofit and for-profit developers for the construction of affordable rental and ownership housing nationwide, including single-family homes and multi-family rental communities. This includes supporting home ownership programs with down payment assistance and financial education.
- Financing Community Health CentersInvests in and provides financing for community health centers, including the development, purchase, and restoration of clinics, to provide essential, culturally sensitive healthcare services in underserved areas. This also includes financing for solar power installations to reduce energy costs.
- Financing Disaster Resilient Construction Disaster Recovery Construction and Debris RemovalInvests in construction projects that enhance the resilience of homes and buildings against natural disasters such as storms, floods, and wildfires.
- Financing Educational FacilitiesFinances charter, private, and independent schools to improve access to education and student readiness for college and careers, including supporting the construction of new elementary schools and the purchase of school buildings.
- Flexible Capital and Financial Stabilization Nonprofit Loan Financing & Financial StabilizationProvides flexible loans and refinancing solutions to stabilize nonprofit finances, such as supporting MAAC with debt reduction and property sale completion, and refinancing a Mountain Park Health Center clinic in Tempe.
- Flexible Capital and Financial Stabilization Lending Nonprofit Loan Financing & Financial StabilizationProvides flexible financing solutions such as loans and refinancing to stabilize nonprofit finances, including debt reduction and operational stabilization for organizations like MAAC and Mountain Park Health Center.
- Food Assistance Program On-Campus and Pop-Up Food PantriesDelivers healthy meals to individuals and families in need, having provided over 20,000 meals through its food assistance program.
- Food Assistance Program On-Campus and Pop-Up Food PantriesDelivers healthy meals to individuals and families in need, distributing over 20,000 meals through its food assistance program.
- Homeownership Support Programs Homebuyer Education and CounselingSupports homeownership through down payment assistance, financial education, and homebuyer readiness resources, enabling individuals and families to achieve stable housing.
- Homeownership Support Programs Homebuyer Education and CounselingSupports home ownership through down payment assistance, financial education, and homebuyer readiness resources, enabling individuals and families to achieve sustainable homeownership.
- Providing Food Assistance On-Campus and Pop-Up Food PantriesDelivers over 20,000 healthy meals to individuals and families in need through its food assistance program.
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship Support Entrepreneurship Incubation & Technical AssistanceStrengthens small business ecosystems by providing capital, coaching, and training to entrepreneurs, including support for culinary industry training and the launch of catering businesses and restaurants through initiatives like Kitchen of Purpose.
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship Support Entrepreneurship Incubation & Technical AssistanceStrengthens small business ecosystems by funding organizations that provide entrepreneurs with capital, coaching, and training, including support for culinary industry training and restaurant startups through Kitchen of Purpose.
- Supporting Small Business Ecosystems Entrepreneurship Incubation & Technical AssistanceStrengthens small business ecosystems by funding organizations that provide entrepreneurs with capital, coaching, and training, and supports culinary career training and entrepreneurial ventures.
capacity building · 6
- Advocacy and Partnership Support for Community Organizations Community Organization SponsorshipActs as a key advocate and partner to community-based organizations, providing beyond-financial support to advance their missions and initiatives.
- Capacity Building and Strategic Advisory Support Nonprofit Loan Financing & Financial StabilizationProvides hands-on guidance, strategic financing, and long-term partnership support to community organizations, including recommending facility purchases that yield long-term savings, adjusting loan terms during hardship, and connecting organizations to critical resources.
- Facility Development and Capacity-Building Support Community Facilities FinancingProvides financing and hands-on support for the development of community facilities, including technical assistance, deal structuring, and long-term planning, such as supporting the purchase of headquarters for Carlos Rosario Charter School and Self-Help Enterprises.
- Financial Restructuring and Adaptive Lending Short-Term Financial Relief ProgramsAdjusts loan terms and provides adaptive financial solutions during hardship, such as interest-only payment periods, to support organizational sustainability.
- Organizational Capacity Building and Support Nonprofit Loan Financing & Financial StabilizationProvides flexible capital, financial advice, and hands-on support to organizations, including assistance with property acquisition, debt reduction, financial stabilization, and adjusting loan terms during hardship, to help them achieve their missions and visions.
