Serving the Community Since 1993
RISE (Reach. Invest. Succeed. Earn.) Financial Pathways, formerly known as Community Financial Resource Center (CFRC) is a non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) offering comprehensive and innovative ways to build wealth for historically underserved residents and small business owners in South L.A. and across L.A. County. The organization provides commercial lending opportunities- including microloans, peer lending, and small business loans – along with business training, asset development programs, and banking programs. CFRC has served nearly 100,000 low-income clients since its inception in 1992. Its programs have resulted in nearly $14 million in economic activity and the retention and creation of thousands of jobs. The transformative power of CFRC’s services – combined with its clients’ enterprise and hard work – improves the financial standing of individuals, launches and sustains small businesses, and generates economic activity that strengthens entire neighborhoods.
History
RISE opened its doors to the community in March 1993 as Los Angeles’ first public-private partnership. It was designed as a collaborative effort of 34 local banks, the City of Los Angeles, and community leaders, to respond to the dismal community reinvestment activity in South Central Los Angeles. Following nearly two years of community hearings and planning, RISE was incorporated to meet the economic development challenges and capacity building needs of Los Angeles’ low-income neighborhoods.
To date, RISE and its service providers directly influenced economic development in Los Angeles County by assisting nearly100,000 residents and contributing over $14 million to the local economy through its fundraising, lending, and program development efforts. RISE’s economic impact is reflected in the 3,421 jobs created/retained through RISE programs, which results in approximately $119,735,000* invested back into the community.
*Figure based on the U.S. Housing & Urban Development’s formula – $35,000 investment/jobs created.
RISE Financial Pathways 
Hello!
I was referred to your organization to apply for a loan for my business.
Do you have an application?
Hi Jodi, please visit our lending partner https://www.conaxion.org/ to apply for a business loan. Tell them RISE sent you!
Forescee: It was great seeing you at the Lena Kennedy event last week. I want to know more about your Veterans Housing Project. I give my time to five nonprofits, with the hope that they will one day collaborate and work together. All of the nonprofits benefit youth. I want to give a PRAISE REPORT about your project to The National Congress of Black Women, Inc., L.A. Chapter. http://www.ncbwinclac.org. I need your email. Thanks, Connie Bass 213 359 5146 cell
Hi Constance,
Thank you for the message. You can email Forescee directly at forescee@risela.org. Please also CC your message to forescee1@aol.com. Thank you! – RISE staff
Hi,
I’ve been doing research on the Community Reinvestment Act and I came across your organization. I was wondering if RISE had any internship opportunities for College undergraduates. Please get back to me at your earliest convenience.
Best,
Nasir Grissom
Hi Nasir,
Please send a message to hassan(at)risela.org