NFF serves the financial needs of nonprofits nationwide. Find out more about NFF.
What types of organizations does NFF serve?
NFF serves all types of nonprofit organizations nationwide through its seven offices, including:
arts & culture organizations
community centers
community development organizations
educational institutions
health organizations
social service organizations, including youth servers, child care providers,
and religious organizations
What's NFF's track record?
NFF was established 23 years ago and has served more than 8,000 nonprofit
organizations nationwide. Learn more about our mission and history.
What kind of technical assistance does NFF offer?
NFF's® technical assistance, or advisory services, helps nonprofits make good decisions about their growth.
They include workshops, referrals, the Nonprofit Business Analysis, and other
resources
Who's eligible for NFF's® loans?
NFF generally serves small to medium-sized nonprofits that have been in existence for at least three years. See your area NFF office for more information.
Does NFF help start-up organizations?
Not generally. We serve organizations that have been in existence for at least three years because we have found that they tend to be more capable of handling debt repayment. Contact your area NFF office for referrals to other resources that may provide legal and consulting services to new nonprofits.
What's the interest rate for loans?
NFF's interest rate varies according to each of our areas or markets. Contact
the NFF office in your area for more information.
What are the terms for NFF's® loans?
NFF® loans are typically re-payable over 5-7 years and do not require
collateral in many cases.
How can my organization get a loan from NFF?
The NFF office in your area can walk you through the application process.
Does my organization have to pay it back?
Yes.
How long does NFF's application process take?
On average, six to eight weeks.
What information does my organization need to supply with a loan request?
NFF requires detailed information on your organization, its finances, and
the anticipated project.
Does NFF make loans for cash flow?
NFF considers cash flow loans on a case by case basis, depending on the situation
that has brought about the cash flow shortfall. Contact your area NFF office
to discuss your situation.
Where does NFF's money come from?
More than 150 banks, foundations, corporations and government entities have
supported us. See our list of funders.
How does NFF decide whether or not to finance a project?
NFF looks at the strength of the organization requesting a loan, not at the
appraised value of a piece of real estate.
Can NFF help my organization look for space?
We can't. But we can refer you to organizations that help nonprofits find
space and maintain listings of available space. Contact your area NFF
office for more information.
What purposes do NFF's® loans support?
We make loans for facilities and other growth-related needs, like working capital and equipment. Read about other organizations we've served
Does NFF make grants?
No. While we do provide small, pre-development planning grants, they are only available
to organizations that are invited to apply. Invitations are typically extended
by the local NFF office to organizations that have attended an NFF® workshop.
Planning grants support the commissioning of a study, such as a market analysis,
or a capital campaign feasibility, engineering or architectural study, to
help a nonprofit move forward with a project. For more information on capital grants, we suggest
you contact the Foundation Center.
I need help understanding real estate, facilities and financial terminology.
Can NFF help me?
Right now, NFF isn't set up to work with individual investors directly, but
there are social investing firms that may be able to help you. The
Calvert Social Investment Fund is an example of a firm that invests funds from individuals in
NFF and other organizations like it.
