Several teams work together on their laptops at the Moonlighter FabLab.

Nonprofit borrower, Moonlighter FabLab, used financing provided by The Miami Foundation bridge loan to service a 26-month National Science Foundation grant to expand their STEAM programming to adult clients.

Nonprofit Bridge Loan

Miami-Dade’s nonprofits deliver essential community services daily, yet many operate under government or philanthropic grants that only reimburse expenses after costs are incurred, instead of offering money up-front. In response to this funding disparity, The Miami Foundation now offers a Nonprofit Bridge Loan, a low-interest loan aimed at stabilizing local nonprofit cash-flows.

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Supporting Nonprofits Throughout Their Funding Journeys

The Nonprofit Bridge Loan provides short-term, low-cost financing that helps nonprofits manage the timing gap between reimbursements, so they can stay focused on mission, provide staff with stability, and deepen their community impact.

Launched as a pilot by The Miami Foundation in 2024, the program reflects our commitment to strengthening nonprofit financial health and expanding access to responsible, mission-aligned capital.

What is a Nonprofit Bridge Loan?

The loan provides interim financing to established Miami-Dade-based nonprofits with an active grant or contract that is paid on a reimbursement basis.

These loans are designed to:

  • Cover a defined period of receivables
  • Be repaid when expected reimbursement funds are received
  • Be compatible with the nonprofit’s overall financial situation

These loans are not intended to:

  • Substitute in place of grants to pay for program expenses, including staffing
  • Extend beyond one year
  • Serve as a liquidity solution for nonprofits in poor financial health
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Findings from our 2025 Give Miami Day nonprofit survey revealed:

44%

44% of nonprofits have at least one grant paid on reimbursement basis

30%

30% of nonprofits have less than one month of cash on hand

26%

26% of nonprofits have budgets where over a quarter of funding is on reimbursement basis

Two people fill out a technical drawing while observing a building.
Students gathered to receive a machinery orientation in a woodshop.
Attendees gathered to listen to a panel talk at the Moonlighter FabLab.
A man stands in front of the control center of a massive laser cutting machine, in a warehouse.
Two people assess the compatibility of two fabricated parts in a well-lit warehouse.
A team brainstorms together around a large sheet of paper, at the Moonlighter FabLab.
Three people review a 3D model displayed on a curved desktop monitor.
Moonlighter FabLab students listen to a presentation on laser cutting and digital fabrication.
Several teams work together on their laptops at the Moonlighter FabLab.

Who is a Nonprofit Bridge Loan for?

The program is designed for nonprofits that:

  • Are 501(c)(3) organizations
  • Based in Miami-Dade County
  • Have been operating for at least one year
  • Ideally, have an annual operating budget between $250,000 and $2,000,000*
  • Are recipients of an active grant or contract with delayed reimbursement
  • Demonstrate stable operations and a track record of financial management

*Organizations outside this budget range may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Nonprofit Bridge Loan Details

  • Loan amounts: $10,000–$150,000
  • Pricing: Below-market, mission-aligned rates (2-6%)
  • Term: Ranging from 3-6 months
  • Use of funds: Approved reimbursable operating costs
  • Process: 2-3 week underwriting process & turnaround time

Get Involved

Nonprofits

Download flyer to learn more about eligibility and next steps for applying

Download the Flyer

Funders & Peers

Explore how this approach could support nonprofits in your region.

Talk with Us

For more information, please contact Brittany Morgan.