Launched by Community Vision and Genesis LA, CalCORE is a cohort program that supports community-based developers, focusing on Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC)-led real estate organizations, particularly Community Development Corporations (CDCs) and Community Land Trusts (CLTs). 

These deeply rooted organizations often serve as a buffer between the commercial real estate market and their communities. By tackling key challenges of capacity and capital, CalCORE is committed to amplifying the impact of these vital organizations. 

CalCORE 4: Commercial Corridors, Community Development, and Small Businesses

CalCORE’s fourth cohort will support community developers working to stabilize and catalyze commercial corridors. Participants will learn the skills needed to be owners, landlords, and real estate advisors, gaining the expertise to acquire projects or be well on the path to doing so. By the program’s end, participants will have a comprehensive toolkit to train the next generation of emerging leaders in their neighborhoods on real estate readiness. 

WHO THIS IS FOR

We are currently accepting applications from organizations working in the Central Valley. CalCORE 4 is open to CLTS, CDCs, and other types of community real estate entities. CalCORE focuses on BIPOC-led real estate organizations deeply rooted in communities of color and historically disinvested communities.

WHAT TO EXPECT

CalCORE 4 is designed to equip organizations with the knowledge, tools, and support necessary to drive community real estate ownership. We will offer both on-ground and online training.

Key elements of the program include: 

• Networking building: Creating connections among community-based real estate actors for information sharing and collaborative opportunities
• Training and peer learning: Covering topics like small sites development, real estate sustainability, portfolio management, and financing strategies
• One-on-one technical assistance: Providing individualized support from real estate experts to navigate transactions and development projects
• Service provider pool: Assembling a list of culturally competent service providers, including developers, attorneys, and project managers
• In-person convening: Social Purpose Real Estate (SPRE) Summit in Los Angeles in May 2025

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are due on August 22, 2024 at 11PM PST.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• The organization and its programs/projects must be located in the state of California
• The organization must be a Community Land Trust, Community Development Corporation, or other locally rooted nonprofit that will be acquiring and developing real estate as an ongoing program
• Commitment from two staff members, board members, or volunteers to attend all in-person and online learning sessions

PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT:

• Are located in the Central Valley
• Are deeply rooted in low-income communities, communities of color and historically underserved communities
• Are BIPOC-led. This is defined as meeting at least one of the following criteria: A BIPOC executive director; Majority of the board is BIPOC

Questions about this program?

For questions about the application, please contact Sarah Schwid at sschwid@communityvisionca.org or 415-392-8215 x 369.

For questions about the program, please contact Amanda Bornstein at abornstein@communityvisionca.org or 415-392-8215 x 329.