A Catalyst for What’s Possible

We change lives and strengthen communities through financing and consulting for nonprofits and businesses.

Formerly the Nonprofit Loan Fund of Tucson and Southern Arizona

What we do

We help nonprofit leaders and for-profit business owners who create change in economically distressed communities gain the operational resources and business guidance they need to improve the lives and economic wellbeing of Arizona residents. Growth Partners Arizona is a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

Debt is a 4-Letter Word We Like

Many nonprofit leaders and boards are uncomfortable with the thought of borrowing money, but properly structured and utilized debt can be a tool to achieving an organization’s strategic goals. A

Homeless Veterans will have more options

50,000 veterans are homeless every night, according to Esperanza En Escalante. The nonprofit is doing something about that by providing transitional and permanent housing for homeless veterans and their families.

New Name, New Director, Expanded Mission

The six-year-old Nonprofit Loan Fund of Tucson and Southern Arizona (NPLF) is now Growth Partners Arizona (GPAz). The organization is expanding its service area statewide and planning to add lending to businesses in distressed communities, in addition to retaining its core focus on nonprofit lending.

They are an invaluable partner, providing coaching and sharing financial expertise — as well as capital — to help us through a period of exciting growth. Two loans were for general cash flow support during the organizational turnaround and a third fronted the investment needed to successfully acquire two programs.

- YWCA of Southern Arizona
Funding came at a critical time, allowing us to partner with Gorman and Company, Inc. and take advantage of a low-income housing tax credit.

- Esperanza en Escalante
We had challenges when we applied for our first loan but they were willing to take the risk and work with us. The staff and board were responsive and made the process easy.

- International School of Tucson
We wanted to work with a lending organization that understands nonprofits and offers favorable interest rates and terms. They helped us bridge the gap between expenses and receipt of revenue from ticket sales, donations, and grants. We also appreciate their good financial advice.

- True Concord
The loan made it possible for us to move forward with confidence on major financial commitments. They provided bridge financing during the pledge phase of a capital campaign.

- Tucson Botanical Gardens
Securing a loan meant our Tucson Meet Yourself vendors were paid quickly. We are in the business of relationships. I don’t want to tell our vendors, many of which are small businesses, to wait until after the holidays.

- Southwest Folklife Alliance