Home
>
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. By continuing to use our site, you accept the use of cookies described in our privacy policy.
Innovative Capital to Grow a Thriving Region
Focus Areas
Nonprofit Capacity Building
Investing in nonprofit operations expands access to essential services—such as education, healthcare, and workforce development—helping our region grow stronger and more resilient. SWIIFT Loans support these efforts by enabling organizations to launch innovative programs, manage cash flow, secure reimbursable grants, and enhance critical facilities.
Affordable Housing Development
By creating and preserving affordable housing options for those living on the margins, we help ensure everyone in our community has the stability needed to grow and thrive. SWIIFT Loans help by covering pre-development costs, providing gap financing, and enabling the purchase or renovation of existing housing to maintain long-term affordability.
SWIIFT Loan Criteria
Mission Alignment
Projects must align with the foundation’s goal of strengthening community assets, address a clear community need and demonstrate the potential for regional impact.
Financial Viability
Applicants should showcase a history of sound financial management, sustainable revenue streams and clear strategies to mitigate risks.
Measurable Outcomes
Projects should establish clear metrics for social impact and include a plan for consistent reporting and progress monitoring.
Organizational Capacity
Nonprofits must demonstrate experienced leadership, strong partnerships and readiness to execute the project effectively.
Community Engagement
Proposals should involve local stakeholders in the design and execution, ensuring long-term benefits for the community.
Innovation
Projects must bring creative and adaptable solutions to challenges, emphasizing efficiency and sustainability.
ESG Principles
Applications should incorporate environmentally sustainable practices, promote social equity, and reflect strong governance and accountability.
Apply for a SWIIFT Loan
Organization (required)
Full Name (required)
Email (required)
Phone (required)
Loan Amount Requested (required)
Which county do you serve? (check all that apply)
Description of your funding need (required)
Include information about how your request aligns with the SWIIFT criteria, the timing of your request and how the funds will be used.Most recent financial statements or 990 (required)
Organizational budget (required)
Additional upload (optional)
Contract or other supporting documentation showing an expectation of revenue; program budget or projections
Common Questions
What are the sizes and terms of SWIIFT Loans?
Loans vary in size from $100,000 to $500,000 and offer terms ranging from six months to five years with interest rates averaging between 2 and 4 percent.
How often can I apply?
We try to maintain a diverse mix of borrowers, so we generally recommend applying no more than once a year. However, we recognize opportunities can arise anytime. If you have a need for additional loans, please reach out.
Who is eligible to receive a loan?
Nonprofit entities, local governmental agencies and related organizations serving individuals in southwest Washington.
What are SWIIFT Loans best suited for?
SWIIFT Loans are well-suited for programs and projects that are expected to generate positive cash flow in 1 to 5 years but need immediate funding to get going.
What is impact investing?
Unlike traditional investing strategies, impact investments measure successful returns in two ways: financially and socially. Social returns are positive, measurable benefits on a specific focus area, charitable cause or community issue.
How do SWIIFT Loans work?
The SWIIFT Initiative utilizes charitable resources from the Community Foundation and its donors to provide low-interest loans for social impact projects and programs. Loans are repaid on a set timeline with a modest financial return. Repaid loans and any interest are either returned to the donor-advisor's fund at the Community Foundation for future grantmaking or recirculated into the SWIIFT Initiative to provide new loans.
