After two years of planning, the New Mexico Community Development Loan Fund was officially incorporated in 1989 as a nonprofit alternative lender. It was one of several initiatives launched that year by the state’s churches to combat poverty, alongside a new food bank (Second Harvest), affordable housing programs (Habitat for Humanity and Encino Houses), and a free community store. The fledgling Loan Fund received its first investment from the Adrian Dominican Sisters in 1989, reflecting the deep faith-based support behind its mission. A volunteer board of directors – including Sr. Marie Luisa Vasquez – was formed to guide the organization, and its first executive director was hired to lead day-to-day operations. With a modest pool of capital and a bold vision of “giving people a hand up instead of a handout,” The Loan Fund opened its doors, ready to finance the dreams of low-income entrepreneurs across New Mexico.