LEAF demonstrates effective alternatives to mainstream economic models

LEAF, a nonprofit CDFI founded in 1982, has funded the cooperative economy since our inception. LEAF provides financing and advisory services to cooperatives nationally, and to underserved businesses in Massachusetts.

Photo: Grand Opening Nubian Markets, Dorchester MA

LEAF provides financing to co-ops, underserved businesses, and organizations embracing shared ownership. It’s in our DNA.

32 million dollars in direct loans

"In the real world, it is unreasonable to expect markets to always deliver outcomes that are just, acceptable - or even efficient."

Abhijit Banerjee & Esther Duflo
2019 Nobel Prize for Economics winners
MIT Professors

LEAF's flexible financing focuses on small businesses that have been overlooked and underserved by conventional funding sources. In turn, these small businesses expand the opportunities for shared ownership.

img-5a03086271c10ba51be67659
Electric Violin Cooperative

Check Out Our Massachusetts Programs

Elevate Small Business provides funding, technical assistance, and procurement services for small businesses. In turn these businesses increase their access to capital, business knowledge and confidence, and markets for their products and services.

The Massachusetts Food Trust Program (MFTP) is a healthy food revolving loan fund for businesses producing, promoting, and selling healthy foods grown, caught, or harvested in Massachusetts.

Stay Connected. Receive Updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
img-5d543014be502b0001557149
Urban Greens Food Co-op

LEAF in the News

For media inquiries contact: leaf@leaffund.org