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 the Chief Operating and Strategic Initiatives Officer (COSIO), Lori Crane has responsibility for working in partnership with the senior leadership team and department managers at all levels to execute the Strategic Plan to deliver on the goals of the plan, implement new processes and approaches, achieve plan goals, and strengthens internal capacity. Crane manages the human resources functions and provides operational leadership presence for all staff. She identifies, then leads and implements new initiatives, manages FCLF’s IT functions and facilities needs, and takes a lead role in External Communications.
Crane joined FCLF in 2024 and has 25 years experience working in both the nonprofit community development field and in business development with the iconic fortune 500 company, Starbucks. Crane’s diverse experience provides a unique lens toward operating expertise, leadership, developing and executing strategic vision, human capital management, partnership and Board development, and identifying, leading and implementing new initiatives. She holds an MBA from Rollins College, where she graduated summa cum laude and was awarded membership into the prestigious international business honor society Beta Gamma Sigma.
“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
“FCLF addresses local community needs, which aligns with our core values. We appreciate your commitment to our communities.” – Mellissa Slover-Athey, Comm Reinv Ofcr
"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
"FCLF is very focused on bringing financing to affordable housing. Stability in these households brings stability to the entire community." – Jonathan Wolf, President & Founder
"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 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
“Our partnership with FCLF makes an enormous difference in overcoming the challenge of providing affordable housing." – Jo Ann Nesbitt, 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
“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'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 understands and is a part of what we are doing: helping families have the American dream of owning a home." – Isaac Simhon, Executive Director
“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 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
"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
"We are proud to continue our support of the Florida Community Loan Fund." – Jodie Hardman, SVP, Marketing Mgr, Corp Social Responsibility
“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
“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 is a difference maker! Their team provides solutions to bring about real change in a community." – Tim Marks, President & CEO
“FCLF does more than finance deals; they make true community investments."– Mandy Bartle, Executive Director
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