Cinnaire is a nonprofit community development financial institution offering tax credit investing, affordable housing financing, and community wealth-building programs since 1993.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
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.
Cinnaire offers 12 services including 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, and 7 more.
Cinnaire is best suited 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.
Key strengths: 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. Areas to consider: 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.
In the Free Help category, comparable providers include Consumer Credit Counseling Services, Debt Relief Center, Working Credit. Each company has different strengths — compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records to find the best fit.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
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.
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