A Pilot Low-Interest Bridge Loan Program

The Local Impact Fund for Tomorrow (LIFT) is a new initiative of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley designed to deploy innovative, place-based impact tools that strengthen the region’s nonprofit and community development ecosystem.

LIFT begins with a pilot low-interest bridge loan program for nonprofits serving Dutchess, Ulster, and Putnam Counties.

The Community Foundations LIFT Nonprofit Bridge Loan Program seeks to assist nonprofits to continue essential community services while awaiting the receipt of approved grant funding.

Why This Matters

Many nonprofits operate with reimbursement-based government contracts or delayed grant payments. Funding may be guaranteed—but expenses come first.

These timing gaps can:

• Delay critical projects
• Disrupt services
• Create unnecessary financial strain

The LIFT bridge loan program addresses this challenge directly.

How the Pilot Bridge Loan Program Works

• Loans of up to $50,000
• Short-term, tied to documented grants or contracts
• Designed to be repaid upon receipt of committed funding
• Offered at below-market, low-interest rates
• No collateral required
• Application Deadline: Rolling application
• Loan Notification: Varies – 7-12 weeks

Loans are made by CFHV and professionally originated and serviced by Ulster Savings Bank, which provides underwriting expertise and administrative support.

As loans are repaid, funds are recycled to support additional nonprofits—multiplying the impact of every dollar committed.

Who Is Eligible?

Nonprofits serving Dutchess, Ulster, or Putnam Counties that can demonstrate:

• Guaranteed incoming funding (executed grants and contracts)
• A clear repayment plan
• Alignment with CFHV’s mission and community priorities

How Is This Different from a Grant?

Traditional grants are one-time charitable gifts.

Bridge loans provide short-term, repayable capital that allows the same charitable dollars to support multiple organizations over time.

LIFT is designed to complement—not replace—CFHV’s grantmaking.

Looking Ahead

The bridge loan pilot is the first phase of LIFT. CFHV anticipates expanding LIFT over time to include additional local impact tools that further strengthen the Hudson Valley’s long-term economic vitality.

To learn more about participating LIFT program, please email us at LIFT@communityfoundationshv.org