RSF supports social enterprises focused on providing support to local artists with space and resources as well as organizations committed to bringing performing and visual art classes to people of all ages and backgrounds, especially underserved community members.
We seek to partner with organizations that are providing art opportunities that address the intellectual, emotional, and social needs of children and adults.
RSF offers mortgage loans, construction loans, equipment loans, and working capital lines of credit to social enterprises that are enriching their local art community by supporting artists and art programs.
Arts organizations 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
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. Our social impact loans have supported community-based arts and artists programs across the United States.
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 moreWe 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.
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.
Amy Bird
Senior Relationship Manager, Social Enterprise Lending
amy.bird@rsfsocialfinance.org
415.561.7985