Lending

Wisconsin Native Loan Fund (WINLF) is a certified Native CDFI serving the target market of Native American communities in Wisconsin. WINLF is a mission driven, community based revolving loan fund. Our mission is to increase the financial self- sufficiency of Wisconsin Native American communities.

WINLF Strategic Approach

Provide access to affordable capital

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Provide financial education and asset-building services

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Increase self-sufficiency and improve economic and social conditions

Home Loan Products
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• Home Purchase

• Down Payment Assistance

• Home Renovation 

• Home Construction

Consumer Loans
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• Auto

• Consumer Relief 

• Debt Consolidation

Business Loans
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• Micro-business

• Small Business

• Business Construction

WINLF has the mission and the passion to elevate tribal members towards building capacity for individuals and families to help them become economically stronger and navigate through these tough economic times. The ultimate goal of Wisconsin Native Loan Fund is to retain money in the community and teach people to become more self- reliant and economically independent.  

Eligible Loan Applicants

All loan products are available to all members of the eleven federally recognized Tribes in the State of Wisconsin, and their documented descendants.  All loan applicants must also be a resident of the State of Wisconsin and at least 18 years of age; with a debt-to-income ratio of less than 42% after the loan.

Home Loan Products

Home Purchase Loan
Purpose - For the purchase of an existing home, on or off Tribal land.  Must be owner occupied.
Type of Property - Single-family or two-family.
Location - Property must be located within Wisconsin.  On or off reservation; private property, fee, or trust land.
Eligible Borrower - Current resident of the State of Wisconsin and an enrolled member of a Wisconsin Tribe or documented descendant.
Eligible Uses - Appraisal fees, closing fee, EPA endorsement, home mortgage, origination fee, property inspection, survey and/or title fees.
Loan Amount - $1,000 - $250,000 depending on financing needs and appraised value, higher loan amounts available with Board approval.
Interest Rates - Typically between 6 to 12%.  Rates are based on collateral and credit ratings.
Origination Fees -  3% of financed amount, can be financed.
Application Fees - $50 (due only if approved).
Closing Fees - The Borrower is responsible for all out of pocket expenses associated with the loan application and the loan closing.  This includes legal fees, real estate title searches, UCC lien searches, lien recording costs and appraisals.  Closing fees can be financed.
Loan Terms - 12 to 240 months.
Collateral - Property being purchased.
Credit - Will be evaluated using both traditional and non-traditional credit history.
Income Eligibility - A debt-to-income ratio of less than 42% after adding loan payment.  Continuous employment or steady income for the past six months.
Education Requirement - First time home buyers may be required to complete a home buyer education course, one on one credit counseling and post-closing education.

Down Payment Assistance Loan
Purpose - To cover closing costs, down payment, or other home purchase expenses not covered by the primary mortgage for the purchase of an existing home, on or off tribal land.  Must be owner occupied.
Type of Property - Single-family or two-family.
Location - Property must be located within Wisconsin.  On or off reservation; private property, fee, or trust land.
Eligible Borrower - Current resident of the State of Wisconsin and an enrolled member of a Wisconsin Tribe or documented descendant.
Eligible Uses - Appraisal fees, closing fee, EPA endorsement, site preparation, home mortgage, origination fee, property inspection, survey and/or title fees.
Loan Amount - $1,000 - $50,000 depending on financing needs and appraised value, higher loan amounts available with Board approval.
Interest Rates - Typically between 6 to 12%.  Rates are based on collateral and credit ratings.
Origination Fees -  3% of financed amount, can be financed.
Application Fees - $50 (due only if approved).
Closing Fees - The Borrower is responsible for all out of pocket expenses associated with the loan application and the loan closing.  This includes legal fees, real estate title searches, UCC lien searches, lien recording costs and appraisals.  Closing fees can be financed.
Loan Terms - 12 to 120 months.
Collateral - Property being purchased.
Credit - Will be evaluated using both traditional and non-traditional credit history.
Income Eligibility - A debt-to-income ratio of less than 42% after adding loan payment.  Continuous employment or steady income for the past six months.
Education Requirement - First time home buyers may be required to complete a home buyer education course, one on one credit counseling and post-closing education.

