Inland Empire Nonprofit Loan Fund

Starting December 1, 2025, local nonprofits can apply for affordable loans through the IE Nonprofit Loan Fund. This $5 million fund exists to help organizations manage cash flow, strengthen operations, and expand their work, particularly in underserved and low-income communities.

IECF created this fund in partnership with the City of Riverside, San Bernardino County, and the Nonprofit Finance Fund. The fund aims to fill a long-standing gap in access to capital for community-based organizations that often face barriers to traditional financing.

What it means for nonprofits

Nonprofits serving in the City of Riverside or San Bernardino County can apply for loans between $100,000 and $400,000 at below-market rates. As organizations repay their loans, that money becomes available for other nonprofits. The fund keeps working, helping more organizations over time.

These loans can help organizations navigate growth, funding gaps, payment delays, and other challenges to financial stability and impact. Priority goes to organizations that demonstrate strong community impact and alignment with local needs.

“Nonprofits carry so much of the work that holds our region together,” said Michelle Decker, IECF’s CEO. “The IE Nonprofit Loan Fund gives them access to capital that helps them stay strong and keep serving, especially in communities where support is often hardest to find.”

The funding

The City of Riverside contributed $2.8 million through the Riverside Nonprofit Resilience Fund, approved by the City Council in October 2024. San Bernardino County added $3 million through the San Bernardino County Nonprofit Revolving Loan Fund, approved by the Board of Supervisors in April 2025.

The Nonprofit Finance Fund, a Community Development Financial Institution, will manage loan administration.

How to apply

Application window: December 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026

Information sessions
Virtual session: December 10, 2025
In-person sessions: January 13-14, 2026