(707) 234-5705
info@edfc.org
320 South State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482

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info@edfc.org

(707) 234-5705

320 South State Street
Ukiah, CA 95482

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Business Reinvestment Fund

EDFC

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The Business Reinvestment Fund transforms charitable gifts into flexible loans for local small businesses. As borrowers repay their loans, those dollars return to the Fund and are re-lent, allowing your contribution to fuel new business growth year after year.

Business Reinvestment Fund

Donor FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding EDFC’s Business Reinvestment Fund.

What is the Business Reinvestment Fund?

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It’s a philanthropic fund managed by EDFC that converts charitable gifts—including QCDs—into revolving loans for Mendocino County small businesses. As loans are repaid, those dollars are re-lent to new entrepreneurs and small business owners, creating a self-renewing cycle of community impact.

How does my gift help the community?

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Your contribution supports local businesses that create jobs, expand services, and strengthen the local economy. Because the Fund revolves, your gift can support multiple generations of entrepreneurs over time.

Do my dollars stay local?

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Every dollar is reinvested directly into Mendocino County and the broader region. Your support strengthens local entrepreneurs, fuels small-business growth, and ensures that the economic benefits stay within the communities we serve.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

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EDFC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?

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A QCD allows individuals aged 70½ or older to donate directly from an IRA to EDFC.
Benefits include:

  • Satisfying Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
  • Reducing taxable income
  • Making a high-impact, local gift with no intermediary

How do I make a QCD?

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Ask your IRA custodian to issue a check directly to:

Economic Development & Financing Corporation (EDFC)
Tax ID: 68-0346089
320 South State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482

Can I choose the businesses my gift supports?

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Contributions to the Fund are unrestricted donations to EDFC’s Business Reinvestment Fund. All contributions are managed with strong oversight and allocated through a rigorous, community-focused lending process that evaluates local needs, underwriting standards, and the potential for meaningful economic impact. This ensures that every dollar is deployed responsibly and in alignment with EDFC’s mission to support small businesses and strengthen the regional economy.

Will I receive updates about impact?

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Yes. Donors receive:

  • Annual impact reports
  • Stories from local entrepreneurs
  • Recognition opportunities and invitations to EDFC events

Is my gift permanent?

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Your gift becomes part of a revolving pool of capital that is continuously lent and repaid. The goal is long-term sustainability and ongoing local economic benefit.

Can foundations or donor-advised funds contribute?

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The Fund welcomes contributions from private foundations, family foundations, and DAFs.

Is there a minimum gift amount?

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QCDs may be made in any amount. Major gifts, naming opportunities, or donor-recognition tiers begin at higher levels and can be customized.

How can I learn more or schedule a briefing?

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You can schedule a 20-minute briefing to learn how the Fund works and explore giving options. To do so, please contact:

Robert Gernert
Executive Director
robert@edfc.org
320 South State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482

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