NAC CEO Joseph Rowell unpacks the benefits of the USDA’s Community Facilities (CF) Loan Program, which exists to deploy capital into nonprofit organizations and public bodies that provide essential services to rural communities through government-guaranteed loans. He also explains the various uses of funds available for these essential facilities (education, utilities, healthcare facilities, public safety, etc.).
USDA CF Loans
USDA Community Facilities Loan Program
From North Avenue Capital
- Loans for Essential Services in Rural Areas
- $2 Million - $100 Million Loan Amounts
- Up to 40 Year Terms
Home › Loan Program Overview › USDA CF Loans
About the Program
Unlike other loan programs from the USDA, the Community Facilities Loan is not designed for commercial undertakings, but rather, to create facilities that provide essential services to rural communities.
Such services can include healthcare, childcare, education, public gatherings, utilities, and food distribution, among others. If a community is in need of a certain facility, chances are a USDA CF Loan could fund its construction or improvement.
Community Facility Financing 101
Examples of Essential Community Facilities
- Healthcare & Hospitals
- Fire, Rescue, & Public Safety
- Educational & Social
- Bridges, Roads, & Airports
- Telecom Equipment
- Dams, Levees, & Reservoirs
Eligible Borrowers
Nonprofit Organizations
Public Bodies
Indian Tribes on Federal & State Reservations
Federally Recognized Tribes
Learn more with a Free Guide
USDA Community Facilities Loan vs. Grant
When it comes to funding community development projects, North Avenue Capital understands the importance of exploring different financial options. In this document, we highlight the main differences between these funding options to help you make informed decisions for your project.
Defining Rural:
97% of America
Many of our clients are often pleasantly surprised to learn that our lending services are exclusively dedicated to rural America—a revelation that becomes even more intriguing when they realize their own business or entity falls within this category.
Astonishingly, 97% of the U.S. landmass is classified as rural, suggesting a vast array of opportunities for businesses and organizations operating in these areas.
If you’re curious about your eligibility for USDA loans, you can quickly check if your address qualifies, thus potentially unlocking financial support and growth opportunities for rural American communities.
FAQs
A CF Loan, or the Community Facilities Loan Program, is part of the USDA’s OneRD Guarantee Loan initiative. Unlike other USDA loan programs, a CF Loan is not designed for commercial undertakings, but rather, to create facilities that provide essential services to rural communities, including healthcare, childcare, education, public gatherings, utilities, and food distribution, among others.
The USDA Community Facilities Loan encompasses organizations, nonprofits, and more amongst America’s rural land. Some major industries and/or nonprofit sectors that can take part in USDA Community Facilities loans are:
- Healthcare facilities such as hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities.
- Public facilities such as town halls, courthouses, airport hangars, or street improvements.
- Community support services such as child care centers, community centers, fairgrounds, or transitional housing.
- Public safety services such as fire departments, police stations, prisons, police vehicles, fire trucks, public works vehicles, or equipment.
- Educational services such as museums, libraries, or private schools.
- Utility services such as telemedicine or distance learning equipment.
- Local food systems such as community gardens, food pantries, community kitchens, food banks, food hubs, or greenhouses.
Information provided by USDA.gov.
North Avenue Capital is in the business of bolstering community facilities defined by the USDA across the country. To do this, we offer competitive fixed-rate terms to universities, healthcare facilities, public safety offices, etc. who qualify.
- Up to 40-year terms.
- Fixed rates available.
- Priority rates and terms for populations fewer than 15,000 and 10,000.
Learn More Details About the USDA Community Facilities Loan Program
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