Lender Marketplace

Cooperative Capital & Credit Portals

Cooperatives often face barriers to capital from traditional banks due to democratic structures. The Lender Marketplace helps bridge this gap with a directory of values-aligned Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), credit unions, and cooperative banks.

1. Cooperative Lender Directory

The lender board lists institutions that finance cooperatives. Search by name or region and filter by institution type (CDFI loan funds, credit unions, cooperative banks, or other capital partners):

• Lender Profiles: Location, minimum and maximum loan amounts, estimated interest rates, and a link to the lender's website.
• Financing Focus: Each profile describes what the lender typically funds, such as real estate, working capital, or business acquisitions.

2. Loan Packets & Submission Tracking

First compile a loan packet in the Capital workspace: the requested amount, term, interest rate, and use of funds, linked to the board resolutions (proposals) and legal documents that support the request. Then open a lender in the marketplace and select the packet. OwnFold checks the amount against the lender's loan range and marks the packet as submitted to that lender so you can track it. OwnFold does not transmit documents to lenders; complete the lender's own application on their website to start underwriting.

3. Community Capital Campaigns

If you are raising capital directly from members or community supporters, create a campaign in the Capital workspace (Pro Core and above). Campaigns can be preferred shares, community debt (promissory notes), or member direct investment, with a target amount, minimum investment, and interest or dividend rate. Record each investment as it comes in to track commitments against the target.