Home Renovation/Repair Loan
Purpose - To renovate or repair a home currently owned and occupied.
Type of Property - Single-family or two-family.
Location - Property must be located within Wisconsin.  On or off reservation; private property, fee, or trust land.
Eligible Borrower - Current resident of the State of Wisconsin and an enrolled member of a Wisconsin Tribe or documented descendant.
Eligible Uses - Repairs and/or impovements to the property or dwelling.  Including but not limited to; roof repairs, new furnace, kitchen or bathroom renovation, replace flooring, repair damages.
Loan Amount - $1,000 - $150,000 depending on financing needs and appraised value, higher loan amounts available with Board approval.
Interest Rates - Typically between 6 to 12%.  Rates are based on collateral and credit ratings.
Origination Fees -  3% of financed amount, can be financed.
Application Fees - $50 (due only if approved).
Closing Fees - The Borrower is responsible for all out of pocket expenses associated with the loan application and the loan closing.  This includes legal fees, real estate title searches, UCC lien searches, lien recording costs and appraisals.  Closing fees can be financed.
Loan Terms - 12 to 120 months.
Collateral - Property being purchased.
Credit - Will be evaluated using both traditional and non-traditional credit history.
Income Eligibility - A debt-to-income ratio of less than 42% after adding loan payment.  Continuous employment or steady income for the past six months.
Education Requirement - First time home buyers may be required to complete a home buyer education course, one on one credit counseling and post-closing education.

Home Construction Loans
Purpose - To construct new residence for owner occupied housing.  Intended to be refinanced after construction is completed.
Type of Property - Single-family or two-family.
Location - Property must be located within Wisconsin.  On or off reservation; private property, fee, or trust land.
Eligible Borrower - Current resident of the State of Wisconsin and an enrolled member of a Wisconsin Tribe or documented descendant.
Eligible Uses - Purchase property to place dwelling.  All construction and development costs of property and dwelling.
Loan Amount - $1,000 - $250,000 depending on financing needs and appraised value, higher loan amounts available with Board approval.
Interest Rates - Typically between 6 to 12%.  Rates are based on collateral and credit ratings.
Origination Fees -  3% of financed amount, can be financed.
Application Fees - $50 (due only if approved).
Closing Fees - The Borrower is responsible for all out of pocket expenses associated with the loan application and the loan closing.  This includes legal fees, real estate title searches, UCC lien searches, lien recording costs and appraisals.  Closing fees can be financed.
Loan Terms - 12-to-18 month loan with a balloon payment due at the end of the loan.
Collateral - Property being purchased.
Credit - Will be evaluated using both traditional and non-traditional credit history.
Income Eligibility - A debt-to-income ratio of less than 42% after adding loan payment.  Continuous employment or steady income for the past six months.
Education Requirement - First time home buyers may be required to complete a home buyer education course, one on one credit counseling and post-closing education.

Auto Loans
Purpose - To provide affordable financing to assist in the purchase of a new and used vehicle.
Type of Property - New or used vehicle.
Location - Property must be located within Wisconsin.  On or off reservation; private property, fee, or trust land.
Eligible Borrower - Current resident of the State of Wisconsin and an enrolled member of a Wisconsin Tribe or documented descendant.
Eligible Uses - Purchase of a new or used vehicle.
Loan Amount - $1,000 - $65,000 depending on financing needs and NADA value, higher loan amounts available with Board approval.
Loan Value - Up to 85% NADA value.
Interest Rates - Typically between 6 to 12%.  Rates are based on collateral and credit ratings.
Origination Fees -  3% of financed amount, can be financed.  Title and fees when applicable.
Application Fees - $50 (due only if approved).
Loan Terms - 12 to 120 months.
Collateral - Property being purchased.
Credit - Will be evaluated using both traditional and non-traditional credit history.
Income Eligibility - A debt-to-income ratio of less than 42% after adding loan payment.  Continuous employment or steady income for the past six months.
Education Requirement - Financial Literacy Training, post-closing and maintenance education.

Consumer Relief/Credit Builder Loans
Purpose - To provide relief funding in times of crisis or to help establish credit for those with little to no credit history.
Eligible Borrower - Current resident of the State of Wisconsin and an enrolled member of a Wisconsin Tribe or documented descendant.
Eligible Uses - Funding to get applicant through a time of crisis.  Primarily used for food, shelter (rent or mortgage) and critical expenses.
Loan Amount - $1,000 - $5,000 depending on financing needs.
Interest Rates - 6% for collateral loans -  15% for non-collateralized loans.
Origination Fees -  3% of financed amount, can be financed.
Application Fees - $50 (due only if approved).
Loan Terms - 12 to 120 months.
Collateral - Collateralized loans must have at least 50% of origination amount in collateral.  Accepted collateral will be home, real estate, or automobile.
Credit - Will be evaluated using both traditional and non-traditional credit history.
Income Eligibility - a debt-to-income ratio of less than 42% after adding loan payment.  Continuous employment or steady income for the past six months.
Education Requirement - Financial Literacy Training, post-closing and maintenance education.

