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.
Our financing is made possible by FCLF's strong track record of performance and partnership with investors. These investors include financial institutions, religious organizations, foundations, government entities, nonprofits, corporations and individuals – all of which support FCLF's mission in various ways. Learn more about Investing in FCLF.
OUR CORE PURPOSE.
FCLF exists to maximize opportunities for people and places outside of the economic mainstream.
OUR VISION.
Opportunity and dignity exist for every person and community in Florida.
OUR MISSION.
Our expertise and capital make projects succesful and help organizations improve lives and communities.
We Believe In Equity
Advancing racial equity is essential to FCLF’s vision of opportunity and dignity for every person and community in Florida.
We recognize that people and communities of color have historically had profoundly imbalanced access to affordable, stable housing and essential services, including life-saving healthcare. We are committed to providing capital for organizations that serve and are led by people of color and to measuring our activities toward this pursuit.
Our History
1994
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.”
1996
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.
2004
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.
2009
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
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.
2018
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.
2022
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.
OUR IMPACT
All FCLF-financed projects have a direct social impact on the low-income communities we serve.
Central Florida Health Care has opened its new location in Frostproof, expanding the availability of healthcare.
Saint Stephen’s Way has opened; now offering affordable homes to 40 families in Melbourne.
With the CDFI Capital Magnet Fund Award, FCLF will continue to finance affordable rental housing in Florida.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
Need additional information? Here are PDF documents and links to affiliated organizations.
Our Team
FCLF’s Team consists of individuals dedicated to maximizing opportunities for people and places outside the economic mainstream. We are committed to putting our expertise to work to make projects successful and help organizations improve lives and communities.
Ignacio Esteban
Ignacio Esteban is Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Community Loan Fund, a statewide nonprofit community development financial institution providing capital and expertise to help community development projects succeed throughout Florida. Mr. Esteban joined the organization in 1997 and has led the organization since 2000; during that time FCLF has increased its financing from $2.3 million to $560 million including NMTC financing. Mr. Esteban develops and executes strategic direction and oversees the lending, finance, government relations, marketing, and development functions of the organization. Esteban has 27+ years of experience at the local, state and national level in the field of community development finance. Former Board Chair for Opportunity Finance Network, he serves and has served on Community Advisory Committees and NMTC Advisory Committees for several major banks. He was appointed by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings to the Housing for All Task Force that recommended a 10 year housing strategy. A native of Puerto Rico, Mr. Esteban earned a degree in Finance and Business Administration from the University of Central Florida, and holds an MBA from Rollins College, where he was the 2005 recipient of the Martin L. Bell Scholarship.
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Chief Executive Officer
Hear From Our Partners
"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
Lotus Village
"We commend the important work of your organization, are glad to support its efforts." – Beverly Dabney
JPMorgan Chase Foundation
"FCLF is very focused on bringing financing to affordable housing. Stability in these households brings stability to the entire community." – Jonathan Wolf, President & Founder
Wendover Housing
"It is really working. FCLF is really touching low-income people." – Florida Community Loan Fund Founding Board Member
Sister Mary Heyser, RSHM
"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
TD Charitable Foundation
“FCLF addresses local community needs, which aligns with our core values. We appreciate your commitment to our communities.” – Mellissa Slover-Athey, Comm Reinv Ofcr
CenterState Bank
“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
Truist
"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
Housing Programs, Inc.
"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
Neighbor Up Brevard
"FCLF is a difference maker! Their team provides solutions to bring about real change in a community." – Tim Marks, President & CEO
Metropolitan Ministries
"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
Feeding Tampa Bay
"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
Fathers Table Foundation
"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
HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
"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
Third Federal Savings
"This renovation is an investment in the community we have served for 25 years. We are tremendously grateful to FCLF for boldly supporting us." – Ed Durkee, President & CEO
Goodwill Industries of Cent. Florida
"Partnering with FCLF helped us lower costs and maintain our construction schedule… helping us serve more families, more efficiently." – Catherine Steck McManus, President & CEO
Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando …
"FCLF shows a clear strategy and demonstrated evidence of addressing prevalent community needs." – J. Reymundo Ocañas, Director, Corp Responsibility
BBVA Compass
"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
US Bancorp CDC
“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
Impactful Investment Partners
Partnering with FCLF allows PNC to help build strong communities. - Aileen Pruitt, Florida Market Manager, PNC Community Development Banking
PNC Bank
Core Purpose FCLF exists to maximize opportunities for people and places outside of the economic mainstream.
Our Vision Opportunity and dignity exist for every person and community in Florida.
Our Mission Our expertise and capital make projects successful and help organizations improve lives and communities.
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