Florida Community Loan Fund (FCLF) is a statewide Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Established in 1994 as a 501(c)(3), we are a mission-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving low-income communities throughout Florida by delivering flexible financing and staff expertise. Learn more about Our Impact.
Our lending provides various types of financing to meet the needs of nonprofit organizations and mission-based for-profit organizations that develop affordable housing, supportive housing, community facilities, and economic development projects. This financing can include loans for new construction, preservation, rehab, acquisition, lines of credit, and/or longer term permanent financing. Learn more about Borrowing from FCLF.
FCLF exists to maximize opportunities for people and places outside of the economic mainstream.
Opportunity and dignity exist for every person and community in Florida.
Our expertise and capital make projects succesful and help organizations improve lives and communities.
FCLF was founded to support community development across Florida. FCLF Founding Board Member Sister Mary Heyser of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary inspired leaders statewide to capitalize “the Loan Fund.”
Under the wisdom and leadership of our founders, FCLF became Florida’s first statewide certified CDFI. We made our first loan for $50,000 to provide 7 single family homes for low-income households.
FCLF became certified as a Community Development Entity (CDE) by the U.S. Dept. of Treasury and began our New Markets Tax Credit program. The NMTC program continues to have a high impact on economic development and jobs creation.
Coming out of the Great Recession strong than ever, FCLF remained patient and persistent as we worked alongside community developers. We also received our first major support from the State of Florida to preserve affordable multifamily housing.
2014 was a record-setting year for FCLF, as we deployed over $45 million in financing in a single year – a number that has continued to increase in subsequent years. In 2014, FCLF was one of 3 CDFIs awarded the national Wells Fargo NEXT Opportunity Award.
By 2018, FCLF's total assets had grown to $71 million through management of our loan portfolio improving low-income communities. We were recognized for our hard work and impact with an NMTC Allocation award and a CDFI Award including Florida's only award for HFFI (Healthy Food Financing Initiative) and Disability Finance.
FCLF continues to grow and evolve with net assets totaling $108 million and 411 loans closed. Over the past 2 years we reacted swiftly to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating emergency relief loan programs for FCLF borrowers, and partnering with fellow CDFI CRF to offer Paycheck Protection Program loans.
As a Community Development Loan Officer, Anna Upchurch Pernell underwrites community and economic development loans for Florida Community Loan Fund's commercial loan programs. Mrs. Pernell also provides technical assistance to borrowers throughout Central and North Florida. Mrs. Pernell brings 10 years of private sector experience in analytical, corporate sales and marketing roles to FCLF, in addition to 5+ years experience working with CDFIs and nonprofit organizations to promote underserved small businesses, community development, and community engagement. While working for the International Rescue Committee, a refugee resettlement agency, in their Salt Lake City office, and for a small business CDFI in Aurora, CO, CEDS Finance, Mrs. Pernell provided both capital and technical assistance to underserved entrepreneurs with a focus on community engagement and tailored technical assistance. Mrs. Pernell received her BSBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MPA, with a focus on nonprofit management, from the University of Colorado Denver.
Mrs. Pernell is driven by creating equitable opportunities in communities outside of the economic mainstream. Across Central and Northwest Florida she delivers loan capital to nonprofits and mission-driven for-profit developers of affordable housing, supportive housing, and facilities to meet FCLF's mission.
"The Fathers Table Foundation appreciates the services FCLF provides and the impact on the communities you serve. We believe in your organization and your mission." – Dan Gilardi, President
"FCLF plays a significant role in sustaining vibrant and thriving communities. We are pleased to support your ongoing community based efforts." – Ernie Diaz, South Florida Market President
"We admire your passion for improving our nation’s communities. We hope that together we can continue closing the gap between people and opportunities." – Zack Boyers, Chairman & CEO
"Thanks to FCLF on behalf of the many women and children served by our team. We have seen thousands of lives changed and NMTC financing was an extraordinary boost." – Constance Collins, Presi
“The collaboration between Evara Health and FCLF stands as a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and innovative financing."– Edward Kucher, Chief Regulatory Officer
“FCLF addresses local community needs, which aligns with our core values. We appreciate your commitment to our communities.” – Mellissa Slover-Athey, Comm Reinv Ofcr
"BankUnited understands the challenges facing our communities; we applaud FCLF's efforts. Thank you for making our community a better place to live." – Katrina Wright, VP Comm. Dev.
Partnering with FCLF allows PNC to help build strong communities. - Aileen Pruitt, Florida Market Manager, PNC Community Development Banking
"We are proud to continue our support of the Florida Community Loan Fund." – Jodie Hardman, SVP, Marketing Mgr, Corp Social Responsibility
"Trinity Health is happy to partner with FCLF. We look forward to seeing the impact in the communities you serve." – Sr. Kathleen Coll, SSJ, Administrator, Shareholder Advocacy
"This renovation marks a significant milestone in our 38-year history. We are grateful for FCLF's support and for helping us further our mission." – Nina Yon, President & CEO
"It is really working. FCLF is really touching low-income people." – Florida Community Loan Fund Founding Board Member
“Thank you FCLF for assisting me with this project. Soon we will have affordable housing ready, and the community is proud to welcome new families."– Robyn Yant, Owner & Founder
"We commend the important work of your organization, are glad to support its efforts." – Beverly Dabney
“Expanding our facility with NMTC financing provides the Overtown community resources necessary to provide a fighting chance to break down barriers and break the cycles of poverty.” – Tina Brown, CEO
“With FCLF’s invaluable assistance, HBH was able to realize a transformative vision that is a game-changer for our community."– John Aquino, Dir. of Admin
"FCLF shows a clear strategy and demonstrated evidence of addressing prevalent community needs." – J. Reymundo Ocañas, Director, Corp Responsibility
"FCLF has a keen knowledge of Florida challenges & opportunities. We are confident our investment will be used to improve lives." – Kathleen Rizzo Young, Sr. VP, Community Development
"We appreciate how the work of FCLF primarily benefits low- to moderate-income individuals and areas and supports the needs of our community." – Maria J. Thompson, Community Development Manager
"Partnering with FCLF helped us lower costs and maintain our construction schedule… helping us serve more families, more efficiently." – Catherine Steck McManus, President & CEO
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