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The Microlending Operations Support & CDFI Lending Capital Matching Funds Grant Program
OVERVIEW
MICROLENDING OPERATIONS SUPPORT & CDFI LENDING CAPITAL MATCHING FUNDS GRANT PROGRAM
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking experienced nonprofit lenders to assist established and start-up small businesses in the Commonwealth in obtaining capital. The Commonwealth’s funds are meant to facilitate lending to small businesses that are unable to obtain traditional sources of capital.
This grant program seeks to increase the flow of capital into Massachusetts’s small businesses and to continue to foster recovery, sustainability, resilience, and growth. Successful grantees will leverage state funds, along with significant non-state capital sources, to provide small businesses with a spectrum of loan products.
PROGRAM GOALS
This grant program seeks to increase the flow of capital into Massachusetts’s small businesses and create recovery, sustainability, resilience, and growth. By providing a new source of matching funds for established regional certified nonprofit lenders, the program seeks to build the capacity of nonprofit community-based lenders to finance regional business growth.
Successful grantees will leverage state funds, along with significant non-state capital sources, to provide small businesses with direct loans. Successful grantees will provide capital to small businesses that unlocks job growth and put small businesses on a path toward bankability. Successful grantees will fuel small business growth and revitalize their communities.
Consideration will be given to:
- Organizations with a diverse portfolio make-up, including those with businesses owned by low-to-moderate income individuals and businesses located in economic disadvantaged urban or rural communities, and Gateway Cities, and cooperatives.
- Organizations those providing multilingual services and resources.
GRANT AMOUNTS AND DISTRIBUTION
Some applicants will be able to apply for both Microlending Operations Support and CDFI Lending Capital Matching Funds:
Lending Capital Matching Funds:
Funds can be used as lending capital for small business loans. It requires 50% organization matching funds at hand to access awarded amount. Up to 5% of award can be used as a loan loss reserve. Available for certified CDFIs, certified CDCs, and SBA microlenders. Award amounts up to $200,000.
Microlending Operations Support:
Funds can be used to support the eligible organization’s lending and technical assistance activities. Organizations that have already received FY24 microlending funding will be excluded. Award amounts up to $200,000. Available for certified CDFIs, SBA microlenders, and United States Department of Agriculture microlenders only.
ELIGIBILITY
Requirements:
- The Microlending Operations Support and CDFI Lending Capital Matching Funds Grant Program shall be issued to established certified community development financial institutions, community development corporations, and SBA microlenders making direct small business loans to borrowers on a regional basis, and/or providing technical assistance to applicants and borrowers in order to foster business establishment and success; provided that the funds shall be used to support the eligible organization’s lending and technical assistance activities. All lending and technical assistance under this grant program must be provided to Massachusetts-based businesses only.
- CDFI lending capital awards require a 50% organization match. Organization most show proof of match at hand by providing bank statement(s) reflecting required matching funds within 6 months of award in order to receive lending capital awarded funds. If an awardee is not able to secure funding match within 6 months, the awarded amount must be recaptured by MassDevelopment: Growth Capital Division.
- If you are a recipient of previous Lending Capital Matching Grant Award(s), 100% deployment of previous fiscal year award funding is required.
- Proposals offering multilingual services are highly desirable.
APPLICATION PROCESS
How To Submit:
Applications will be accepted via Submittable. A completed application and supplemental information will be required to be uploaded and submitted. Incomplete and late applications will not be accepted.
Applications will be reviewed for responsiveness, track record and historical impact, projected grant impact, and consistency with Administration funding priorities. As needed, MassDevelopment: Growth Capital Division will gather a team of independent reviewers to review pending applications and develop recommendations for funding. Final decisions will be rendered by MassDevelopment: Growth Capital Division. Overall program funding decisions are at the discretion of the Executive Office of Economic Development and are not subject to challenge or appeal.
Required Documentation:
- Matching funds bank statements and/or commitment letters
- Organization’s latest Annual CDFI Fund Certification Report (CDFIs) or MACDC Small Business T.A. & Lending Survey Submission (CDCs)
- Most recent Audited Financial Statement or Review
- Current year-to-date organizational Financial Statement: Income & Expense/Balance Sheet
- Copy of underwriting Policy
- Copy of loan application
- 2023 Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of the Commonwealth
- U.S. IRS Tax Exempt Certification/ Determination Letter
Awarding & Contract Process:
Applicants that are approved for funding will be notified in writing of the approval, with instructions for demonstrating readiness and any other required submissions, as determined by MassDevelopment: Growth Capital Division. All awards are contingent upon the execution of a binding funding agreement between MassDevelopment: Growth Capital Division and the applicant. Awards may be subject to conditions as set out in the award notification letter. Grant contracts will only be issued for projects that successfully meet all requirements set out as a condition of the award. Any project that receives an award but does not meet the requirements by a specified date will lose its funding commitment for that year and may be penalized during future funding rounds.