- Strategic Financial Planning and Organizational SupportProvides strategic recommendations and connects organizations to resources that support long-term vision and mission focus, such as advising MAAC on property purchase saving $4.5M over 15 years and enabling Kitchen of Purpose to focus on core programming.
strategies · 20
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Community-Centered and Driven Development community-centered_investmentThe organization focuses on creating long-term economic prosperity in underserved communities by deploying capital and support to local initiatives. This approach emphasizes community-driven efforts, local presence, and long-term relationships to ensure culturally responsive and sustainable outcomes across various sectors.
- Community-centered investment for holistic development community-centered investmentDeploys capital across healthcare, education, housing, small business, and resilience sectors to strengthen foundational systems in underserved communities, with investments rooted in local presence and long-term relationships.
- Community-centered investment for long-term prosperity community-centered investmentDeploys capital and support across healthcare, education, housing, small business, and resilience sectors to strengthen local foundations and promote enduring economic prosperity driven by community-identified needs.
- Culturally responsive financing for healthcare and education access culturally_responsive_healthcare_financingExpands access to essential services by financing healthcare infrastructure and educational institutions with an emphasis on cultural sensitivity, community presence, and long-term sustainability.
- Early-stage and New Markets Tax Credit financing for underserved communities new_markets_tax_creditsLeverages New Markets Tax Credits and early-stage investments through its CDFI to mobilize affordable capital in communities excluded from traditional lending, enabling transformative development projects.
- Early-stage and ecosystem-level support for community initiatives small business ecosystem developmentInvests in early-stage community-based organizations and builds small business and workforce development ecosystems through capital access, coaching, training, and infrastructure funding to promote economic empowerment.
- Flexible, Values-Driven Capital and Partnership flexible_capital_and_partnership_modelThe organization provides flexible capital and strategic partnerships to community organizations, prioritizing long-term community growth, shared values, and mission preservation over transactional lending. This approach involves active listening, solutions-oriented financing, and considering the emotional and symbolic significance of investments alongside financial impact.
- Flexible, mission-aligned financing and partnership model flexible_capital_and_partnership_modelProvides flexible capital and acts as a strategic, long-term partner—rather than a transactional lender—using active listening, shared values, and collaboration to support nonprofits and community organizations through financial challenges while preserving mission integrity.
- Homeownership as a Pathway to Financial Stability homeownership_as_financial_stabilityThe organization views homeownership as a critical pathway to achieving financial stability for individuals and fostering long-term development within communities.
- Homeownership as a pathway to financial stability homeownership_as_financial_stabilityViews homeownership as a key mechanism for building long-term financial stability for individuals and fostering sustainable community development.
- Homeownership as a pathway to financial stability and community development homeownership_as_financial_stabilityViews homeownership as a key mechanism for building long-term financial stability for individuals and fostering sustainable community development in underserved areas.
- Lifelong education and workforce development financing lifelong_education_access_financingUses financing to support educational readiness and economic empowerment across the lifespan, including charter schools, vocational training, and entrepreneurial development programs.
- New Markets Tax Credit deployment for affordable community capital new_markets_tax_creditsLeverages New Markets Tax Credits through its CDFI to mobilize affordable financing for community development projects in areas underserved by traditional lenders.
- Small Business Ecosystem Development small_business_ecosystem_developmentThe organization supports the growth of small businesses by investing in the broader ecosystem, providing access to capital, coaching, and training programs.
- Small business and nonprofit ecosystem development through flexible capital small_business_ecosystem_developmentStrengthens local economic ecosystems by providing flexible financing, technical assistance, and long-term partnership to small businesses and nonprofits, prioritizing mission alignment and adaptive support.
- Strategic Use of New Markets Tax Credits new_markets_tax_creditsThe organization leverages New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) through its CDFI status to mobilize capital and provide affordable financing for community development projects in areas underserved by traditional lending.
- Targeted Investment in Community Infrastructure for Empowerment community_health_infrastructure_investmentThe organization strategically invests in various community infrastructures—including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and workforce development centers—to expand access to essential services, promote economic empowerment, and foster long-term success, with an emphasis on cultural sensitivity and student readiness.
- Targeted healthcare and education infrastructure investment community_health_infrastructure_investmentExpands access to culturally responsive healthcare and lifelong education by financing property acquisition, renovation, energy efficiency, and readiness programs, particularly in underserved areas.
- Values-driven, solutions-oriented community development financing values-driven_financingGuides financing decisions through shared values, trust, and emotional significance, prioritizing feasible, collaborative solutions that support long-term community prosperity.
