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Rural communities often struggle to access critical Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping services, relying on grants or other funding sources that can take time to secure. To bridge this gap, Communities Unlimited (CU) developed the GIS Loan Program, a financial solution that provides rural water systems and other essential programs with immediate access to capital. This initiative, a collaboration between CU’s Lending and GIS Teams, offers up to $25,000 in funding for GIS mapping projects, supporting broadband expansion, water utilities, cemetery management, land use planning, and other essential services.

In FY2024, CU completed 28 GIS mapping projects across its seven-state footprint, delivering highly accurate digital and offline maps to ensure critical water systems are updated and accurately inventoried.
In FY2024, CU completed 28 GIS mapping projects across its seven-state footprint, delivering highly accurate digital and offline maps to ensure critical water systems are updated and accurately inventoried.

Recognizing the growing demand for GIS services — particularly in broadband expansion — CU introduced this loan program to help rural communities launch projects without delays. The program provides low-interest financing with repayment terms of up to 10 years, a 3% interest rate, and a 1.5% origination fee. Its bridge financing model allows communities to start GIS mapping projects immediately while maintaining the flexibility to repay early if alternative funding sources become available.

“Our GIS services provide essential tools for communities working to improve water infrastructure asset management, deploy broadband more efficiently, and enhance land use planning,” said Don Becker, GIS Coordinator at Communities Unlimited.

“This new loan program removes financial barriers, making it easier for rural communities to access GIS solutions when they need them most.”

GIS mapping equips rural communities with an interactive system that streamlines data management. CU’s platform features an easy-to-use web interface, allowing users to browse and search data points efficiently. Additionally, printed maps on water-resistant paper are available to meet compliance requirements. All data is securely stored in a cloud-based system with routine backups, ensuring that in the event of a disaster, CU can restore data within one business day.

As a U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Communities Unlimited is committed to expanding economic opportunities in rural communities. By integrating financial support with technical expertise, CU ensures that communities can take immediate action on GIS mapping projects rather than waiting for funding to become available.