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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 Executive Assistant and Office Manager, Ms. Riley provides administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer, Senior Management Team, and staff in all FCLF offices. Ms. Riley also operates as the liaison for all office systems in IT, Human Resources, and telecommunications. On a day-to-basis, Ms. Riley functions in various capacities, preparing and scheduling meetings for Board, Committee, and Senior Management; maintaining up-to-date records of permanent corporate files; and providing general oversight of the office work environment. Ms. Riley joined FCLF in 2023 and brings five years of experience in Marketing and Administration from Trademark & Business Law offices; universities; and nonprofits. Shanté also humbly served as the President & Founder of Helping the Homeless Project caring for the local homeless population in upstate New York. Ms. Riley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy Politics, and Law and an Associate of Arts in Math and Science Honors.
“FCLF addresses local community needs, which aligns with our core values. We appreciate your commitment to our communities.” – Mellissa Slover-Athey, Comm Reinv Ofcr
“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
"FCLF understood our context, embraced the project vision, and were willing to make an investment that others deemed as too risky." – Lynn Brockwell-Carey, Executive Director
"FCLF is a difference maker! Their team provides solutions to bring about real change in a community." – Tim Marks, President & CEO
“Our partnership with FCLF makes an enormous difference in overcoming the challenge of providing affordable housing." – Jo Ann Nesbitt, President/CEO
"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
"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
"Partnering with FCLF helped us lower costs and maintain our construction schedule… helping us serve more families, more efficiently." – Catherine Steck McManus, President & 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
"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
“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
"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
"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
“Affordable housing is an issue that needs our full attention. This grant, along with the efforts of FCLF, will help inspire and build better lives and communities." – Steve Fisher, Regional Pres
"We are proud to continue our support of the Florida Community Loan Fund." – Jodie Hardman, SVP, Marketing Mgr, Corp Social Responsibility
Partnering with FCLF allows PNC to help build strong communities. - Aileen Pruitt, Florida Market Manager, PNC Community Development Banking
"We are so grateful to FCLF for coming alongside us as partners in creating new outcomes for our friends and neighbors." – Thomas Mantz, President & CEO
"FCLF understands and is a part of what we are doing: helping families have the American dream of owning a home." – Isaac Simhon, Executive Director
“Thanks to FCLF we’re able to provide brand-new safe, affordable homes for 90 families in a sustainable mixed-use, mixed-income community." – Mitchell Rosenstein, Founder & Principal
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