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REDF Impact Investing Fund
What We Do > REDF Impact Investing Fund
In response to demand from our employment social enterprise partners, REDF launched its Impact Lending Practice in 2017 to provide an important tool to accelerate the growth of the field. REDF is demonstrating a model for how flexible loan terms combined with technical assistance can improve borrower performance and attract new sources of capital to employment social enterprises.
The REDF Impact Investing Fund (RIIF) is a 501(c)(3) debt fund, and certified CDFI, that provides loan capital and technical assistance to nonprofit and for-profit employment social enterprises. RIIF supports borrowers to improve their financial sustainability and strengthen their businesses so they can employ and empower more individuals striving to chart a new course in life.
RIIF’s Board of Directors bring their deep expertise to further our mission, and in 2020 we formed an Advisory Council of accomplished leaders to help ensure RIIF reflects the diverse voices of the social enterprise movement and the communities we serve.
RIIF serves the following industries: Alternative Staffing, Recycling, Cleaning and Maintenance; Consumer Goods/Retail; Food Services and Manufacturing.
Lines of Credit
Bridge Loans
Term Loans
Employment social enterprises that meet the following eligibility criteria are encouraged to contact Emilie Linick, Director of Impact Lending at ELinick@redf.org:
Audited Financial Statements
2022 2021 2020 2019
IRS Form 990
To date, 27 loans totaling over $8.2M have been put to work to accelerate social enterprise growth.
We’ve been having some great conversations on scaling – without this loan product in place I don’t know that we could have those conversations.
Patrick Arney, CEOWELD Seattle
We're less intimidated about borrowing now and have a much better understanding about what to expect.
Carl Phinney, Founder & CEOOpportunity Construction
Communications with RIIF were clear and consistent, and we knew exactly what to expect at every step along the way.
Chelsea Bardot Lewis, COOWorking Fields
Having a line of credit from RIIF provided critical financial sustainability as we navigated our first ever government grants, built a new workforce training program, and more than doubled the number of people we served this year.
Aina Gutierrez, Executive DirectorRebuilding Exchange
When we paid off our RIIF loan, we went to a more traditional corporate commercial bank less familiar with nonprofits. The rates may be better, but it’s worth weighing the decision with the TA and understanding of how nonprofits work, as well as the relationships that come along with RIIF’s lending program.
Jennifer Gilmore, CEOKitchens for Good
This process forced us to really button up - it was a lot of work, but good work. It felt like the RIIF team also had best intentions for us, so that made us feel safe.
Brandon Smith, CEOForestry and Fire Recruitment Program
Receive updates and announcements about the REDF Impact Investing Fund.
May 31, 2018
By Carrie McKellogg on January 30, 2023
September 9, 2020