The Fountain Fund

The Fountain Fund helps formerly incarcerated people rebuild credit through low-interest loans and coaching.

As a result of CIMA’s partnership:

$5.1M

TOTAL FUNDED

465

CLIENT PARTNERS

776+

Low-interest loans extended

Challenge:

Although The Fountain Fund had an effective model and a strong track record, it faced the challenge of deepening its impact and expanding into new regions.

Approach:

To grow beyond its initial success, the organization needed a targeted fundraising strategy and access to more diverse, mission-aligned capital. CIMA developed and executed a multi-year fundraising plan, focused on securing support from major foundations, innovative investment vehicles like PRIs and recoverable loans, and positioning The Fountain Fund as a compelling choice for transformative grants.

Results:

  • Secured over $5.1 million in new philanthropic funding and $146,000 in public funding (2022–2025)

  • Guided the successful acquisition of PRIs and recoverable loan funds in 2024, supporting national work and expansion in Charlottesville and Richmond, VA; New Orleans, LA; Philadelphia, PA.

  • Helped win a 3-year, $450,000 Arbor Rising grant and 600+ hours of consulting

  • Supported a model delivering 776+ loans to 645 client partners, with 80% of loans in good standing, and $1.6 million recycled back into the community

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