Organization · Grant Maker
LiftFund
LiftFund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based in San Antonio, Texas, providing capital and resources to underserved entrepreneurs across 15 states.
Overview
What LiftFund does
What LiftFund is
LiftFund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based in San Antonio, Texas, providing capital and resources to underserved entrepreneurs across 15 states.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder and grantor capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Grant Maker
- Founded
- Founded in 1994
- Approximate age
- About 32 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder · Grantor
- Last reviewed
- April 10, 2026
Official channels
Find LiftFund elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
LiftFund as a funder
Investment thesis
LiftFund aims to support small business owners who do not qualify for traditional funding by providing affordable loans and support services, focusing on underserved communities.
Focus narrative
LiftFund specializes in providing micro and small business loans, including SBA 7(a) Community Advantage Loans, SBA 504 Loans, Small Business Loans, Disaster Relief Loans, and Interest Buydown Programs. The organization focuses on underserved communities and aims to promote economic growth by investing in small businesses across various sectors and stages.
Value beyond capital
LiftFund provides not only financial support but also resources and programs tailored to the needs of small businesses, helping them to grow and succeed in their respective markets.
Focus and fit
- Regions
- United States
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 30,000
Portfolio context
LiftFund has made significant contributions to the small business sector, with over 30,000 loans made and approximately $1.5 billion in capital dispersed. Notable businesses supported by LiftFund include Hess Street Foods, Guide Dogs of Texas, and King William CrossFit.
Capability profile
LiftFund as a grantor
Grant thesis
LiftFund is dedicated to supporting small business owners who lack access to traditional funding, focusing on underserved communities to promote economic growth.
Focus narrative
LiftFund specializes in providing micro and small business loans, including SBA 7(a) Community Advantage Loans, SBA 504 Loans, Small Business Loans, Disaster Relief Loans, and Interest Buydown Programs. The organization aims to support underserved communities and foster economic growth by investing in small businesses across various sectors and stages.
Value and support
Beyond funding, LiftFund provides support services, workshops, and resources to help small business owners thrive. The organization fosters community engagement and offers tailored programs to meet the specific needs of entrepreneurs.
Grant economics
- Dilutive
- No
- Nonprofit only
- Yes
Availability
- Application state
- Accepting
- Application cycle
- rolling
Eligibility and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed · Seed+
- Audience
- Founders
- Inclusion focus
- women-founded, minority-founded, first-time-founder, and veteran
- Regions
- United States
Process and recipient context
Application process
To apply for funding, interested small business owners can visit LiftFund's application page. The organization offers various programs tailored to local needs, ensuring that applicants receive the support necessary to succeed. LiftFund also engages with the community through workshops and events designed to enhance business skills and knowledge.
Recipient context
LiftFund has supported numerous businesses, including Hess Street Foods, which brought family recipes to market; Guide Dogs of Texas, an organization training guide dogs for visually impaired Texans; and King William CrossFit, a fitness center that utilized loan capital for growth.
Common questions
What to know about LiftFund
Upseed classifies LiftFund under the Grant Maker organization type. Its current public profile includes funder and grantor capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
April 10, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.