Since 2022, we have had the privilege of walking alongside United Church of Christ Church Building & Loan Fund as they pursue a bold vision for community transformation. We are excited to celebrate the United Church of Christ Church Building & Loan Fund’s newly certified CDFI, Amistad Redevelopment Corporation (ARC). This milestone marks an important step forward for a young but rapidly growing affiliate organization dedicated to expanding opportunity for communities anchored by churches.
Over the past four years, we have worked closely with ARC’s leadership team to support their strategic planning, strengthen internal capacity, and prepare the organization for long term sustainability. A major part of this effort involved supporting ARC’s successful application for a Technical Assistance Award from the CDFI Fund. This award expanded staffing, funded key professional services, and helped ARC build systems for underwriting, accountability, and development services that meet the expectations of national capital partners. The $300,000 TA award was also instrumental in preparing ARC to add staff capacity to access new sources of affordable capital and pursue larger-scale lending.
This certification acknowledges the rigor of their lending program and the strength of their community development mission. It also reflects years of work designing financial products that respond to the needs of under-resourced churches, reflecting a deep understanding of the needs of their borrowers. Their predevelopment loans provide early-stage financing to help churches navigate feasibility, design, and permitting. Construction loans help congregations manage the complex process of building community facilities. Permanent loans offer long term financing solutions that create stability and predictability for churches once their projects are complete. Their Partners in Vision program provides real estate technical assistance that prepares churches for financing, construction, and long-term stewardship.
With certification achieved, our partnership has shifted toward a capitalization strategy. Demand for ARC’s products far exceeds their current lending capital. ARC has set an ambitious and achievable goal to raise twenty-five million dollars in diverse capital by 2027; and upwards of $100 million by 2029. This capital will support geographic expansion across the United States and Puerto Rico and new product development. The organization has already secured low-cost capital from aligned partners and continues to build relationships with banks, CDFIs, foundations, and faith-based investors.
ARC’s story is a reminder of what is possible when mission, strategy, and disciplined execution come together. Their work is grounded in hope, equity, and stewardship, creating jobs, expanding access to services, strengthening neighborhoods, and honoring the legacy of churches that have served their communities for generations. As a newly certified CDFI, ARC is well positioned to become a national leader in faith-based community development. We are grateful to be part of their journey and excited for the communities that will benefit from their work in the years ahead.