RCLF is proud to announce that Aeris Insight has awarded the organization a 3-Star Impact Management Rating and an “A” Financial Strength and Performance Rating, affirming the strength, integrity, and mission-driven excellence of RCLF’s work across Mississippi and Alabama. These ratings widely respected across the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) industry not only validate the impact RCLF makes every day but also reflect a significant improvement from our last Aeris rating in 2020. This progress underscores the continued growth of our organization and the strong financial management supporting our mission.
What the 3-Star Impact Management Rating Means
According to the Aeris rating process, a 3-Star rating signifies that the CDFI has strong alignment between its mission, strategies, programs, services, and portfolio investments, effectively using its financial resources to advance its mission. This rating affirms that RCLF’s work is not just mission-inspired; it is mission-aligned at every level.
Strong Financial Health: “A” Rating for Strength and Performance
Aeris also assigned RCLF an “A” Financial Strength and Performance Rating, indicating strong financial stability, managed risk, and sound operations relative to size and complexity. This level of financial strength strengthens RCLF’s ability to continue expanding access to capital for homeowners, small businesses, and communities across Mississippi and Alabama.
A Message from Chuck Wall, Chief Financial Officer
“These ratings underscore what we work for every day—strong, disciplined financial management that ensures our mission remains sustainable and impactful. Aeris evaluates us through the lens of the community finance sector, taking into account our structure, risk profile, and operational reality. Earning an A rating in that context affirms the depth of our financial stewardship. It signals to partners, investors, and communities that RCLF is not only mission-driven, but financially sound and built for long-term resilience.”
— Chuck Wall, CFO
A Message from Kimberly LaRosa, President & CEO
“Our continued partnership with Aeris validates the strength of RCLF as a CDFI and reinforces the trust our partners place in us. This rating also strengthens our ability to access a variety of capital resources that help us bring long-term opportunity and support to the communities we serve.”
— Kimberly LaRosa, CEO
Understanding the Aeris Insight Review Process
Aeris Insight is the nation’s leading independent rater of impact-focused loan funds. Their methodology evaluates two core dimensions:
1. Impact Management Rating
Assesses how well a CDFI aligns mission, strategy, programs, resource use, and impact measurement.
2. Financial Strength and Performance Rating
Evaluates capitalization, asset quality, earnings, liquidity, and risk management—similar to a CDFI-tailored CAMEL assessment.
The Review Process Includes:
- A comprehensive analysis of organizational financial statements
- Review of portfolio performance and risk controls
- Assessment of mission alignment, impact data, and program design
- Interviews with leadership and board members
- Evaluation of governance and oversight structures
This rigorous process ensures that ratings accurately reflect a CDFI’s ability to deliver measurable and sustainable community impact.
Looking Ahead
Earning a 3-Star Impact Management Rating and “A” Financial Strength Rating reflects RCLF’s commitment to excellence: in impact, in strategy, and in financial stewardship.
These achievements reaffirm RCLF’s dedication to empowering families, strengthening small businesses, and building resilient communities throughout Mississippi and Alabama.
As RCLF continues expanding its mission, Aeris Insight’s independent analysis serves as a trusted benchmark of quality and accountability; one that reinforces RCLF’s role as a leader in the CDFI sector.
