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Frequently Asked Questions about Loans

Why would I want to lend?
People and organizations lend to the Loan Fund as a means of putting their money where their values are. They recognize that by simply lending part of their financial resources to us, they can enable lower-income families to secure decent housing, child care, and jobs.

Is this an “investment” or a “loan”?
It’s a loan, for which the Loan Fund issues a promissory note. We also refer to it as an investment because it provides lenders with a “double investment return”: both a financial return, and a community return.

Will I earn interest on my money?
Yes. Lenders choose their own simple annual interest rate. For loans of four years or longer, the rate is 0% to 4%. For loans shorter than four years, the rate is 0% to 3%. The lower the rate, the more helpful to us and to our borrowers, of course.

How can I be assured that I’ll get my money back?
The Loan Fund has an unblemished, 100% record of repayment to its lenders. And we maintain significant equity reserves—that is, permanent capital—so that in the event of a loss, lenders’ money is protected. Lenders are duly advised, however, that the Loan Fund is not FDIC insured.

How much do I have to invest?
The minimum investment is $1,000. The minimum term is one year. Longer terms and larger amounts are most helpful for the types of loans we make to our borrowers.

Isn’t it better to just make a donation?
Both donations and loans are vital. Like most nonprofits, we need donations to sustain our work. Donations allow us to meet our annual operating costs, and they allow us to build our permanent capital. Meanwhile, loans fuel the work we do. For some supporters, loans make sense; for others, donations; for many, both!

How much of an impact could my single loan really make?
Every loan matters! Hundreds of individual loans are aggregated to create the power that the Loan Fund has—the power to help people transform their lives. Whatever you can lend or donate helps. Your participation truly matters.

Why don’t Loan Fund borrowers just get bank loans like everybody else?
Most banks won’t or can’t make these loans. We not only loan money, but we provide the training and support that allow people and organizations that are “unbankable” to be successful. We are driven by our mission—helping people to better their situations. Our borrowers are then frequently able to access traditional loan dollars from banks after they have successfully borrowed from us.

What do I need to do to get started?
Just give us a call! Making a loan is a simple process. Fill out a Loan Application indicating the amount, term, and interest rate you want and return it to us with your check. Upon receipt, we’ll send you a Loan Agreement to sign and a Promissory Note, evidencing our promise to repay the loan to you. That’s all there is to it.

Who do I contact for more information?
Alan Cantor, Vice President, Philanthropy, 603-224-6669. ext. 254, acantor@nhclf.org or Jennifer Kaloust, Investor Relations Officer, ext. 229, jkaloust@nhclf.org.

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