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 successful and help organizations improve lives and communities.
We Believe In A THRIVING FLORIDA FOR ALL
Building a strong Florida together.
FCLF champions opportunity and dignity for every person and community in Florida. We partner with organizations that create access to affordable housing and essential services for all Floridians, particularly in communities of color. We are committed to providing capital for organizations serving and led by people of color and to measure our impact on expanding access to resources.
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.
In memory of Miles Anderson, long time FCLF Board and Committee member, who passed away in November 2024.
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.
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.
Jessica Polk
Jessica Polk is a member of the loan administration team that is responsible for servicing FCLF's diverse portfolio of community and economic development loan programs. Ms. Polk works with loan officers to prepare loan documents, oversee execution of loan and other documents, administer construction draw disbursements, review covenant compliance issues and maintain loan file documentation. Ms. Polk joined FCLF in 2017, with over 12 years of experience in banking with an emphasis on commercial real estate lending, construction loans and asset based lending. She has held various officer positions in banking for over 8 years and has experience with training in loan documentation, LaserPro/LawyerPro loan software and banking operations. Ms.Polk majored in Finance with a concentration in Real Estate and a minor In Political Science from Louisiana State University.
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Senior Loan Portfolio Administrator
Hear From Our Partners
"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 does more than finance deals; they make true community investments."– Mandy Bartle, Executive Director
South Florida Community Land Trust
"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.
"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
"FCLF shows a clear strategy and demonstrated evidence of addressing prevalent community needs." – J. Reymundo Ocañas, Director, Corp Responsibility
BBVA Compass
“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
Evara Health
"It is really working. FCLF is really touching low-income people." – Florida Community Loan Fund Founding Board Member
Sister Mary Heyser, RSHM
“We are grateful for FCLF’s partnership. This is what is possible when a community comes together for its most vulnerable neighbors."– Stephanie Berman-Eisenberg, Pres/CEO
Carrfour Supportive Hsng Apollo Gardens
Partnering with FCLF allows PNC to help build strong communities. - Aileen Pruitt, Florida Market Manager, PNC Community Development Banking
PNC Bank
“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
"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
"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
"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
"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
Trinity Health
“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 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.
"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
"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 …
"We commend the important work of your organization, are glad to support its efforts." – Beverly Dabney
JPMorgan Chase Foundation
“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
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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