Frequently-Asked Questions
General information
Where does TRF work?
TRF works across the Mid-Atlantic region, serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Washington, DC. Headquartered in Philadelphia, TRF also has offices in Baltimore and Washington, DC.
What are TRF's sources of capital?
TRF receives its capital from a diverse group of investors that includes individuals, banks, foundations, corporation, civic organizations and government. The TRF Loan Fund receives capital in the form of loans or equity contributions. Investors who lend to TRF Loan Fund, do so for a double return -- a modest financial return and strong community impact. TRF’s other more specific capital pools such as the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative and the TRF Growth Fund attract larger institutional investors such as banks and government. Learn more about investing in TRF.
How does TRF improve the communities it works in?
TRF improves the communities it works in by applying capital at the point of impact, where it can generate valuable financial and social returns. By applying capital, insight and expertise at the location and moment where they can do the most good, TRF works to transform neighborhoods, creating opportunity for economically challenged families and communities. From real estate development, to charter schools, to commercial growth, to sustainable energy programs, TRF is producing results for families, neighborhoods, and our region.
How does TRF's policy work advance its mission to build wealth and create economic opportunity in disadvantaged communities?
TRF’s policy work helps TRF achieve its mission in three important ways. First, TRF’s policy team provides policy analysis for issues critical to the communities we serve. For example, TRF’s policy analysis of housing markets in Pennsylvania is helping guide strategy in the State to help Pennsylvania more efficiently and effectively allocate its housing resources.
Second, TRF’s policy team aggregates and manages a vast amount of data that can be used to guide TRF’s financing and development goals. Access to such data and its analysis allows TRF to be strategic about its investments to ensure the best possible results for the economically challenged families and communities we serve.
Finally, TRF’s policy work includes studying the impact of our financing to determine if it meets the standards set forth by our mission. Such analysis allows us to evaluate our strategy and make improvements where necessary so that TRF can best meet its market’s needs.
Financing
What does TRF finance?
TRF finances the revitalization of low-wealth neighborhoods, driving economic growth and improving lives. Our financing, can be broadly divided into the following categories:
Housing — We finance the creation, renovation or preservation of homes. We focus in particular on improving distressed areas with high potential for market recovery and on specific areas where sales prices and rents are out-of-reach for residents.
Community Facilities — To reinforce a community from the inside out, we finance a broad range of human services agencies, from charter schools and child care centers to job training providers and social service organizations.
Commercial Real Estate and Businesses — By offering flexible financing programs to local developers and entrepreneurs, we can spur both economic and neighborhood growth at the same time. From large scale mixed-use developments to supermarkets, we finance projects that can provide products and services, as well as jobs for neighborhood residents.
Sustainable Energy — TRF works to build a clean and sustainable energy future for our region. Recognizing the delicate balance of economic and environmental factors, our financing encourages energy efficiency and the application of clean energy technologies
How do I apply for TRF financing?
TRF offers a variety of loan products and a limited number of sustainable energy grants. Before applying for TRF financing, we encourage you to review the section on financing that best applies to your needs. Each financing section provides information on eligibility and available products. Once you have determined your project’s eligibility, simply visit the Resource Center to download the appropriate financing application form. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 215-574-5800 or email us.
In addition to loans and grants, two TRF programs also offer equity or equity-like capital. TRF Private Equity invests in growing companies throughout the Mid-Atlantic that can create jobs and ensure a financial return for its investors and TRF Sustainable Development Fund makes equity investments in early stage sustainable energy ventures.
Does TRF offer anything other than financing?
TRF offers policy analysis and planning services to governments at all levels and organizations. These services can be particularly helpful to those looking to develop investment strategies. TRF’s policy analysis services can help aggregate and analyze vast amounts of data on issues ranging from housing to real estate market value. TRF’s planning services can help community groups and organizations develop and implement revitalization plans that can support critical investment decisions.
TRF also provides a range for human resource services for businesses within its financing portfolio.
Supporting TRF’s Work
How can I invest in or contribute to TRF?
An investment in TRF is an investment in the families and communities of this region. For as little as $1,000, a TRF investor can be part of a growing civic and financial network that works to improve lives and rebuild neighborhoods. To invest, simply call us at 215.574.5819 or email us at invest@trfund.com and request an application package, complete with a prospectus. You can also contribute to TRF anytime during the year by making a secure online donation or simply sending us a check. Your tax-deductible contribution, unless otherwise specified, will go into the TRF Loan Fund, our core pool of capital that fuels TRF’s innovation and provides a base for all that we do. Learn more about investing in TRF.
More Questions?
Email us at Info@trfund.com.