Community Reinvestment Fund, USA: Powering small business growth by modernizing community lending
Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) is a national non-profit organization with a mission to improve lives and strengthen communities through innovative financial solutions.
How Community Reinvestment Fund, USA is strengthening the small business ecosystem in the United States
- Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have long served as frontline responders in moments of economic crisis — stepping in to reach the small businesses that traditional systems overlook. But even as demand for community-based lending grows, many CDFIs face structural challenges that limit their ability to scale. They often rely on the same pool of philanthropic and bank funders, leaving them capital constrained. Navigating federal programs can be daunting, requiring significant technical expertise and reporting infrastructure. And while expectations rise, many CDFIs lack the time, tools, or resources to invest in modern technology and infrastructure to capitalize on broader capital deployment opportunities as they arise.
- Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) is a national CDFI working to remove these barriers. CRF operates online platforms that connect entrepreneurs to local lenders, help other CDFIs access fixed-rate, long-term capital, and enable entrepreneurs and lenders alike to analyze business data that reveals new opportunities. The nonprofit also fills marketplace gaps by lending directly to U.S. small businesses across the country. CRF is tackling the root causes of inefficiency in the community finance ecosystem by creating scalable and efficient solutions for place-based lenders. CRF expands what’s possible — for lenders and the small businesses they serve.
Program overview
Our work together
- Through support from Mastercard Strive USA, CRF expanded and enhanced its technology platform to help community lenders more effectively connect small businesses with capital and support. The platform has evolved from a static transaction tool into a dynamic system that offers recommendations and guidance tailored to a business’s stage of growth.
- In parallel, CRF introduced new financial tools and operational features that strengthen how CDFIs acquire clients, manage portfolios, use data to enhance advisory services, meet compliance requirements, and expand access to capital. These improvements are increasing the reach and impact of community lenders and helping more U.S. small businesses access the resources they need to grow.
By the numbers
- CRF’s platforms have enabled partnerships with 47 CDFIs to deploy $700M in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, creating/retaining more than 70,000 jobs during the pandemic.
- CRF has supported 12 recovery funds across 27 states, working with 57 CDFIs to provide $375M in lending to 5,700 small businesses.
- CRF, in partnership with Appalachian Community Capital and Dogwood Health Trust, launched a disaster relief grant program in North Carolina, designed to provide critical support following Hurricane Helene. CRF and its partners helped deploy over $55 million to more than 2,100 small businesses affected by the hurricane.
Our goal
Strengthen community lenders with advanced technology and financial tools
To expand small business access to capital, guidance, and recovery support.
By the numbers
Become a partner
Interested in being a partner for change?
Together we can empower millions of small businesses globally with innovative digital solutions that boost resilience, growth, and inclusion. Your organization's expertise can help bring impactful programs to scale, deepen local reach, and create meaningful change in the small business ecosystem. Be part of a vibrant partner community driving real economic impact.
Matthew Roth
Community Reinvestment FundPartnering with Mastercard Strive has enabled CRF to develop impactful technology solutions that have helped thousands of small businesses access responsible capital and business advisory resources, generating meaningful opportunities in under-resourced communities across the country.
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