CBF is focused on clean energy and environmentally focused projects such as: clean air/water and wastewater treatment, production/installation of wind, hydro, and solar power equipment, clean energy generation, alternative fuel production, new battery technologies, production/installation/servicing of electric vehicles and EV charging stations, energy conservation, as well as rural region-focused biomaterial production, sustainable agricultural practices, expansion of broadband services in underserved communities.

Strong focus on providing support to Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (“SEDI”). SEDI Applicants include individuals subjected to prejudice/cultural bias in American society. This prejudicial environment may be due to their membership in a group subjected to prejudice related to their;

1. racial/ethnic identity, b) sexual identity, c) Veteran status, d) limited proficiency in English language, e) physical handicap, f) Long-term residence in an isolated environment from mainstream American society, g) membership in a federally or state-recognized Indian tribe, h) long-term residence in a rural community, i) residence in a U.S. territory, j) residence in a community undergoing economic transitions, k) membership in another “underserved community,”
2. Additionally, all companies located in/planning to locate in CDFI jurisdiction areas, as well as businesses whose majority ownership resides in a CDFI jurisdiction area, qualify as SEDI.

Under the program, the Climate Bank will purchase part of the loan directly from the Borrower’s Lender up to the lesser of a) 25% of the proposed loan, b) 50% of that same loan if it is part of larger total project being financed (though not to exceed 25% of the total project) or c) maximum $2MM IFA participation. The maximum term is 7 years.

Climate Bank participation is typically subordinated to that of the Participating Lender and incorporates a “below market” blended/weighted interest rate. The interest rate applicable to the Climate Bank’s Standard PLP participation amount is 2% fixed per annum. It is expected that for each $50,000 participation, at least one new full-time job will be created or at least an at-risk job will be retained within the following two years

SEDI and VSB Support: Under its Participation Loan Program for SEDI/VSB-classified Borrowers, the Climate Bank is willing to consider participating up to the lesser of a) 50% of the proposed loan or b) 50% of a total project, or c) a maximum $2MM IFA participation. The maximum term is 7 years.  Climate Bank’s participation is typically subordinated to that of the Participating Lender and incorporates a “below market” blended/weighted interest rate. The interest rate applicable to the Climate Bank’s SEDI/VSB PLP participation amount is only 1% fixed per annum. It is expected that for each $65,000 participated, at least one new full-time job will be created or at least on at-risk job will be retained within the following two years.