Posted on February 25, 2026
Forwarded for the Little Tokyo Community Impact Fund
Celebrating LTCIF’s First Property!
In August 2025, the Little Tokyo Community Impact Fund (LTCIF) closed on our first property, a 2-story 120-year old building in the heart of historic Little Tokyo! We couldn’t be prouder and gratefully recognize the efforts of close to 100 investors and many people over more than 8 years that made this possible. LTCIF formed an investment partnership with a local foundation which enabled us to buy this prime commercial property, located at 323 E First Street. This investment partnership will be controlled by LTCIF, and the property will be managed by Little Tokyo Service Center.
We’re Looking For Tenants – Know Anyone?
In our new building, we have 3 commercial tenants on the ground floor, and several second floor tenants in office spaces. There are a few second floor spaces that are available for rent. Please spread the word, and contact us if you know of any business or community groups or nonprofits who would be interested in seeing the space and renting.
Community Investors Reach Over $1M!
At the end of 2025, LTCIF had 32 Class A Investors ($1000 shares), and 69 Class B Investors ($10,000 shares) for a total of 101 investors, totaling $1.025 million. We believe that we’ve created a viable investment vehicle for community ownership to protect the culture and legacy of communities like Little Tokyo. We’re looking forward to continuing to grow, and to strengthen our partnerships including with businesses, foundations, and civic leaders.
Joining Community Ownership Efforts Across the Country
LTCIF was awarded a grant and featured in a conference and report by the Small Business Anti-Displacement Network (SBAN), a national network that works to support small businesses in gentrifying neighborhoods. Our case study Own It to Control It: Little Tokyo’s Fight to Sustain Local Businesses by Mobilizing Small Investors in Community-Owned Real Estate details LTCIF’s community ownership strategy, including that funds would come from within the community through investments. We situate the community impact fund in the 140-year history of Little Tokyo as a cultural home for Japanese Americans, including a place for community service, pride, empowerment and protection of civil liberties. We’re pleased that LTCIF is featured alongside community ownership efforts across the country.
Please Help Us Spread the Word
If you know others who may be interested in becoming an investor in LTCIF – to enjoy the benefit of a return on their investment while at the same time supporting Little Tokyo small businesses, please forward this newsletter, and let them know about our website at littletokyocif.com We can make presentations to groups, meet for coffee, or meet by phone or online!
Contact us info@littletokyocif.com