Working alongside New Mexico-based lenders and organizations, Mission Driven Finance announced investments in three businesses in the state. Through a new statewide lending program, the firm supports organizations addressing critical needs across the state—from improving health care access in rural and Tribal communities to preserving local journalism.
In impact finance, the challenge isn’t just finding great projects; it’s unlocking the capital to make them happen. This was the case for regenerative flour company Cairnspring Mills, whose growth had outpaced its infrastructure, and for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, which had a vision for economic development but needed the right partners to help bring it to life.
Through a rapidly shifting market, we doubled down on what matters most: deploying capital where it creates opportunity and strengthening the plumbing to sustain that flow for years to come.
What if the future of finance wasn’t just more efficient—but more rooted in community, creativity, and real human possibility? Mission Driven Finance Co-founders David Lynn and Lauren Grattan talk about bridging the gap between conventional investing and the bold community-powered ideas that rarely get a fair shot. From flexible private credit to employee ownership, we are showing what’s possible when we build financial systems that center people, not just portfolios.
Many of our team will be on the fall conference circuit again. If you see us, be sure to say hi!
Mission Driven Finance announced a $9 million investment as part of a larger capital raise for Cairnspring Mills’ new Blue Mountain mill on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon. The transaction, structured with eight Native Community Development Financial Institutions and other partners, represents a breakthrough in creative financing for Indigenous economic development.
The playing field for emerging fund managers is tilted, with potholes that can trip up even the most promising managers. Our stance: Filling in these potholes positions good fund managers to empower their communities, creating a more inclusive and robust economy.
Mission Driven Finance® is proud to partner with CCM Strategic Solutions LLC (a non-advisory affiliate of Community Capital Management, LLC) to launch a joint venture called Bold Line Capital, a capital call lending facility for impact and emerging fund managers.
Mission Driven Finance has helped flow $200 million in assets into community, doubling volume in under two years! This capital supports impact-minded entrepreneurs, businesses, nonprofits, and real estate projects, creating an inclusive, robust economy. We’ve moved this money through a variety of vehicles that help us and our stakeholders stay nimble and resilient in a shifting marketplace.
The sandwich generation, or maybe more accurately, the panini generation—crushed by the pressures of caring for both aging parents and young children—feels familiar to many. Yet, the care economy remains a massively underinvested opportunity hiding in plain sight.
Our team is celebrating a huge milestone: We’ve disbursed over $200 million in assets into community as of April 30, 2025!
All too often, entrepreneurs, especially those building businesses rooted in community and values, hit a wall trying to access capital that aligns with their mission. See our takeaways from speaking with funders and entrepreneurs.
As we celebrated our ninth birthday, we paused to appreciate both our journey and the vibrant community we’ve built together. Here are two events = opportunities to connect with community. Join us!
Many of our team are on the spring conference circuit. If you see us, be sure to say hi!
For the sixth year in a row, Mission Driven Finance is selected for the ImpactAssets IA 50 list, a list of private debt and equity impact investing fund managers representing a broad range of geographies and impact areas of focus.
Mission Driven Finance® Co-founder and Chief Community Officer Lauren Grattan spoke on a panel at the Milken Institute 2025 Finance Forum with Samantha Berg (Next Street), Kim Folsom (Founders First Capital Partners), and Shaolee Sen (JPMorganChase)—moderated by Troy Duffie—about meeting small business owners where they are at, providing right-sized support at the right time.
Anthem Blue Cross Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Anthem Blue Cross of California, announced a $300,000 inaugural impact investment loan to Burlingame-based Psyched Services. Facilitated by impact asset manager, Mission Driven Finance, this funding will support Psyched Services as the organization works to provide vital mental health services to 380 schools in California, directly benefiting more than 3,200 children and families across the Golden State.
The Indigenous Futures Fund—part of the Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (IIE)—and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Community Development Corporation (CACDC)—a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) serving Native entrepreneurs—partnered on a first deal for both. Both entities, launched in 2024, disbursed capital to Commercial Furniture Refinishers, a small business owned by Cheyenne and Arapaho citizen Marshall Franklin.
In this conversation between Sara Barbour, the executive director of The Alliance CDFI—a Native community development financial institution chartered under the Yurok Tribe—and Lauren Grattan, the co-founder and chief community officer of Mission Driven Finance®, we explore how Tribal SSBCI funds and the Indigenous Futures Fund are unlocking opportunities in Native communities.
