Colorado Communities
of Color Loan Fund

The Latino Community Foundation of Colorado (LCFC) is proud to announce the Colorado Communities of Color Loan Fund, a five-year revolving loan fund pilot project that will ensure access to capital to nonprofit organizations led by and serving communities of color. Decades of disinvestments have led to the chronic undercapitalization and financial instability that prevents long-term strategy development and impacts day-to-day nonprofit management—from cost reimbursement contracts to programmatic expansion. In order to combat these systemic inequities, organizations run by and for people of color must have access to capital in a way never before seen.

The CCC Loan Fund, launched with a $3 million initial investment under the management of LCFC, will make zero to low interest loans to nonprofits of color in Colorado. Organizational leaders may apply through the culturally relevant online screening process outlined below.

Fund Details

The fund will provide loans between 0% and 2% interest in amounts no less than $10,000 and no more than $250,000, with a one- to five-year payoff period. It is anticipated that loans will not be available in an amount greater than 20% of the organization’s annual operating budget size.

Funding from the Colorado Communities of Color Loan Fund may be used for:

  • Cash flow needs related to reimbursement contracts

  • Social enterprise launch or expansion

  • Capital investments or improvements

Fund eligibility/criteria to apply

Organizations must:

  • be based in the state of Colorado (Organizations located outside Colorado with Colorado chapters are eligible if the loan supports local work)

  • Is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and can provide at least three years of financial statements. At present, this opportunity is only available to organizations that are independent 501(c)3s. Organizations with Fiscal Sponsors are not eligible for loans.

  • have an operating budget of at least $50,000

  • have a track record of delivering effective programs and services equitably for Colorado residents

  • work in the human services, workforce development, education, health, early childhood education, environment, food justice, and arts and culture.

  • serve a population that is 66% or more communities of color

  • be led by people of color, defined as:

    • executive director is a person of color

    • senior management and staff is 51% people of color

    • board of directors is 51% people of color

Next steps and process

Watch the webinar on the CCC Loan Fund: Held on Monday, August 30th, this webinar features a presentation from Latino Community Foundation of Colorado staff, as well as a Q&A session with attending nonprofit leaders.

We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Our application process consists of filling out our eligibility questionnaire, an exploratory call with LCFC staff, and submission of a formal application. Our team reviews applications and makes funding decisions on a monthly basis. Please do not hesitate to contact LCFC staff at LoanFund@LatinoCFC.org if you have questions regarding eligibility, application, decisions, and more.

If you would like to learn more or are interested in pursuing a loan from the Colorado Communities of Color Loan Fund please send us an email or fill out the initial Loan Fund Questionnaire below.

Fund oversight

Oversight of the investments and final loan approval will be through a Community Advisory Committee comprised of community leaders, with the majority representing communities of color. Their knowledge of the community, nonprofits and leadership will be critical in loan approvals, vetting and determining risk tolerance for the loans.

Community advisory committee members include:

  • Jennifer Lopez

  • Alejandro Monarez

  • Emma Schwarz

  • LaDawn Sullivan

We thank these organizations for their generous support.