RSF supports social enterprises working to help build a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food and agricultural system. We offer funding opportunities for ventures that are:
RSF offers mortgage loans, construction loans, equipment loans, and working capital lines of credit, to social enterprises that are helping to build stronger regional food systems, fiber systems, and supply chains that revitalize local economies and increase food security and access.
Complete our simple loan application to get the process started.
Apply todayThe types of food system ventures that are 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
Borrowing 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 loans have supported the sustainability, development and scale of food hubs and other agricultural sector organizations that are bringing healthy food into communities.
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 moreYes, RSF does lend to organizations that provide processing, marketing, and distribution services for aquaculture. Unfortunately RSF does not currently provide loans directly to fisherpeople because we do not have the necessary expertise to serve that market.
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.
Ali Robinson
Senior Manager, Social Enterprise Lending
ali.robinson@rsfsocialfinance.org
415-561-6194