Program Overview

Local nonprofit organizations seek to positively impact their communities but securing ample funding for these projects can be challenging. The Philadelphia Fed created the Leveraging Lending and Investments for Nonprofits and Communities (LINC) program to pair interested banks with eligible community development activities. LINC facilitates communication and collaboration between banks and the community development sector. It creates a community of learning about new opportunities and innovations in bridging capital and communities under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).

Check out the 2021 Program Booklet to learn about recent participating organizations and the projects they’ve pitched to prospective funders at the program's culminating event, the LINC Exchange.

Prospective Applicant Training Workshops

Interested applicants from community-based organizations are asked to participate in a training prior to submitting their LINC program applications. The training is designed to enhance their knowledge on the CRA’s application and to build a framework for discussing their work in the context of the CRA. Trainings are offered both in person and as webinars and provide a high-level overview of the CRA and the steps needed to create an effective partnership. They also address documentation, planning, and best practices to frame a community development project under the CRA.

To get a sense for the training experience, download the presentation slides and watch the recording from a recent training session.

 

No upcoming training sessions are currently scheduled. Check back for updates.

Application Process

Interested nonprofits that have completed a training will be invited to submit an application with an organizational profile to LINC. If selected, the organization is invited to participate in the LINC Exchange where it will have the opportunity to present a project and connect with community banks in the region.

Please contact Tesia Lemelle (215-574-3931), Samantha Porter (215-574-6045), or email PHIL.LINC@phil.frb.org with any questions.

Access Recordings and Presentations from Past Events

  1. NOTE: The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia is not a grantmaking organization. The purpose of the Leveraging Lending and Investments for Communities (LINC) program is to facilitate education, information sharing, and potential opportunities related to the CRA. The Philadelphia Fed does not endorse or make any representations as to the propriety or suitability of the participating organizations, investments, or programs. Organizations should perform their own due diligence before engaging in any transactions with these entities to ensure that any such transactions meet the organization's objectives.