Get a loan.

 

Capital when conventional lenders aren’t your best option.

We lend to growing businesses and nonprofits that are creating real change in their communities. No minimum credit scores. No personal guarantees. Just a clear path to capital that fits your mission and your model.

More than a lender.

We're an impact investing firm — which means we lend with a different lens than a traditional bank or even a typical CDFI. We underwrite the business, not the founder's personal credit. We work with revenue models conventional lenders find too complicated. And we stay invested in your growth long after the loan closes.

Capital for the lower middle market.

We lend to impact-focused small businesses and nonprofits across the United States. Most of our borrowers fit the same profile: growing organizations that don't fit conventional credit boxes but have a clear path to growth and a real impact thesis. Loan sizes range from $100K to $10M. 

For health-related small businesses and nonprofits

Supported by Elevance Health Foundation. Below-market loans for BIPOC-, women-, or LMI-led health businesses and nonprofits across eight states. $100K–$1M.

SEE IF YOU QUALIFY → 

Current loan programs

Depending on what you do and where you're based, your loan may be funded through one of our active strategies:

  • Advance California — California-based businesses and nonprofits. Learn more →

  • Advance New Mexico — New Mexico-based businesses and nonprofits, including Native- and rural-serving enterprises. Learn more →

Not sure where you fit? Start with the inquiry form below — we'll route you. 

How a loan comes together.

01

Inquiry

Tell us about your business in a short form. Takes about 10 minutes. 

02

Initial Call

Within 2–5 business days, we'll have   conversation to understand your needs and confirm fit. 

03

Application

If we're a match, we'll guide you through document collection 

04

Diligence and closing

A diligence meeting, then closing and funding. 

What we fund.

Mission Driven Finance has made over 300 loans since 2016 across sectors that conventional lenders often pass on: 

Food and beverage

restaurants, mills, food distribution, agriculture 

Health and human services

clinics, behavioral health, nonprofit social services

Clean energy and climate

EV infrastructure, cleantech ventures, regenerative agriculture 

Affordable housing

nonprofit developers, supportive housing operators

Child care

licensed child care providers and child care real estate 

Food and beverage

restaurants, mills, food distribution, agriculture 

Food and beverage

restaurants, mills, food distribution, agriculture 

Education

schools, education nonprofits, workforce development 

Manufacturing and trades

small manufacturers, contractors, fabricators
 

Loan sizes range from $100K to $10M. Terms from 3 months to 5 years. Use cases include working capital, growth capital, bridge financing, project finance, and equipment. 

Borrowers in our portfolio.

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A photo of Shaun Benson, Marketing Manager, Agriflora Inc.
Shaun Benson, Marketing Manager, Agriflora Inc.

Common questions.

12 Q&As from the current /loans page (down from 15 — duplicates removed). Accordion module, expand on click 

How are Mission Driven Finance loans different from banks or other lenders?

 

How are Mission Driven Finance different from banks or other lenders?

Mission Driven Finance (MDF) is an impact lender that focuses on supporting small businesses and nonprofits making positive change in their communities. We don’t require personal credit scores or guarantees. Your personal finances shouldn’t affect your business loan.

How can an organization prepare for a loan?

Make sure your business plan and financials are organized. Have your balance sheet and income statement ready for review.

How will the loan money be used?

Be prepared to explain how you will use the loan and your repayment plan. Funds can be for working capital, cash flow, or operational improvements. It’s important to show how the loan will help your organization grow and positively impact your community.

How does impact investing make a difference?

Impact investing can help “unbanked” organizations access funding. It focuses on reducing risk and supporting groups that create positive social changes, like job creation and opportunities in marginalized or underinvested communities.

What challenges do organizations face in getting financing?

Many small businesses and nonprofits struggle with banking history and credit score requirements. While some banks might say “no,” we look for ways to say “yes” to those with strong impact and growth plans.

What types of organizations do you work with? Does impact have to be a core value to my organization?

You don’t need a formal impact mission, but we want to see your commitment to your community. We work with various organizations that aim to create positive local impacts and help them be more intentional about their efforts.

How does the loan process work?

We have a simple process to ensure we’re aligned:

  • Initial call to understand your needs.
  • If it’s a match, we’ll guide you through our lending platform.
  • You submit necessary documents, followed by a meeting to discuss your application.
  • We’ll assist you through the closing process and stay in touch to monitor your progress.

What documents do I need for the loan process?

To get started, we need your organization’s key documents (like business model, bylaws, and filing status), financial statements, and impact documents.

How can my organization prepare for a loan?

 

Am I eligible for financing as a nonprofit organization?

At Mission Driven Finance, we appreciate the important work nonprofits do and want to support you. We take the time to understand your organization and ensure our financing meets your needs.

Will cash flow challenges from grants and funding be an issue?

We’re eager to help solve complex cash flow issues. We understand that timing can be tricky, so we offer financing solutions that work with your revenue model.

Will we qualify for a loan if we focus on grants and donations rather than earned revenue?

We’ll review your current contracts and find the best loan structure for your needs. However, not every nonprofit is a suitable candidate for a loan, and we won’t provide one if it would burden your organization with debt.

How will the loan money be used?

 

Can you help me with capital requirements for my first big contract as a small business owner?

We’ll review your contract and impact plans to provide the financing you need to achieve your business goals.

I’m a startup founder, and banks have denied me financing. Can you help?

We’ll learn about your business to find the best financing option for you. Since debt may not be suitable for pre-revenue companies, we can help if you have a letter of intent, purchase order, or contract.

I see growth opportunities for my successful business, but banks won’t lend me capital. Can you?

When others say no, we ask, “Why not?” We’re interested in businesses looking to grow and would love to discuss your needs.

My business relies on accounts receivables, causing cash flow challenges. Can you help?

We understand the importance of cash flow for growth. We specialize in complex accounts receivable situations. However, our process isn’t ideal for emergency loans or those under six months.

What does a loan look like month-to-month?

Check out our blog post on amortization and loan terms for more details.

What challenges do organizations face in getting financing?

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How does the loan process work?

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What documents do I need for the loan process?

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Am I eligible for financing as a nonprofit organization?

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Will cash flow challenges from grants and funding be an issue?

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Can you help with capital for my first big contract as a small business owner?

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I'm a startup founder. Banks have denied me financing. Can you help?

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I see growth opportunities for my successful business but banks won't lend to me.Can you?

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My business relies on accounts receivable, causing cash flow challenges. Can youhelp?

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Before you apply

2 things to know about your loan terms
READ → 
 See a sample term sheet 
VIEW → 
5 things to know about an impactbased loan
READ → 
Other loanrelated stuff you should know
READ → 

Ready to talk to us?