*Editor’s note: The Northside Chronicle previously was a subsidiary of the NCDF. While we are now a separate non-profit, we still maintain relations with the organization.
The Neighborhood Community Development Fund (NCDF) celebrated its 25th anniversary during its annual luncheon at Rivers Casino this year, commemorating its years of supporting small businesses, affordable housing and more.
Based out of Observatory Hill, the NCDF got its start as the Northside Community Development Fund before changing its name after expanding its coverage area to all of Allegheny County in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The theme of this year’s luncheon, which was held on Nov. 21 at Rivers Casino, was “Start With Yes,” as the NCDF highlighted its goal of funding projects other lenders might shy away from.
“At the Fund, we’ve always believed in flipping that script,” said Mark Masterson, executive director of the NCDF.
While Masterson acknowledged the fund does not ignore risks nor does it hand out easy approvals, it focuses on seeing the potential in each applicant and finding the best level of support they need.
“Each of these success stories started the same way,” he said, “with a yes that others were going to say ‘no’ to.”
“Our work isn’t finished, and in many ways, we’re just getting started,” he said further.
A special recognition was held for Alan Perry, an emeritus member of the NCDF’s board. Perry has been with the fund since 2008 and, according to NCDF Board Chair Walt Nalducci, has been a major contributor during Fund meetings and has constantly taken on additional responsibilities.
“Alan is somebody who has given back to the community all his life,” Nalducci said.
Perry thanked the board members who came before him and helped him grow into the role, including thanking the recently deceased Barbara Burns.
“Pittsburgh is always in my heart,” said Perry, before adding for comedic effect, “being from Cleveland.”
Remarks were given by Pittsburgh Mayor-Elect Corey O’Connor and Councilman Bobby Wilson, who represents much of the Northside on council.
O’Connor outlined his goals once in office, including improving infrastructure around anchor institutions in the city; launching a Transit Revitalization Investment District (better known as a TRID) covering areas such as downtown, North Shore, Strip District and potentially Station Square; and promoting homeownership within the city.
Wilson, during his remarks, reminisced about the NCDF’s time as the Northside Community Development Fund and the efforts the organization put into improving the Northside.. He recognized the staff and board members of the NCDF for their efforts.
Closing out the celebration was a presentation by NCDF Resource Development Officer Andrew Cheeseboro highlighting some of the NCDF’s impacts over the years.
According to Cheeseboro, since the NCDF’s founding, the organization has helped launch or expand 348 businesses (creating or retaining 3,360 jobs in the process), assisted in funding 854 affordable housing units (744 as rentals, 110 for sale) and assisted in the redevelopment of more than 200,000 square feet of commercial real estate, including creating 120 hotel rooms. The fund also assisted in the creation of six day cares, one after-school program, increased childcare capacity by 330 slots, helped 6,000 community health patients and provided assistance for four churches.
Since 2000, the NCDF has disbursed 667 loans, according to Cheeseboro, amounting to $46.8 million. Of these, around 64% went to BIPOC-owned small businesses, 44% to women-owned small-businesses, and 33% to low-income- owned small businesses.
For businesses or individuals seeking a loan, the NCDF can be contacted at (412) 322-0290. For more information, visit ncd-fund.org.
