Our Impact
Our mission
We are a self-sustaining, community-controlled financial institution dedicated to promoting community development, diversity and economic opportunity through responsible lending to underserved populations.
mission driven lending
What is Mission-Driven Lending?
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Provides financing, education and counseling to support underserved communities.
Supports job creation in low-income and underbanked communities.
A solid partner in affordable housing initiatives.
Creates a community win-win and opportunity for all small businesses.
Download Our Reports for 2023
Our History
RVCDF got our start in 2000 when the Puget Sound Light Rail was built in Rainier Valley.
RVCDF began its work in Southeast Seattle by helping to provide economic stability through mitigation work that helped local businesses rebuild and retain their customers.
In 2006, We started our lending programs with our first loan: $1.1 million in financing was written in support of affordable housing here in Rainier Valley.
In 2014, RVCDF became self sustaining- A major turning point for every successful CDFI.
In 2017, RVCDF attained its status as a certified CDFI from the US Treasury Department.
This certification has opened doors and opportunities and has allowed us greater access to funds that could be used for creating equitable funding for small businesses, affordable housing and non-profit initiatives here in the Rainier Valley.
In 2023, we provided financing to 27 businesses in Rainier Valley: 81.5% of which were loans to minority owned businesses, and 1 in 3 of those loans were women-owned businesses. We invested $5.8 million back into the community.
With over $100 million in loans, stellar portfolio management with a very low default rate and high client satisfaction, RVCDF is poised for growth.
We will be moving into our new Mount Baker offices in 2025, expanding our technical assistance offerings both in-house and with partner agencies, and expanding our footprint with more mission-aligned lending.
Why partner with a cdfi?
CDFIs provide opportunities! View more on it through the video below, or watch how CDFIs make history.
2023 statistics
MEET OUR BORROWERS
See stories of some of the amazing work done by our borrowers!
Urban Family
Urban Family was founded by Paul and Shantel Patu who are recognized in the Greater Seattle area as youth and family intervention experts, and community leaders. They have frequently been called upon by civic and community leaders to help stabilize neighborhoods under duress, and have mitigated the influence of systemic poverty, oppression, gangs and youth violence by providing grassroots and collaborative leadership, intervention programs, training, and consultation. Watch this clip of their impact in the city.
Jacobs Agro
Jacobs Agro has believed in the power of sustainable farming since its inception. The company is committed to ensuring that its land remains healthy and productive for generations through its crop practices. As part of their business philosophy they educate and inspire others to join the organic movement. In addition to food production, their farms serve as a valuable resource, sharing our knowledge and expertise in sustainable farming practices.
Watch this interview with CEO of Jacobs Agro, Mark Jacobs.
Apply Now
If your business or residence is located in southeast Seattle and your company has been in business for at least one year, Rainier Valley Community Development Fund will work with you on your specific financing needs. Take a few minutes to complete a loan inquiry now.