Community Development Linked Deposits

Helping Illinois Communities Access Affordable Capital

This program helps approved lenders offer low-interest loans to eligible Illinois borrowers in underserved communities. The goal is to expand access to funding and support local economic growth across Illinois.

Overview

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office invests State funds in ways that support both financial returns and stronger communities. Community Development Linked Deposit programs help advance that goal by supporting local economic development while protecting principal and earning competitive returns for the State.

How Community Development Linked Deposit Programs Work

The Treasurer’s Office places funds with approved financial institutions at a reduced interest rate. These institutions, including community banks, credit unions, and savings and loan companies, use those funds to offer low-interest loans to eligible borrowers under program guidelines set by the Treasurer’s Office.

This approach benefits everyone involved. The State earns a return on its investment, lenders earn interest, and Illinois borrowers gain access to more affordable financing to grow a business, support a farm, or meet other eligible needs.

Community Development Linked Deposit Programs

Invest in Illinois is a group of linked deposit programs that includes Ag Invest, Business Invest – CUP, Community Invest – Opportunity Illinois, and Community Invest – Cannabis Banking Services. Together, these programs help approved financial institutions offer low-interest loans to eligible Illinois borrowers, expand access to capital, and support community and economic development across the state.

Ag Invest

  • Operating Line of Credit Loans
  • Long-Term and Agri-Business Program

Business Invest

  • Community Uplift Program (CUP)

Community Invest

  • Opportunity Illinois
  • Cannabis Banking Services

Become an Approved Program Depository

To participate in the Community Development Linked Deposit Program, banks must first become an approved State Depository with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. Once approved, they may take part in linked deposit programs that support community development and expand access to low-interest lending in Illinois.

Community Reinvestment Act

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office supports a banking system that promotes community growth and economic opportunity across Illinois. State law allows the Treasurer’s Office to consider a financial institution’s record of community investment when deciding whether to place State funds with that institution.

To qualify, banks must have a Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rating of Satisfactory or Outstanding. Eligible credit unions that do not receive a CRA rating may be considered for an exemption under the Community Uplift Program.

Invest in Illinois Daily Rates

View the Invest in Illinois Daily Rates for the Invest in Illinois family of programs.

Contact Us

For questions, please contact the Invest in Illinois team at 217-558-6217 or investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.