RSF sees education as central to social transformation. We support the debt needs of a broad range of innovative organizations that are reimagining learning as a dynamic, ongoing process through which the potential of all people can be more fully realized. Our portfolio includes place-based community schools, providers of digital tools and resources, and those addressing educational equity.
From commercial real estate loans to pay for construction of new schools to equipment loans and working capital lines of credit, RSF offers a variety of loan options to support education sector social enterprises, place-based schools, and other education providers focused on access and equity.
Complete our simple loan application to get the process started.
Apply todaySchools and educational institutions that are eligible for financing from RSF must be incorporated in the U.S. or Canada and committed to creating positive change. General criteria for borrowers includes:
Annual revenue of at least $750,000
Excellent history of repayment on debt
Two or more years of operating history
Ability to provide collateral (which may include pledges or guarantees)
Operating cash flow positive or can demonstrate a path to an operating cash flow surplus in 12-24 months
Needs ranging from $200,000 to $5 million
Borrowing from RSF will be a different experience as we take a relationship-based approach with all of our clients. We work exclusively with impact-focused organizations and impact investors are our capital source. RSF has supported schools and community-focused education enterprises for over 37 years.
We also know it takes more than capital to scale impact. Aside from loans, RSF’s integrated capital approach means we also provide network connections, advisory support and other forms of non-financial resources.
RSF prioritizes lending to organizations that demonstrate broad, meaningful community benefits. We seek to partner with ventures that are committed to serving historically marginalized people of color, women, indigenous communities, and rural and low-income regions.
Timing and steps to receive a loan
Learn moreEducation equity can mean many things, but RSF seeks to partner with social enterprises and eligible nonprofit organizations that widen educational access to all individuals, especially to marginalized communities that lack access to education or face barriers to access.
We are happy to consider leasehold improvements if organizations have a stable and well–sourced business model and previous history of debt repayment. Please apply.
We are happy to consider a lower loan amount if organizations have a stable and well–sourced business model and previous history of debt repayment. Please apply.
We don’t have recent experience with this type of financing. However, we are interested in supporting organizations in this area and would welcome a conversation to explore the opportunity.
Yes, RSF uses the RSF Impact Assessment (RIA) to collect qualitative and quantitative impact information from borrower partners. The RIA is part of a multi-year effort to gather impact information which will be used to inform RSF management decisions, report RSF’s community impact in aggregate, and support individual borrower impact goals. The assessment seeks to embed Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) principles throughout the assessment as a priority focus on understanding borrower impact in communities.
RIA questions fall into six categories: Impact Model, Community and Field Building, Organizational Structure and Employee Experience, Resource Management and Supply Chain, Leadership and Organizational Culture, and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).
The assessment survey takes about an hour to complete and we ask that it be updated annually so we can track and support progress over time.