Overview: The Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) has launched a $5 million Inland Empire Nonprofit Loan Fund in partnership with the City of Riverside, San Bernardino County, and the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) to provide flexible, affordable loans to local nonprofits. The fund aims to fill a gap in access to capital for community-based organizations that often face barriers to traditional financing. Nonprofits serving in the City of Riverside or San Bernardino County can apply for below-market loans ranging from $100,000 to $400,000. The first application window opens from Dec. 1, 2025 through Jan. 31, 2026.
Alyssah Hall
The Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) announced the launch of a $5 million Inland Empire Nonprofit Loan Fund, created in partnership with the City of Riverside, San Bernardino County, and the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF).
Starting Dec.1, local nonprofits can apply for affordable loans designed to help them strengthen operations, manage cash flow, and expand their work, especially in underserved and low-income communities.
The fund’s goal is to fill a long-standing gap in access to capital for community-based organizations that often face barriers to traditional financing. By enhancing financial stability and supporting growth, IECF and its partners desire to empower nonprofits to better serve the region’s most at-risk populations.
This funding follows the issue of local nonprofits losing out on federal funding due to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) restrictions from the Trump administration. Local nonprofits are now relying more on local foundations for additional funding.
“Nonprofits carry so much of the work that holds our region together. This fund gives them access to capital that helps them stay strong and keep serving, especially in communities where support is often hardest to find,” stated Michelle Decker, CEO of IECF.
“The City of Riverside, San Bernardino County, and IECF share a belief that strong communities start with strong nonprofits. By investing together, we’re helping local organizations build stability and impact across the Inland Empire,” Decker continued.
The first application window is open from Dec. 1, 2025 through Jan. 31, 2026. Interested nonprofit organizations are encouraged to visit the IECF website to learn more. Informational sessions will be offered virtually on Dec. 10, and in-person on Jan. 13-14, 2026. Registration details will be available on the website.
“We are committed to investing every public dollar responsibly to strengthen the organizations that serve our residents,” San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe stated.
“By working together with our regional partners, we’re ensuring that nonprofits have the resources they need to grow and meet community needs,” Rowe shared.
Nonprofits serving in the City of Riverside or San Bernardino County may apply for loans ranging from $100,000 to $400,000 through the Inland Empire Nonprofit Loan Fund. As loans are repaid, funds will be available to other nonprofit borrowers, extending the impact of the initial investments. Loans will help nonprofits navigate growth, payment delays, funding disruptions and other obstacles to financial stability and social impact.
Loan awards will be based on thorough assessments of each applicant’s financial stability, operational strength, and repayment capacity, with priority given to organizations that demonstrate strong community impact and alignment with local needs.
“Non-profits do so much of the heavy lifting that bolsters the efforts of local government,” said Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson. “This revolving loan fund will assist non-profits in growing their reach and the loan repayment will ensure those resources are available for future needs,” she affirmed.
The initiative is supported by $2.8 million from the Riverside Nonprofit Resilience Fund, approved by the Riverside City Council in Oct. 2024, and $3 million from the San Bernardino County Nonprofit Revolving Loan Fund, approved by the Board of Supervisors in April 2025.
The fund embodies a historic commitment to strengthening nonprofit resilience and expanding vital services for vulnerable communities. The Nonprofit Finance Fund, selected by IECF, will oversee loan administration to help local organizations grow, adapt, and serve their communities long term.
“This unique partnership between local governments, the Foundation, and NFF as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) will get more resources into the hands of nonprofits at a time when their communities are asking more of them,” Jennifer Kawar, vice president of investor relations at NFF, said.