News
Resources for Minnesota Small Businesses
Many Minnesota small businesses are facing unexpected challenges right now due to reduced customer traffic, neighborhood and personal safety concerns,
February 4, 2026
For Small Businesses
Philanthropists & Foundations
Working together
Co-creating new solutions for impact.
Those who support under-resourced small businesses are facing a changed environment with ever-growing needs. To create persistent change, CRF brings foundations and other philanthropic organizations to the table to help create new strategies that build stronger local economies and create jobs.
Our work with Philanthropists & Foundations include:
Attracting additional philanthropic dollars for enhanced support
Sharing clear impact metrics through data and analytics
Co-creating solutions that impact multiple stakeholders and beneficiaries
Navigating complex barriers to philanthropic investment
Our Approach
Our deep knowledge of program design and administration gives communities that work with us advantages in realizing their goals.
Program Planning & Design
After being invited by community members, CRF and our partners listen and learn about the local economic landscape, including the key players and stakeholders, business environment, challenges and gaps in financial services.
Program Management
We work hand-in-hand with our partners to execute on community-specific plans, outlining roles and responsibilities for all players and ensuring collaboration throughout all project phases.
Program Evaluation
We’re always seeking to improve the way we work with communities. CRF evaluates each solution during and after implementation to measure success and impact, modifying the strategy as appropriate for best results.
Bringing it all together.
Each of CRF’s solution offerings are critical components of our program offerings for small businesses. Depending on the needs of each community served, CRF has the ability to draw on its expertise in lending, technology, and services to inform program creation.
CRF Lending
Leverage our lending products to increase the flow of capital to small businesses.CRF Services
Amplify your small business lending programs with capacity-building services.CRF Technology
Expand your reach and grow lending capacity through integrated technology solutions that enable opportunity.Ready to Chat?
Connect with an innovative, financial institution to deliver on your needs. We’re here for you.
CRF Newsroom
News
Community Reinvestment Fund, USA Receives New Markets Tax Credit Allocation to Expand Investment in Under-Resourced Communities
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – January 5. 2026 – Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, National New
January 5, 2026
News
Community Reinvestment Fund, USA Welcomes New Executive Vice President of Programs and Partnerships Chris Uhl to the Team
MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF), a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), today announced the appointment of Chris
December 17, 2025