Get Loan Support for Growth & Innovation
Access affordable capital for entrepreneurs and nonprofits ready to scale.
Community innovators — don’t let access to capital stand in your way.
Traditional lenders prioritize established businesses and low-risk investments, leaving nonprofits and emerging mission-based and community-focused businesses struggling to secure the funding they need. Without affordable financing, innovation and critical projects stall, opportunities are lost and the cycle of inequity continues.
Affordable Housing Development Out of Reach
High interest rates and construction costs make new affordable housing nearly impossible to build.
Nonprofits Lacking Infrastructure
Without funding for facilities and expansion, nonprofits can’t maximize their impact or create spaces that serve the community.
No Track Record for Affordable Credit
Traditional lenders have pulled back, and entrepreneurs — especially first-time entrepreneurs of color — struggle to establish affordable lines of credit.
Inequity in Opportunities
Entrepreneurs of color and underrepresented developers face systemic barriers to securing funding, contracts and partnerships.
KZCF Offers Low-Interest Loans for High-Impact Innovators
Impact investing is a strategy that channels investments into projects generating both financial returns and positive social impact. For many nonprofits, property developers and new businesses, affordable financing is the missing piece that turns bold visions into tangible progress.
Through impact investment loans, we help bridge that gap — funding mission-aligned infrastructure projects, expanding access to capital for organizations and entrepreneurs, empowering communities, fueling innovation and helping everyone in Kalamazoo County thrive.
Community Impact (Investment) Priorities
KZCF understands that eliminating economic disparities for our community members is one way to establish a thriving Kalamazoo County. Our Impact Investing projects provide us an opportunity to not only fund, but partner with community members to help bring their transformational, community-focused projects to life.
Wealth
Education
Housing
Neighborhoods
Economic Equity & Opportunity
We invest in projects that expand economic opportunity, particularly for people of color and historically marginalized communities. By providing capital to organizations and businesses that have been overlooked by traditional lending, we aim to close wealth gaps and create sustainable pathways to prosperity.
We prioritize organizations and projects that demonstrate:
- Ownership or leadership by people of color and historically underrepresented groups.
- A commitment to creating quality jobs and economic mobility.
- Inclusive business practices that promote equity in hiring, wages and career advancement.
Investing in Community Infrastructure
Strong neighborhoods need strong institutions. We provide financing for nonprofit infrastructure and community spaces that enhance access to essential services, education, and economic opportunities.
We prioritize organizations and projects that demonstrate:
- A direct benefit to under-resourced communities.
- Efforts to strengthen civic, cultural, or educational spaces.
- Collaboration with local residents to shape development decisions.
Housing Access & Affordability
Safe, stable, and affordable housing is fundamental to a thriving community. We support projects that increase the supply of affordable homes while prioritizing equitable access for residents.
We prioritize property developers and projects that demonstrate:
- A clear focus on affordability for low- and moderate-income households.
- Strategies to reduce barriers to homeownership for people of color.
- Partnerships that engage diverse contractors, builders, and suppliers.
Empowering Community Through Education
We believe that a thriving community is one where community members have equal access to educational resources and institutions. Ensuring that our community members are consistently engaged in educational opportunities can go a long way in making sure everyone feels empowered, uplifted and inspired.
We prioritize organizations that demonstrate:
- Workforce training and skill-building initiatives.
- Increased access to educational development opportunities for community members of all ages.
- Cross-sector partnerships that enhance community-wide educational outcomes.
Flexible Financing Options
For Community Champions & Champions in the Making
We want to invest in community changemakers in what ever way works. That means taking the time to consider every opportunity for potential social impact and embracing a “no one-size-fits-all deals” mindset for each loan arrangement.
Direct Lending
KZCF makes direct loans to housing and nonprofit infrastructure developments.
Ideal for: Housing developers and nonprofits
Amount: Typically $250K – $2M
Examples: Financing for affordable housing developments
Lender Partnerships
KZCF can connect small businesses with trusted, mission-aligned community lending partners (banks, credit unions and loan funds) to meet their needs for capital.
Ideal for: Small businesses and startups
Amount: Typically $10K – $250K
Examples: Working capital for a small business or investment into a startup
KZCF welcomes proposals and pitches for innovative investment opportunities that align with our mission.
We’re open to custom investment options such as equity investments, guarantees or co-operative lending on a case-by-case basis.
Loan Partnership Perks & Benefits Beyond the Check
Flexible, Adaptive Application
Our application process is designed to be collaborative to understand your needs and find a deal structure that fits.
Access to Capital Program Built In
Loan recipients of color can get additional lines of credit plus financial coaching and resources through Access to Capital, a one-of-a-kind partnership with Room 35 and Old National Bank.
Low-Cost Financing
Our financing is often offered below market rates and with flexible terms designed to fill capital gaps and deliver more value to the Kalamazoo community.
Robust, Dedicated Support
Loan recipients get hands-on help from our Investment team from application to award and beyond!
Connection to Supporters
KZCF can help you make connections with partners and supporters that can help boost your project or organization’s success.
Continued Guidance & Advocacy Along the Way!
Loan recipients gain support beyond the check, including advisory council, shared resources, and networking introductions to other funders and the community.
Maximizing Investing Efforts to Close the Economic Gap & Bring Community Visions to Life
KZCF understands that eliminating economic disparities for our community members is one way to establish a thriving Kalamazoo County.
2024 Loan Recipients Leading Community Innovation
Countdown to Impact
Book a Consultation
Our easy inquiry form initiates a Q&A session with Todd Kuntz, our senior investment officer. Once we receive your inquiry, we’ll reach out to you for scheduling.
Determine the Best Path
We’ll work together to determine your funding or resource needs and settle on the best path forward to ensure your project comes to life.
Let the Fun(ding) Begin!
Whether you receive funding from us or other resources from one of our incredible community partners, we’ll do all that we can to make sure your journey continues with clarity and ease.
Get a loan convo started — Todd and our Investment team are ready to help.
Impact Investment Resources & Updates
Maximizing Investing Efforts to Close the Economic Gap & Bring Community Visions to Life
KZCF understands that eliminating economic disparities for our community members is one way to establish a thriving Kalamazoo County.
Make a Gift That Keeps on Giving!
Contributions to KZCF ensure your gifts will continue to benefit our community forever. Help us make an impact that lasts for generations to come by giving a gift today.