Cinnaire logo

Cinnaire

4.0/5

Cinnaire is a nonprofit community development financial institution offering tax credit investing, affordable housing financing, and community wealth-building programs since 1993.

Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks

Free to Use BBB: NR Free Consultation Visit Website

Cinnaire Review

Cinnaire is a nonprofit community development financial organization (CDFI) founded in 1993 with a 30+ year track record of transforming communities through strategic capital investments and development solutions. The organization operates across seven regional offices (Lansing, Indianapolis, Wilmington, Chicago, Madison, Grand Rapids, and Detroit) and has generated over $11 billion in community impact by focusing on areas historically denied access to capital.

The company offers three primary service lines: multifamily mortgage financing through partnerships with Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and FHA programs via their CPC Mortgage division; tax credit investing that connects investors and developers with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, New Market Tax Credits, and Historic Tax Credits; and community wealth-building programs including a Lease to Purchase Program and Jumpstart Wilmington initiative designed to create homeownership access and developer training. Their portfolio demonstrates expertise in managing housing developments and structuring complex community development deals.

Cinnaire distinguishes itself through mission-driven operations focused on underserved communities, a demonstrated commitment to organizational culture and team investment, and proven expertise navigating multiple financing tools simultaneously (agency lending, tax credits, and flexible lending products). They showcase real impact through specific projects like Andy's Place recovery housing in Jackson, Michigan, and mixed-use developments in Wilmington and South Bend.

As a nonprofit organization, Cinnaire operates with reinvestment of profits back into communities rather than shareholder returns. However, their services are primarily accessible to developers, investors, and those seeking homeownership through formal programs rather than individual consumers seeking direct credit counseling or financial advisory services. Their scale and sophistication position them as an institutional finance player rather than a direct-to-consumer help organization.

Services & Features

Freddie Mac multifamily mortgage financing
Fannie Mae multifamily mortgage financing
FHA multifamily mortgage lending
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) investing and syndication
New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) investing and allocation
Historic Tax Credit investing and structuring
Lease to Purchase homeownership programs
Jumpstart Wilmington community wealth-building initiative
Community development financial consulting
Housing development project management
Developer training and capacity-building resources
Flexible community development lending products

Feature Checklist

Credit Education
Identity Theft Protection
Score Tracking
Mobile App
Online Portal
Personal Advisor

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Nonprofit structure with 30+ years of proven community development track record and over $11 billion in documented impact
  • Multi-product expertise combining agency mortgage lending (Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA), tax credit investing, and flexible lending solutions
  • Specialized programs like Lease to Purchase and Jumpstart Wilmington specifically designed to create homeownership access for underserved populations
  • Seven regional office locations across Midwest and Mid-Atlantic providing geographic reach and local expertise
  • Award-winning organizational culture with demonstrated commitment to employee investment and team quality
  • Experience structuring complex community development deals including permanent supportive housing and mixed-income developments
  • Mission-aligned focus on communities historically denied access to capital with transparent impact reporting

Cons

  • Services primarily designed for developers, investors, and organizations rather than individual consumers seeking direct financial assistance
  • No direct consumer credit counseling or personal financial advisory services mentioned on website
  • Limited transparency on individual program eligibility criteria, application processes, or timelines for consumer-facing programs like Lease to Purchase
  • Geographic concentration in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions limits accessibility for communities outside these areas
  • Website does not provide specific contact pathways for individual consumers seeking homeownership or community development assistance

Rating Breakdown

Value
5.0
Effectiveness
3.5
Customer Service
3.9
Transparency
3.5
Ease of Use
4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cinnaire legitimate?

Yes. Cinnaire is a registered company headquartered in 225 W Washington St STE 1350, Chicago, IL 60606. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Quick Facts

Headquarters
225 W Washington St STE 1350, Chicago, IL 60606
BBB Rating
NR
BBB Accredited
No
Starting Price
Free to Use
Setup Fee
None
Free Consultation
Yes
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit Cinnaire

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Cinnaire

Cinnaire is best for institutional partners (developers, investors, organizations) and residents in their Midwest/Mid-Atlantic service areas seeking mission-driven affordable housing financing and structured homeownership pathways. The primary caveat is that individual consumers should contact their regional office directly, as the website lacks specific guidance on consumer program eligibility and application processes.

Best For

  • Real estate developers and community organizations seeking multifamily financing with social impact missions
  • Investors interested in tax credit opportunities (LIHTC, NMTC, Historic Tax Credits) with community development focus
  • Individuals and families in covered regions (Midwest/Mid-Atlantic) seeking homeownership through Lease to Purchase or similar structured programs
  • Communities and nonprofits developing affordable housing, recovery housing, or mixed-use community development projects
Updated 2026-03-21

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