
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 successful 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, Dwayne Rankin underwrites community and economic development loans for Florida Community Loan Fund's commercial loan programs. Mr. Rankin also provides technical assistance to borrowers throughout Tampa, West and Southwest Florida. Mr. Rankin brings 20+ years of commercial lending, economic development finance and community development expertise to FCLF. His experience includes working for both not-for-profit lending organizations and regional banks. Mr. Rankin worked as a Relationship Manager for Citizens Bank, a regional bank based in Providence Rhode Island, where he helped large corporate clients by providing commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, and a host of banking services. He also worked as the Chief Lending Officer for Bridgeway Capital, a Community Development Financial Institution based in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, where during his nearly 8 years with the organization helped to invest $100 million into low-income communities.
Mr. Rankin is dedicated to helping to bring opportunity and dignity to people and places outside the economic mainstream. He facilitates projects for both nonprofits and mission-oriented for-profit clients while supporting FCLF’s goal of providing expertise and capital to improve lives and communities.
“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
"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
"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 addresses local community needs, which aligns with our core values. We appreciate your commitment to our communities.” – Mellissa Slover-Athey, Comm Reinv Ofcr
“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
"It is really working. FCLF is really touching low-income people." – Florida Community Loan Fund Founding Board Member
“Our partnership with FCLF makes an enormous difference in overcoming the challenge of providing affordable housing." – Jo Ann Nesbitt, President/CEO
"We're thrilled to partner with FCLF to make our project a reality to serve generations of kids in our community." – Dawn Stanhope, President & CEO
"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 are excited and thrilled about our expansion, and thankful for the partnership with FCLF. Together we are building healthy futures for children and families." – Vicki Soulé, 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
Partnering with FCLF allows PNC to help build strong communities. - Aileen Pruitt, Florida Market Manager, PNC Community Development Banking
"Partnering with FCLF helped us lower costs and maintain our construction schedule… helping us serve more families, more efficiently." – Catherine Steck McManus, President & CEO
"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
"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 is very focused on bringing financing to affordable housing. Stability in these households brings stability to the entire community." – Jonathan Wolf, President & Founder
"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
"FCLF is a difference maker! Their team provides solutions to bring about real change in a community." – Tim Marks, President & CEO
"We are proud to continue our support of the Florida Community Loan Fund." – Jodie Hardman, SVP, Marketing Mgr, Corp Social Responsibility
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