Debt Consolidation Loans
Purpose - To refinance existing debt, reduce payments, escape loans with high interest rates, or unreasonable terms.
Eligible Borrower - Current resident of the State of Wisconsin and an enrolled member of a Wisconsin Tribe or documented descendant.
Eligible Uses - Debt consolidation and credit repair.
Loan Amount - $1,000 - $150,000 depending on financing needs and NADA value, higher loan amounts available with Board approval.
Loan Value - Up to 85% NADA value.
Interest Rates - Typically between 6 to 12%.  Rates are based on collateral and credit ratings.
Origination Fees -  3% of financed amount, can be financed.  Title and fees when applicable.
Application Fees - $50 (due only if approved).
Closing Fees - The Borrower is responsible for all out of pocket expenses associated with the loan application and the loan closing.  This includes legal fees, real estate title searches, UCC lien searches, lien recording costs and appraisals.  Closing fees can be financed.
Loan Terms - 12 to 120 months.
Collateral - Home, auto, equipment, or other preapproved appraisal assets.
Credit - Will be evaluated using both traditional and non-traditional credit history.
Income Eligibility - a debt-to-income ratio of less than 42% after adding loan payment.  Continuous employment or steady income for the past six months.
Education Requirement - Financial Literacy Training, post-closing and maintenance education.

Business Loan Products

Micro Business Loans
Purpose - WINLF will make loans that have a legal business purpose.  The emphasis is to support businesses in the Target Markets.  Every loan request is different and will be reviewed by the Loan Committee and/or Lending Officer for feasibility.  We are willing to consider any valid business loan request that makes sense and where repayment of the loan is likely.
Location - Must be located within Wisconsin.  On or off reservation; private property, fee, or trust land.
Eligible Borrower - Eligible Applicants will be individuals and any type of business ownership structure (Corporations, LLCs and Partnerships), that are operating or starting a business in WINLF's target market; and are located in the State of Wisconsin.
Eligible Uses - Purchase or repair equipment, purchase inventory, operating capital, purchase property for business, and marketing.
Loan Amount - $3,000 - $49,999 depending on financing needs and collateral.
Interest Rates - Typically between 6 to 12%.  Rates are based on collateral and credit ratings.
Origination Fees - 3% of financed amount, can be financed.
Application Fees - The loan application fee is 1% of the total loan amount.  The fee is not to be less than $50 or greater than $250.  (due only if approved).
Closing Fees - The Borrower is responsible for all out of pocket expenses associated with the loan application and the loan closing.  This includes legal fees, real estate title searches, UCC lien searches, lien recording costs and appraisals.  Closing fees can be financed.
Loan Terms - 12 to 120 months.
Collateral - Collateral is required for all loans and is typically in the form of a 1st or 2nd lien on the project assets and all other assets owned by the business.  Personal assets outside the business can also be pledged as collateral.
Loan to Value - Loans should be 100% collateralized of the origination amount.
Business Plan - All applicants must have a business plan acceptable to WINLF that properly explains their business and the project being financed.  The depth and detail required in the business plan will vary by applicant and the Lending Officer will be responsible for determining the exact requirements.
Equity - Borrowers may be required to invest equity in the form of cash or other business assets into the project of at least 5% of the total business capitalization.
Guarantees - All individuals owning 20% or more of the business must personally guarantee the loan.  Guarantees from third parties are acceptable.
Credit - Will be evaluated using both traditional and non-traditional credit history.
Income Eligibility - The debt service coverage ratio should be 1.15 (or better) after adding loan payment.  Continuous employment or steady income for the past six months.
Education Requirement - Financial literacy, technical assistance, any other applicable financial education/business training.

