financing for rural communities and tribal nations for facilities and equipment

COMMUNITY FACILITIES LOANS

What Is It?

We provide loans to rural communities to support essential services, including local food systems, public health initiatives, emergency services and equipment, public facilities, distance learning technologies like telemedicine, and healthcare facilities.

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Area Director of Lending

Debra Williams

Area Director of Lending

Debra Williams

Debra Williams, Area Director of Lending, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in May 2021.

She is responsible for originating quality loans through internal and external referral sources. She also develops strategies to market the bank’s SBA and small business grant programs to entrepreneurs with financing needs. She came to Communities Unlimited with a strong financial background, from her previous roles as a Vice President/Loan Manager for Arvest Bank as well as Vice President of Commercial lending for RCB Bank.

Debra has a BS in Business Administration, Marketing Management Orientation from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo.  

Phone:(405) 250-9316

Our Community Facilities Loan Program supports the growth and well-being of rural communities and tribal nations by providing funding for essential infrastructure and services. The program helps make projects like local food systems—including community gardens and food pantries—a reality, while also strengthening public health and safety through investments in fire departments and emergency equipment.

Eligible uses of the loan also include building or upgrading public facilities such as town halls and courthouses, enhancing access to healthcare through medical and dental clinics, and expanding opportunities in distance learning and telemedicine through advanced equipment and technology.

Eligibility Requirements

Local government entities, public bodies, nonprofit corporations, and federally-recognized tribes may borrow if they:

  • Serve a significant number of low-income customers
  • Serve rural communities of less than 20,000
  • Have demonstrated cash flow for debt service or provide evidence of permanent take-out financing

Terms & Conditions

  • Loan repayment terms may not exceed 15 years or exceed the useful life of the facility or equipment
  • Security: Varies by customer
  • Origination Fee: 1% of amount borrowed – $100 minimum
  • Maximum loan amount $750,000

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Submit a complaint of discrimination, by mail to U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity , 1500 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220, (202) 622-1160 (phone), (202) 622-0367 (fax), or email crcomplaints@treasury.gov (email).

Reasonable Modifications for Individuals with Disabilities

Reasonable modifications may be requested by emailing info@communitiesu.org or calling (479) 443-2700, or persons with speech or hearing impairment may call toll-free 1-800-877-0996 for service in English and Spanish.