Rather than serving as a general intake form, the pre-application helps determine whether your project aligns with our core lending criteria. This includes loan size, asset type, repayment capacity, and community purpose.
We finance commercial real estate–based projects, meaning loans secured by property such as multi-family affordable housing, community facilities, healthcare, or other mission-driven projects. Our minimum loan size is $1,000,000.
This helps borrowers save time by quickly understanding whether their project aligns with our basic lending criteria and is a good fit for Clearinghouse CDFI’s financing. Submitting a pre-application does not guarantee funding—it’s a structured first step designed to create clarity and realistic expectations from the outset.
Who Qualifies for CDFI Pre-Application
Brokers and Developers
Clearinghouse CDFI has deep experience working with brokers and developers on commercial real estate–based projects across a range of asset types. We partner closely on deal structure and support projects from concept to closing.
Nonprofits Serving Local Communities
Nonprofit borrowers work with Clearinghouse CDFI to finance commercial real estate–based projects in support of their missions. We bring a flexible approach to financing facilities and long-term assets while staying focused on long-term stability and success.
Business Owners Creating Jobs
We work with established business owners seeking financing tied to real assets and ongoing operations. We provide loans for commercial real estate–based projects that help businesses grow and create jobs over the long term.
Local Governments and Tribal Entities Advancing Infrastructure
We partner with public and tribal entities to finance infrastructure projects supporting essential services. Our team brings experience navigating these financing structures, supporting complex projects through completion.
30 years of lending across a wide range of projects
Case-by-Case Lending
Each project is reviewed on its own merits, with clear credit expectations
Clear Expectations
Financing grounded in community purpose and responsible use of capital
Ongoing Partnership
Responsive loan servicing throughout the loan term
How We Support Community-Focused Borrowers
Clearinghouse CDFI works with borrowers who are prepared to engage in a structured lending process and can demonstrate both financial readiness and community purpose.
Community Development Loans
We finance commercial real estate–based projects that deliver measurable, positive community impact. These loans are structured around a clear repayment plan alongside defined community outcomes.
In addition to our core community development loans, Clearinghouse CDFI also deploys NMTCs to support large-scale, high-impact projects in qualifying low-income communities.
Share high-level information about your organization, project, and financing needs to begin the review process.
Connect with a lending advisor
A lending advisor connects with you to discuss your project and evaluate whether it fits within Clearinghouse CDFI’s lending scope, geography, and minimum requirements.
Provide project details & documentation
Borrowers may be asked to provide financial statements, budgets, and project documentation for further review.
Review and feedback
Borrowers receive personalized feedback outlining next steps toward completing a full application.
Our referral partnerships help banks expand financing opportunities for borrowers while generating meaningful community impact.
Common Questions About Borrowing
What are community development loans?
Community development loans finance projects that serve public or community needs, such as multi-family affordable housing, healthcare, education, and nonprofit facilities. These loans are designed to be repaid and are not grants.
Are community facilities loans and grants the same thing?
No. While grants may be part of some projects, Clearinghouse CDFI provides loans, not grants. Community facilities loans are financing products with defined repayment terms.
Does Clearinghouse CDFI offer nonprofit lending?
Yes. Clearinghouse CDFI provides loans for nonprofits and other organizations with commercial real estate–based projects, such as facility-related financing and other project needs.
Do you provide loans for individual homes or personal residences?
No. Clearinghouse CDFI provides financing for commercial real estate–based projects and community-serving facilities. We do not offer mortgage loans for personal residences.
Do you work with first-time borrowers?
Yes. Clearinghouse CDFI works with both experienced and first-time borrowers. Our pre-application process helps determine early fit and identify next steps based on each project’s readiness.
Are there fees associated with the loan process?
Yes. Depending on the project, fees may include an application or processing fee, origination and closing-related costs, and third-party expenses, such as appraisal or legal services. Fees are discussed during the review process so borrowers understand what to expect before moving forward.
Does submitting a pre-application guarantee funding?
No. The pre-application helps determine early alignment but does not guarantee approval or funding.
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To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
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The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
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Brokers and DevelopersClearinghouse CDFI has deep experience working with brokers and developers on commercial real estate–based projects across a range of asset types. We partner closely on deal structure and support projects from concept to closing.
