Program provides short-term funding up to $25,000 for operating expenses
BALTIMORE, MD (December 19, 2017) – The
Maryland Department of Commerce, in partnership with the
Maryland Nonprofit Development Center, is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations seeking short-term operational support. The Nonprofit, Interest-Free, Micro Bridge Loan Account (NIMBL) is an interest-free, micro bridge loan fund that provides funding up to $25,000 to qualifying nonprofits between the award date of a government grant or contract and the actual receipt of those funds.
“Many nonprofits depend on government grants or contacts to pay operational expenses, and when there is a delay in the delivery of those funds, it can seriously impact an organization’s ability to carry out its mission,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “This program will address an important and often overlooked gap in the nonprofit community, and provide an immediate solution to a short-term cash flow problem.”
“NIMBL is an innovative approach to assisting the state’s non-profit community,” said Sean McEvoy, director of Maryland Commerce’s Small Business Resources Office, which administers the NIMBL program. “Organizations can get much needed, interest-free financing to help bridge short term funding gaps.”
“The staff of Maryland Commerce helped us pull together all the information we needed and supported us through a very straightforward process,” said Leon Seeman, managing director Adventure Theatre MTC, which was the first nonprofit to receive funding through the program. “This legislation has enabled us to meet payroll while waiting on our government funding, and we are thrilled with the results.”
“With the addition of the NIMBL program, the state of Maryland is able to offer even more comprehensive support to enable nonprofit organizations to grow and contribute to our communities,” said Heather Iliff, president and CEO of Maryland Nonprofits. “We are delighted to partner with Maryland Commerce on this important initiative to strengthen nonprofits.”
Nonprofits receiving NIMBL funding must be located in the state and determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be exempt from taxation under Section 501(c) (3), (4) or (6) under the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are only accepted from qualifying nonprofits with written confirmation from a government entity for funds via government grants or contracts that have not yet been received. Repayment of the loan can be no later than the date of the final grant or contract payment to the nonprofit. NIMBL loans can only be used for operating expenses.
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov. 
