What is Locus?
Locus is a community development financial institution (CDFI) that’s all about creating access to capital through community partnerships and innovative tools. Their mission? Tackling systemic challenges and pushing forward promising opportunities that make a real difference. Founded back in 2006 with support from the Commonwealth of Virginia and then-Governor Mark R. Warner, Locus (formerly Virginia Community Capital) has spent over a decade partnering with mission-driven organizations to spark economic development. They focus on projects that support small business growth, affordable housing, clean energy innovation, and healthy food access — all crucial pieces of building thriving communities.
Main Benefits of Locus
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes Locus stand out:
- Over $4 billion in total impact generated alongside partners
- Decades of combined experience in place-based investing strategies
- Parent organization to social enterprises like Locus Bank, Locus Impact Fund, and the Community Investment Guarantee Pool (CIGP)
- Strong collaborations with Virginia CDFI Coalition, Opportunity Finance Network, and other industry leaders
- Transparency through independently reviewed financial statements
- Focus on community-led solutions that produce greater impact and outcomes
Community Development and Economic Growth
At its core, Locus believes that investments in community-led projects are the key to safe, healthy, and prosperous neighborhoods. They work closely with partners who share a vision — or who want to develop one — for their communities. By combining national, state, and local social investments, Locus helps fund projects that drive real change. Whether it’s supporting small businesses, increasing housing affordability, or promoting clean energy, their place-based investing strategies are designed to create lasting economic growth where people live, work, and raise their families.
Innovative Tools and Strategic Consulting
Locus doesn’t just provide financing — they bring innovative tools to the table, like guarantees, that help reduce risk and unlock more capital for community projects. Alongside strategic consulting, these tools empower local organizations to tackle systemic challenges head-on. This approach ensures that investments are not only impactful but sustainable, helping communities build the ecosystems they need for long-term success. It’s about more than money; it’s about creating partnerships and solutions that last.
Advocacy and Thought Leadership
Beyond financing, Locus plays a vital role in advocating for the CDFI sector at large. They work with coalitions and industry organizations to push for increased state and federal investment in community development. Through thought leadership and collaboration, Locus helps elevate the role of CDFIs in improving capital access for Main Street businesses, boosting financial inclusion, and expanding housing opportunities. Their voice amplifies the needs and potential of communities often overlooked by traditional financial systems.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty — by supporting economic development and affordable housing
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy — through clean energy innovation projects
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — by fostering small business growth and job creation
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — promoting healthy, affordable, and resilient communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — encouraging sustainable practices in community projects
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — building strong community and ecosystem partnerships
Transparency and Accountability
Transparency is a core value at Locus. They provide independently reviewed financial statements that give a clear picture of cash flow, investments, and overall performance. This openness builds trust with investors and community partners alike, ensuring that every dollar invested has maximum local impact. It’s a commitment to accountability that reinforces their mission to create prosperous futures for all people and places.
