September 2021
CHFA eNews
in this issue
  • CHFA Gives $909,650 to 78 Nonprofits with 2021 Direct Effect Awards
  • $35 Million in New Markets Tax Credits Awarded to Support Community Development
  • CHFA Travels the State to Listen to Communities
  • Task Force Forms to Suggest Policies for Supporting Housing with Recovery Funds
  • Small Businesses: CLIMBER Loan Funds Are Available
  • Pilot Rental Rehabilitation Loan Program Launches in Rio Blanco County
  • CHFA Supports Food Stability Projects With $24,000 Grant
  • Latino Community Foundation of Colorado Unveils Colorado Communities of Color Loan Fund
  • Affordable Housing Grand Openings and Groundbreakings
  • CHFA Supports Partner Events Around Colorado
chfa awards $909,650 to 78 nonprofits with 2021 direct effect awards
CHFA completed its Round One 2021 Corporate Giving Direct Effect Awards. CHFA’s Direct Effect Awards recognize Colorado nonprofit organizations whose missions align with CHFA’s work to strengthen Colorado by investing in affordable housing and community development.

CHFA is donating a record $909,650 to 78 nonprofits through its Direct Effect program in round one, which received more than 100 applications. Learn more about the 2021 Direct Effect Award recipients and how their awards will support their work by visiting this page on CHFA’s website.

CHFA’s second award round is currently underway and nonprofits have until September 30th to apply. To learn more, please visit chfainfo.com/directeffect.
$35 million in new markets tax credits awarded to support community development
The Colorado Growth and Revitalization Fund (CGR Fund), administered by CHFA, has been awarded $35 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs). NMTCs are designed to generate private-sector investment in underserved communities by supporting local businesses or nonprofits that directly benefit current residents, by either hiring from within the community, and/or providing community services. The CGR Fund uses NMTCs to support projects such as community facilities, mixed-use developments, and businesses that pay living wages.

Pictured: Pueblo Community Health Center under construction, supported with NMTC
chfa travels the state to listen to communities
CHFA staff traveled the state throughout August to listen to partners and community stakeholders. The cornerstone of these visits were the Statewide Outreach and Engagement meetings hosted by Housing Colorado, Colorado Division of Housing, and CHFA. In-person events were held in Grand Junction, Durango, and Pueblo, and the series concluded with a virtual event focusing on Front Range communities.
task force formed to suggest policies for supporting housing with recovery funds
The Colorado General Assembly has convened an Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force to make recommendations on policies to create transformative change in housing using federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds. CHFA’s Executive Director and CEO, Cris White, serves on the task force. Click here to learn more, follow the conversation, and submit comments.
small businesses: climber loan funds are available
Through 2023, Colorado small businesses that meet qualifying criteria can apply for the CLIMBER (Colorado Loans to Increase Mainstreet Business Economic Recovery) Loan Fund. This statewide program will provide up to $250 million in working capital loans. Below-market interest rates and a one-year deferred payment option make the program a secure recovery option for small businesses.
CHFA, Housing Resources for Western Colorado, and Colorado Division of Housing are partnering to pilot a Rental Rehabilitation Loan Program (RRLP). The program helps landlords in Rio Blanco County who are renting to residents with low or moderate incomes improve their properties.
chfa supports food stability projects with $24,000 grant
CHFA is investing $24,000 to support three food stability projects in the San Luis Valley designed to improve a community garden, build a new greenhouse, and expand a local food bank in the KV Estates community. Currently, there are no retail food options for the region’s approximate 500 residents. Typically, residents must drive 40 to 60 miles for food. The three projects will be a multifaceted plan to ease the challenges of both persistent poverty and lack of fresh food access.
Congratulations to the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado (LCFC) on the launch of the Colorado Communities of Color Loan Fund—a five-year, revolving loan fund pilot project. CHFA was proud to invest $750,000 in this powerful new resource for nonprofits led by and serving communities of color.

According to LCFC, “with access to loans at low-to-no interest rates, grassroots Colorado organizations will be able to build stability and create powerful visions for the future in a way never before seen.”

Visit latinocfc.org/loanfund to learn more.
affordable housing grand openings and groundbreakings
Several affordable housing developments have recently celebrated groundbreakings and grand openings around Colorado including:

  • The Apartments at Cinnamon Park, Longmont
  • The Commons, Colorado Springs
  • Denver Metro Village, Denver
  • Maxfield Heights Senior Apartments, Rifle
  • The Reserves at Green Valley Ranch, Denver
  • Ridgway Space to Create, Ridgway

Pictured: Denver Metro Village grand opening/ribbon cutting
CHFA was pleased to recently support several nonprofit partner events, including:

  • Center for Work Education and Employment (CWEE) Harvesting Opportunities, virtual
  • Cleo Parker Robinson Dance 51st Anniversary Celebration/Dancing with the Denver Stars, Denver
  • Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association (CMLA) 2021 Convention, Vail
  • Colorado Municipal League Annual Conference, Westminster
  • Denver American Indian Festival, Brighton
  • Energy Outreach Colorado Golf Tournament, Sedalia
  • Habitat for Humanity of Teller County Vino and Notes, Woodland Park
  • Heart of Colorado Rural Philanthropy Days, various locations in Fremont County
  • HomeAid Colorado Growlers and Grapes, Denver
  • La Plata County Economic Development Summit, Ignacio
  • Latinas First Foundation 10 Year Anniversary Luncheon, Denver
  • Latino Community Foundation of Colorado Our Story Forums, virtual
  • Meeker Fall Festival, Meeker
  • Mt. Saint Vincent Golf Tournament, Golden
  • National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) Annual Conference and Showplace, virtual
  • NEWSED Civil Rights Awards, Denver
  • Red Ribbon Project Eagle Music Festival, Eagle
  • Silver Key Engaged at Every Age 50th Anniversary Gala, Colorado Springs
  • Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments (UAACOG) Free Shredding Event, Cañon City

Pictured: CHFA Southern Colorado Community Relationship Manager, Caroline Trani, at Habitat for Humanity of Teller County’s Vino and Notes
contact us
For more information, please contact CHFA.

CHFA Community Relationship Managers:
Caroline Trani, Southern Colorado Community Relationship Manager, 719.569.5353
Chris Lopez, Southwest Colorado Community Relationship Manager, 970.812.1142
Jeff Owsley, South Central Colorado Community Relationship Manager, 719.569.4484
Margie Joy, Western Slope Community Relationship Manager, 970.812.1150
Jerilynn Martinez Francis, Director Marketing and Community Relations
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