Community Development Linked Deposits

Helping Illinois Communities Access Affordable Capital

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office supports a banking system that helps communities grow and creates economic opportunity across Illinois. Under State law, the Treasurer’s Office may consider a financial institution’s record of community investment when deciding where to place State funds. This helps connect the State’s investment decisions with both strong financial returns and stronger communities.

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.

• Community Reinvestment Act

By placing State funds with participating financial institutions, the Treasurer’s Office can help increase lending capacity in communities where access to affordable capital may be limited. This approach supports small businesses, community organizations, and residents while keeping State investments aligned with safety, liquidity, and return.

Community Development Linked Deposit Programs

Invest in Illinois is a group of linked deposit programs that helps approved financial institutions provide low-interest loans to eligible Illinois borrowers.

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.

Through the program, the Treasurer’s Office places State funds with approved financial institutions, including community banks, credit unions, and savings and loan companies, at a reduced interest rate. In turn, participating institutions use those funds to offer affordable financing to eligible borrowers in underserved communities.

The program supports local economic development while helping the State protect principal and earn competitive returns.

Ag Invest

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

Business Invest

• Community Uplift Program (CUP)
• SCALE Up

Community Invest

• Opportunity Illinois
• Cannabis Banking Services