Technical Assistance

NCRF makes loans to organizations of all sizes, but we make a special effort to work with small and emerging organizations.  We help these organizations improve their organizational structure and financial capacity with technical assistance targeted to meet their needs.  Examples include how to create an organizational budget, how to do a cash flow projection, advice on project planning and how best to achieve housing affordability in their area.  Most of NCRF’s technical assistance is provided during the lending process, both to prospective and current clients.  

Consider the case of a 15-year old nonprofit human service provider. Its board has decided it is time for the nonprofit to acquire its own facility. This is a momentous decision for a nonprofit, but one that is fraught with peril. Many times the board, and often the executive director, believe they can acquire or build their own facility “on the cheap” - which is to say having the executive director become an instant, "expert" project manager while simultaneously running the organization, fund raising for normal operations as well as the new facility. This can be a recipe for failure, not only for the new project, but also for the organization. NCRF would work with this organization and help them to understand the risks and benefits of becoming a property owner. They would learn how to gauge the real costs of facility acquisition and operation, and how to determine if they can really afford it, along with other important considerations that must be weighed before taking such a big leap.  

We also work with start-up organizations that have a wonderful idea to provide affordable or special needs housing, or badly needed services in their community, but they just don’t know how to get started. While NCRF does not make loans to these organizations, we can often help with referrals to reputable consultants, give advice as to where to seek grant funds, etc.  

It is through technical assistance that NCRF is able to make successful loans to organizations that have no credit (not bad credit), and only limited organizational and financial management capacity. We work with them through every step of the financing process and throughout the term of their loan to help them grow. NCRF’s goal is to provide the capital needed by these non-bankable organizations so they can serve their neighborhoods and communities, and at the same ensure repayment of our loan. A true success for NCRF is not just loan repayment, but also having our borrowers become organizationally and financially stronger than when they received NCRF’s assistance. This way, they will be able to serve their clients and communities for years to come. 

If you have a current project you’d like to discuss, please contact NCRF staff. 

NCRF staff is available to conduct workshops and classes at your conference or for your organization.

We have experience educating community development lenders as well as community organizations. Some of the workshops we have offered in the past:

• Construction Lending 
• What Construction Lenders Want to Know 
• What You Need to Know About Buying a Building 
• Financing for Nonprofits - An Insider's Guide