Small Business Loans
Purpose - WINLF will make loans that have a legal business purpose.  The emphasis is to support businesses in the Target Markets.  Every loan request is different and will be reviewed by the Loan Committee and/or Lending Officer for feasibility.  We are willing to consider any valid business loan request that makes sense and where repayment of the loan is likely.
Location - Must be located within Wisconsin.  On or off reservation; private property, fee, or trust land.
Eligible Borrower - Eligible Applicants will be individuals and any type of business ownership structure (Corporations, LLCs and Partnerships), that are operating or starting a business in WINLF's target market; and are located in the State of Wisconsin.
Eligible Uses - Purchase or repair equipment, purchase inventory, operating capital, purchase property for business, and marketing.
Loan Amount - $50,000 - $250,000 depending on financing needs and collateral, higher loan amounts available with Board approval.
Interest Rates - Typically between 6 to 12%.  Rates are based on collateral and credit ratings.
Origination Fees - 3% of financed amount, can be financed.
Application Fees - The loan application fee is 1% of the total loan amount.  The fee is not to be less than $50 or greater than $250.  (due only if approved).
Closing Fees - The Borrower is responsible for all out of pocket expenses associated with the loan application and the loan closing.  This includes legal fees, real estate title searches, UCC lien searches, lien recording costs and appraisals.  Closing fees can be financed.
Loan Terms - 12 to 120 months.
Collateral - Collateral is required for all loans and is typically in the form of a 1st or 2nd lien on the project assets and all other assets owned by the business.  Personal assets outside the business can also be pledged as collateral.
Loan to Value - Loans should be 100% collateralized of the origination amount.
Business Plan - All applicants must have a business plan acceptable to WINLF that properly explains their business and the project being financed.  The depth and detail required in the business plan will vary by applicant and the Lending Officer will be responsible for determining the exact requirements.
Equity - Borrowers may be required to invest equity in the form of cash or other business assets into the project of at least 5% of the total business capitalization.
Guarantees - All individuals owning 20% or more of the business must personally guarantee the loan.  Guarantees from third parties are acceptable.
Credit - Will be evaluated using both traditional and non-traditional credit history.
Income Eligibility - The debt service coverage ratio should be 1.15 (or better) after adding loan payment.  Continuous employment or steady income for the past six months.
Education Requirement - Financial literacy, technical assistance, any other applicable financial education/business training.

Business Construction Loans
Purpose - To construct new commercial property.  Intended to be refinanced after construction is completed.  WINLF will make loans for construction of new commercial buildings or housing for resale.
Type of Property - Commercial, business, or residential development.
Location - Must be located within Wisconsin.  On or off reservation; private property, fee, or trust land.
Eligible Borrower - Eligible Applicants will be individuals and any type of business ownership structure (Corporations, LLCs and Partnerships), that are operating or starting a business in WINLF's target market; and are located in the State of Wisconsin.
Eligible Uses - These funds can be used to purchase lot, prepare lot for business or home and for either business or home construction or purchase of modular or off site constructed homes.
Ineligible Uses - This loan product shall not be used to pay off existing loans or debits.
Loan Amount - $1,000 - $250,000 depending on financing needs and collateral, higher loan amounts available with Board approval.
Interest Rates - Typically between 6 to 12%.  Rates are based on collateral and credit ratings.
Origination Fees - 3% of financed amount, can be financed.
Application Fees - The loan application fee is 1% of the total loan amount.  The fee is not to be less than $50 or greater than $250.  (due only if approved).
Closing Fees - The Borrower is responsible for all out of pocket expenses associated with the loan application and the loan closing.  This includes legal fees, real estate title searches, UCC lien searches, lien recording costs and appraisals.  Closing fees can be financed.
Loan Terms - This is 12-to-36 month loan (typically 18-24 months) with a balloon payment due at the end of the loan.
Collateral - Collateral is required for all loans and is typically in the form of a 1st or 2nd lien on the project assets and all other assets owned by the business.  Personal assets outside the business can also be pledged as collateral.
Loan to Value - Loans should be 100% collateralized of the origination amount.
Business Plan - All applicants must have a business plan acceptable to WINLF that properly explains their business and the project being financed.  The depth and detail required in the business plan will vary by applicant and the Lending Officer will be responsible for determining the exact requirements.
Equity - Borrowers may be required to invest equity in the form of cash or other business assets into the project of at least 5% of the total business capitalization.
Guarantees - All individuals owning 20% or more of the business must personally guarantee the loan.  Guarantees from third parties are acceptable.
Credit - Will be evaluated using both traditional and non-traditional credit history.
Income Eligibility - The debt service coverage ratio should be 1.15 (or better) after adding loan payment.  Continuous employment or steady income for the past six months.
Education Requirement - Financial literacy, technical assistance, any other applicable financial education/business training.