We are a funder that seeks to partner with organizations that are delivering innovative climate and environmental solutions including:
We are particularly interested in organizations that are working to benefit low-income and historically marginalized communities.
RSF offers a variety of loans including mortgage loans, construction loans, equipment loans, working capital lines of credit to social enterprises that are scaling renewable energy and zero waste solutions that will lead us to a more resilient future while creating new green job opportunities.
RSF’s loans have supported many enterprises focused on environmental and climate change solutions.
Ventures eligible for financing from RSF are incorporated in the U.S. or Canada and must be able to show a demonstrated commitment 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
Complete our simple loan application to get the process started.
Apply todayBorrowing from RSF to support your mission-driven enterprise 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.
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.
We see climate change as an economic, racial, and social justice issue because those who have done the least to cause climate change will suffer its gravest consequences. The vision for RSF’s climate & environment focus area is for frontline communities—those most affected and harmed by climate change and an extractive economy—to have self-determination and the agency to be both active participants in, and beneficiaries of, solutions.
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 moreYes, RSF has experience lending to organizations in solar, efficiency upgrades, and wind.
No, but RSF does provide financing to residential solar installers and developers as well as commercial solar projects.
RSF will look at receivables, inventory, equipment, vehicles, as well as consider alternative security as available.
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.
Michael Jones
Senior Manager, Social Enterprise Lending
michael.jones@rsfsocialfinance.org
415.561.6195