Get a loan

Capital that fits your mission

We provide loans to businesses and nonprofits that are caught in the financing gap between microloans and commercial lending. No minimum credit scores. No personal guarantees. Just a clear path to capital that helps fit your mission and your timeline.

More than a lender
Capital for the lower middle market

Mission Driven Finance is an impact investing firm, which means we lend with a different lens than a traditional bank — or even a typical CDFI. We underwrite the business, not the founder's personal credit. We work with mission-aligned businesses and nonprofits, and we structure loans to help fit your cash flow, not the other way around.

We lend to impact-focused small businesses and nonprofits across the United States. Most of our borrowers fit the same profile: growing organizations that don't fit conventional credit boxes but have a clear path to growth and a real impact thesis. Loan sizes range from $100K to $10M.

How a loan comes together

01

Inquiry

Tell us about your business in a short form. Takes about 10 minutes. 


02

Initial Call

Within 2–5 business days, we'll have a  conversation to understand your needs and confirm fit. 

03

Application

If we're a match, we'll guide you through document collection. 


04

Diligence and closing

A diligence meeting, then closing and funding. 

Current loan programs

Depending on what you do and where you're based, your loan may be funded through one of our active strategies:
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Advance California

Loans for California-based small businesses and nonprofits advancing education, health, or wealth in their communities. Built on the place-based strategy MDF launched in San Diego in 2017, now serving the entire state across industries, regions, and demographics.

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Advance New Mexico

Loans for New Mexico-based small businesses growing in their communities, with a focus on underserved areas across the state. Seeded with $10M from the New Mexico Finance Authority to provide stepping stones of capital for inclusive economic development across the land of enchantment.

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Elevance Health Foundation

Loans for health-related small businesses and nonprofits owned or led by BIPOC, women, or low-to-moderate-income entrepreneurs in CA, GA, IN, MO, NY, OH, TX, and VA. Supported by Elevance Health Foundation to expand capital access in communities working on health equity.

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Advance III

Loans for lower middle market companies across the U.S. advancing social, environmental, or ownership impact — particularly businesses underserved by traditional finance. Advance III extends MDF's flagship business financing strategy nationally, drawing on nearly a decade of experience in private credit.

What we fund

Loan sizes range from $100K to $10M. Terms from 3 months to 5 years. Use cases include working capital, growth capital, bridge financing, project finance, and equipment.
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Food and beverage

Restaurants, mills, food distribution, agricultures.

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Health and human services

Clinics, behavioral health, nonprofit social services.

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Clean energy and climate

EV infrastructure, cleantech ventures, regenerative agriculture

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Affordable housing

nonprofit developers, supportive housing operators

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Child care

Licensed child care providers and child care real estate.

 

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Education

Schools, education nonprofits, workforce development.

 

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Manufacturing and trades

Small manufacturers, contractors, fabricators.

 

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Indigenous finance

Native-owned businesses and Tribal enterprises.

 

Common questions

How are Mission Driven Finance loans different from banks or other lenders?

Mission Driven Finance (MDF) is an impact lender that focuses on supporting small businesses and nonprofits making positive change in their communities. We don’t require personal credit scores or guarantees. Your personal finances shouldn’t affect your business loan.

How can my organization prepare for a loan?

Make sure your business plan and financials are organized. Have your balance sheet and income statement ready for review. 

How will the loan money be used?

Be prepared to explain how you will use the loan and your repayment plan. Funds can be for working capital, cash flow, or operational improvements. It’s important to show how the loan will help your organization grow and positively impact your community. 

What challenges do organizations face in getting financing?

Many small businesses and nonprofits struggle with banking history and credit score requirements. While some banks might say “no,” we look for ways to say “yes” to those with strong impact and growth plans. 

How does the loan process work?

We have a simple process to ensure we’re aligned:

  • Initial call to understand your needs.
  • If it’s a match, we’ll guide you through our lending platform.
  • You submit necessary documents, followed by a meeting to discuss your application.
  • We’ll assist you through the closing process and stay in touch to monitor your progress.
What documents do I need for the loan process?

To get started, we need your organization’s key documents (like business model, bylaws, and filing status), financial statements, and impact documents. 

Am I eligible for financing as a nonprofit organization?

At Mission Driven Finance, we appreciate the important work nonprofits do and want to support you. We take the time to understand your organization and ensure our financing meets your needs. 

Will cash flow challenges from grants and funding be an issue?

We’re eager to help solve complex cash flow issues. We understand that timing can be tricky, so we offer financing solutions that work with your revenue model. 

Can you help with capital for my first big contract as a small business owner?

We’ll review your contract and impact plans to provide the financing you need to achieve your business goals. 

I'm a startup founder. Banks have denied me financing. Can you help?

We’ll learn about your business to find the best financing option for you. Since debt may not be suitable for pre-revenue companies, we can help if you have a letter of intent, purchase order, or contract. 

I see growth opportunities for my successful business but banks won't lend to me.Can you?

When others say no, we ask, “Why not?” We’re interested in businesses looking to grow and would love to discuss your needs. 

My business relies on accounts receivable, causing cash flow challenges. Can you help?

We understand the importance of cash flow for growth. We specialize in complex accounts receivable situations. However, our process isn’t ideal for emergency loans or those under six months. 

Before you apply

2 things to know about your loan terms
 See a sample term sheet 

5 things to know about an impact-based loan
Other loan-related stuff you should know

Ready to talk to us?