Building Hope Finance

Varies; loans have ranged from modest amounts to $10M+ depending on project scope.

Rolling — no set deadline, applications accepted ongoing.

AMOUNT

Varies; loans have ranged from modest amounts to $10M+ depending on project scope.

AMOUNT

Varies; loans have ranged from modest amounts to $10M+ depending on project scope.

DEADLINE

Rolling — no set deadline, applications accepted ongoing.

DEADLINE

Rolling — no set deadline, applications accepted ongoing.

FUNDING TYPE

CDFI, Loan

CAN YOU GET THIS?

This is for K–12 schools, higher education institutions, and community-focused organizations needing facility financing.

Building Hope provides loans and financing specifically for education-related real estate needs: land acquisition, new construction, facility expansion, debt refinancing, and short-term capital. General startups or businesses outside education are unlikely to qualify despite the database listing.

YOUR REAL ODDS

No public data on approval rates, but Building Hope has completed 300+ projects nationwide over 20 years, suggesting active and regular lending.

As a CDFI lender with a specific education focus, competition comes from other schools and education nonprofits rather than the general small business pool. Deals appear to range from small loans to multi-million dollar facility purchases.

WHAT IT TAKES

Contact Building Hope directly via their inquiry form or phone — 1 day
Present your school or organization's facility needs and financial situation — 1–2 weeks
Work through their underwriting and loan structuring process — Weeks to months depending on deal size

WORTH KNOWING

Building Hope can structure deals well beyond a standard loan—one borrower received a $10M building purchase with a buy-back option rather than a conventional loan, so it's worth discussing creative structures if a standard loan doesn't fit your situation.

Apply on the funder’s site →

Community 1st Credit Union

Varies; loan terms depend on business type and credit profile.

Iowa-based small businesses and startups can apply for business loans through this CDFI credit union on a rolling basis.

Afena Federal Credit Union

Varies; personal and business loans from $200 up to undisclosed amounts depending on product.

Small businesses and startups in Indiana can access loans through this CDFI credit union, with no stated identity restrictions.

The Bridgeway Federal Credit Union

Varies; specific loan amounts not published.

Small businesses and startups in Alabama can apply for loans on a rolling basis through this CDFI credit union.

This is 1 of 1,600+ open opportunities.

$50B+ in available capital across grants, VC funds, CDFIs, and accelerators. Filter by your industry, stage, and region, and see everything you qualify for.

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