Concord – For the second time in four years, the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund has received the highest possible rating for its social impact from a national system designed to help investors and donors evaluate Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

The Loan Fund, a statewide nonprofit based in Concord, received the top grade, AAA, for its Impact Performance. The Loan Fund also earned the second-highest rating for its Financial Strength and Performance and a “Policy Plus” designation for its efforts to change government policies on behalf of low- and moderate-income people, families and communities.

“This is yet another validation of how the Loan Fund’s innovation results in true social impact while at the same time adhering to sound business practices,” said Loan Fund Board Chair Maureen Kelliher.

The CDFI Assessment and Rating System (CARS) was developed by the Opportunity Finance Network, the national association of CDFIs. CARS is used as an analysis tool by national financial institutions such as Merrill Lynch and Bank of America and major philanthropic organizations including the Ford Foundation and the Calvert Foundation.

The Loan Fund was the first CDFI evaluated in 2005, when the CARS system was still evolving, and received the AAA rating it duplicated with the more-refined test.

“Twice now, outside evaluators have taken a rigorous look at what we do, how we do it, and our impact on New Hampshire families and communities. Twice they’ve given us a triple ‘thumbs up’,” said Loan Fund President Juliana Eades.  “Investors whose donations and loans make our work possible can be assured that their investment is creating the maximum social impact.”

To date, 37 CDFIs have participated in the rigorous CARS evaluation. Twenty are planned for this year. 

Since 1983, the Loan Fund has made more than $108 million in loans, leveraging more than $360 million to connect New Hampshire people and families with the capital, training and advice that allow them to buy and keep homes, have secure jobs and become economically stable.