Nonprofit organizations serving San Bernardino County can apply for affordable financing through the Inland Empire Nonprofit Loan Fund beginning Sept. 1. The third round of applications will remain open through Sept. 30, with loans ranging from $100,000 to $400,000 available to eligible organizations.
The below-market loans are designed to give nonprofits greater access to capital for a variety of needs, including managing cash flow, improving or renovating facilities, purchasing property and covering short-term expenses while awaiting other funding.
The $5 million regional fund is a partnership between the Inland Empire Community Foundation, San Bernardino County, the city of Riverside and the Nonprofit Finance Fund. San Bernardino County contributed $3 million to the initiative through the County’s Nonprofit Revolving Loan Fund, which was approved by the Board of Supervisors in April 2025.
The program was established to address financing challenges that can make it difficult for nonprofit organizations to obtain funding through traditional lenders. By providing another source of affordable capital, the fund helps nonprofits strengthen their financial position, expand their capacity and continue providing critical programs and services throughout the region.
“Nonprofits are essential partners in delivering services and improving the quality of life for residents throughout San Bernardino County,” said Board of Supervisors Chair and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “The revolving loan structure allows our investment to go further by putting those dollars back to work as loans are repaid, creating new opportunities to support nonprofits and the residents they serve for years to come.”
Four types of financing are available:
- Working capital loans can help organizations address cash-flow needs, including delays in reimbursement from government contracts.
- Real estate loans can be used to purchase or renovate facilities needed to provide programs and services.
- Facility improvement loans can support projects such as tenant improvements and energy-efficiency upgrades.
- Bridge loans provide short-term financing when an organization has a confirmed source of repayment.
Applications for the third funding round will be accepted from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30. Eligibility requirements and application details are available at iegives.org/funds/ie-nonprofit-loan-fund.
Organizations needing assistance with the online survey or application may contact the Nonprofit Finance Fund at assessment@nff.org. Additional questions may be directed to Dominique Fortune at dfortune@nff.org.