Historic downtown Athens, Georgia, at sunset, with a clock tower, tree-lined streets and surrounding buildings.

Business · Funding

Georgia Cities Foundation Revolving Loan Fund

Offered by Georgia Cities Foundation

Open year-roundApply anytime. Applications are reviewed as they come in.

About

About This Program

Low-interest loans up to $250,000, covering up to 40% of costs, for downtown building and green space projects backed by a Georgia city or downtown authority.

The Georgia Cities Foundation, a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) working with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, runs a Revolving Loan Fund for downtowns across Georgia. It provides below-market financing for historic rehabilitation, new construction and green space projects in partnership with downtown development authorities (DDAs) and cities. Loans cover up to 40% of project costs, to a maximum of $250,000, with a 10-year term and 15-year amortization. Projects need local support from the DDA or city, matching funds and Qualified Local Government status, and are typically structured as 50% bank (in first lien position), 40% Georgia Cities Foundation and 10% owner equity. All loan programs charge a $250 application fee and a 1% origination fee if approved.

Eligibility

Who Can Apply

Downtown projects in Georgia with support from the local downtown development authority or city
Projects in a city with Qualified Local Government status
Projects with matching funds and a senior lender

Area served: State of Georgia

The offer

What's Offered

Below-market loans for acquisition, rehabilitation, new construction or green space
10-year term with 15-year amortization

Amount: Up to 40% of project costs, maximum $250,000

Cost: $250 application fee; 1% origination fee if approved

Get ready

What You'll Need

Local support from the downtown development authority or city
Matching funds
A senior lender, typically a bank

Key dates

Dates

OpensYear-round

DeadlineRolling

Last reviewedNov 2, 2026

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