- Values-driven, solutions-oriented financing with strategic partnerships solutions-oriented financingApproaches lending as a collaborative, mission-aligned partnership grounded in trust, shared values, and creative problem-solving rather than transactional terms, enabling feasible and impactful community projects.
named programs · 13
what they call their work
Affordable Housing Development
Finances nonprofit and for-profit developers to create affordable rental and ownership homes, including large-scale projects like a 400-unit development in National City, CA
Affordable Housing Investments
Invests in nonprofit and for-profit developers to create affordable rental and ownership homes across the country.
Community Resiliency Investments
Invests in projects that make homes and buildings stronger against natural disasters like storms, floods, and wildfires.
Community Resiliency Projects
Invests in resilient construction to protect homes and buildings from storms, floods, and wildfires, ensuring long-term community stability
Education Facility Investment
Finances charter, private, and independent schools from early childhood to adult education, including campus acquisition and construction for institutions like Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School
Education Investments
Finances charter, private, and independent schools from early childhood to adult learning, making education accessible for all children.
Health Investments
Supports community health centers providing high-quality, affordable care in underserved areas, focusing on culturally sensitive facilities.
Healthcare Facility Financing
Provides capital and support to community health centers for facility acquisition, construction, and renovation, including solar installations to reduce operating costs
Home Ownership Investments
Supports organizations that help families achieve homeownership through down payment assistance, financial education, and homebuyer readiness resources.
Home Ownership Support
Supports down payment assistance, financial education, and homebuyer readiness programs to help families achieve homeownership, particularly in flood-prone or underserved areas
New Markets Tax Credit Financing
Utilizes federal New Markets Tax Credits to provide affordable financing for projects in economically distressed communities where traditional capital is unavailable
Small Business Ecosystem Strengthening
Provides access to capital, coaching, and training for entrepreneurs through intermediary organizations, enabling business growth and job creation
Small Business Investments
Strengthens the small business ecosystem by supporting groups that offer entrepreneurs access to capital, coaching, and training.
relationships · 21
who they work with
- Capital Impact Partners Partner — Former Chief Operating Officer at this national CDFI, indicating significant organizational involvement.
- Carlos Rosario Charter School Partner — Acted as an advocate and key supporter of the charter school.
- Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School Partner — Provided financing and development support to help the school purchase a building and reopen after closure.
- Chicanos Por La Causa Partner — Collaborated on a community development project in Phoenix.
- Chicanos Por La Causa Partner — Collaborates on community development projects, as highlighted by leadership endorsement from its President & CEO.
- Chicanos Por La Causa Partner — Longtime partner organization that collaborated with RAZA Development Fund on financing a new elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
- Esperanza Health Centers Partner — Provided financing and ongoing support for the development of a full-service health center in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood.
- Esperanza Health Centers Partner — Provided financing and partnership support beyond traditional lending.
- Kitchen of Purpose Partner — Provided financial or operational support enabling focus on mission.
- Kitchen of Purpose Partner — Provided financing and loan term adjustments to support facility development and financial stability.
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation Partner — Former leadership role as Chief Operating Officer, indicating a deep organizational affiliation.
- MAAC Partner — Provided financing and strategic guidance to support affordable housing development and organizational stability.
- Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee (MAAC) Partner — Collaborates with RDF on community development initiatives in San Diego, CA.
- Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee (MAAC) Partner — Provided supportive financing and problem-solving assistance to advance initiatives.
- Mountain Park Health Center Partner — Collaborated on financing and redevelopment of the Jesse Owens Clinic and refinancing of a clinic in Tempe.
- Mountain Park Health Center Partner — Supported in connecting to resources to realize organizational vision.
- Préstamos Partner — CDFI affiliated with Chicanos Por La Causa that utilized New Markets Tax Credits in partnership with RAZA Development Fund for community development financing.
- Self-Help Enterprises Partner — Partnered to support affordable housing development in Lamont, California.
- Self-Help Enterprises Partner — Supported in overcoming early-stage challenges to a housing development project.
- U.S. Department of the Treasury Government — Former Director of the CDFI Fund, overseeing federal support for community development financial institutions.
- Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation Partner — Organization raising funds to build a new elementary school in Uvalde; supported through financing provided by RAZA Development Fund.