Across the U.S., the need for housing, infrastructure, small business financing, and climate resilience in rural and underserved communities is accelerating.
Community lender investments in these areas can generate returns and help reduce risks from extreme weather, such as droughts, fires, and floods.
Yet institutional investors often perceive community lender investments as unable to deliver competitive risk-adjusted returns, citing barriers such as scale, liquidity, and risk perception.
This report from Ceres and the Justice Climate Fund reveals how private capital can be more effectively mobilized to close this gap.
Drawing on insights from more than 40 institutional investors, community lenders, and industry experts, the report outlines four key strategies to unlock greater private investment:
Traditional Financing Tools
Innovative Financing Models
First-Loss or Low-Cost Capital Strategies
Outside-the-Box Collaborations