County grant opens access to funding for non-profits

Nonprofit organizations across San Bernardino County will have access to a vital new financing opportunity through a $3 million revolving loan fund. Established through a county investment to the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), the fund will provide flexible, affordable loans to local nonprofits, addressing financial challenges these organizations often face when traditional funding is difficult to secure.

Initially funded by a one-time investment from the county, the revolving loan fund will be managed by IECF. The fund will begin with $2.5 million allocated for loan capitalization and an additional $500,000 designated to cover startup and administrative costs during the fund’s first two years. After this initial phase, interest earnings from the initial investment and loan repayments will replenish and sustain the fund, ensuring it remains a lasting resource for local nonprofits.

“The revolving loan fund represents an exciting opportunity to empower local nonprofits and significantly enhance their ability to serve our communities,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “Because these funds revolve back into the program, we can continually reinvest in even more organizations, magnifying the long-term positive impacts across our county.”

Loans will be awarded to nonprofit applicants based on thorough assessments of operational strength, financial stability, and repayment capacity, prioritizing organizations that significantly improve service provision and address pressing community challenges, particularly in underserved and low-income areas.

Priority will be given to local nonprofits providing services to vulnerable populations, such as seniors, children ages 0-5, foster children and youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, and residents of low-income communities. These loans are intended to directly benefit the county’s most underserved residents by expanding nonprofit capacity and ensuring critical services are delivered where they are needed most. Technical assistance will also be provided to nonprofit applicants and loan borrowers to maximize successful outcomes.

For more information, visit iegives.org.