GRANT · HOW TO WIN THIS
Varies; no minimum or maximum stated publicly.
Rolling — apply at any time.
FUNDING TYPE
CDFI, Loan
CAN YOU GET THIS?
YOUR REAL ODDS
No public data on acceptance rates, but LEAF has made $32 million in direct loans since 1982, suggesting a selective but active lender.
As a mission-driven CDFI, LEAF focuses on businesses that may struggle to access mainstream capital, which works in your favor if you fit their cooperative or social purpose lens.
WHAT IT TAKES
Review LEAF's focus areas (cooperatives, healthy food, affordable housing, small business in MA) to confirm fit — 1-2 hours
Submit a loan request through their online form at leaffund.org — 1-2 hours
Engage with advisory services or technical assistance if offered during review — Ongoing
WORTH KNOWING
LEAF also offers advisory services alongside financing, so even if your loan isn't immediately approved, engaging with their technical assistance programs (like Elevate Small Business) can strengthen your application and relationship with the fund.
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$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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