slider about us 1

WE ARE DEDICATED

to maximizing opportunities in Florida communities.

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

We Believe in Equity ribbon cutting image

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.

Read Our Founding Story
About Us, Impact, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County

OUR IMPACT

All FCLF-financed projects have a direct social impact on the low-income communities we serve.
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.
Florida Community Loan Fund will receive bond funding as part of the U.S. Treasury CDFI Bond Guarantee Program.
More News
about us pic

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.

Lori Crane

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.

Hear From Our Partners

“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

“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

"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

"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 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

“Our partnership with FCLF makes an enormous difference in overcoming the challenge of providing affordable housing." – Jo Ann Nesbitt, President/CEO

St. Jude Great Commission CDC

"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

“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

"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

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County

"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.

“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

"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

"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

"We are proud to continue our support of the Florida Community Loan Fund." – Jodie Hardman, SVP, Marketing Mgr, Corp Social Responsibility

Bank of America

“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

Green Mills Group

“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

Henderson Behavioral Health

"FCLF is a difference maker! Their team provides solutions to bring about real change in a community." – Tim Marks, President & CEO

Metropolitan Ministries

“FCLF does more than finance deals; they make true community investments."– Mandy Bartle, Executive Director

South Florida Community Land Trust

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.

Sign Up for our Newsletter

©2024 FCLF - Florida Community Loan Fund, Inc. | Privacy Policy | Sitemap