Florida Community Loan Fund serves the 3rd most populated state in the U.S. by providing flexible financing and staff expertise to help projects succeed and help organizations improve lives and low-income communities. Our Impact has provided $542 million in lending statewide, into projects totaling $1.35 billion in total construction project costs and economic development. We are a multi-faceted financing entity with a strong social conscience, a commitment to excellence, statewide partnerships and collaborations, accountability to our stakeholders, and clear focus on performance.

For 25 Years we have led capital to people and places outside of the economic mainstream and remained committed to communities across Florida.

We know there remains much work to be done to realize our vision that opportunity and dignity exist for every person and in every community in Florida. Working together with borrowers and supporters, we continue to build strong communities in Florida.

Take a look back at milestones throughout FCLF history in the outline below.


Sr Mary Speaking 250sq1994.

Florida Community Loan Fund (FCLF) was founded in 1994 to provide a statewide source of flexible financing for delivering capital to low-income communities to support community development projects by nonprofit organizations throughout the state. FCLF's Founding Board Member, Sister Mary Heyser of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, inspired civic activists, bankers, religious leaders, housing and community development experts to capitalize "the Loan Fund." Initial investments in FCLF came from the pennies of the pension funds of religious orders of nuns and brothers. Today FCLF's investors and supporters come from all across the U.S. and include nearly all leading financial institutions, major foundations including the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, interdenominational religious support including the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and the Union for Reform Judaism, as well as state and federal governments.  
Pictured, Sister Mary Heyser, FCLF founding board member.

FCLF Board c1999 300x2001996.

Under the wisdom and leadership of its founders, FCLF became Florida's first certified statewide Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 1996. Today FCLF remains the only statewide CDFI serving all of Florida from Florida. Our first loan was for $50,000 to provide 7 single family homes for low-income households. In contrast, current loans from FCLF may reach $5 million or more; and to date we have financed over 6,000 housing units and 150 community facilities. 
Pictured, Florida Community Loan Fund Board, circa 1999.

 

Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee, DeSoto Club2004.

FCLF became certified as a Community Development Entity (CDE) by the U.S. Department of Treasury in 2004. Since then we have secured the largest cumulative amount of federal funding of any Florida-based CDFI entity through the U.S. Department of Treasury's CDFI Fund and New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program. The NMTC Program continues to have a high impact on economic development and jobs creation.
Pictured, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, DeSoto Club, built through FCLF's NMTC Program.

Neighborhood Renaissance Lake Worth West Village Artist Lifts2009.

Coming out of the Great Recession stronger than ever, FCLF remained patient and persistent as we worked alongside community development organizations to maximize the success of their projects. If not for our flexible capital, some of these projects may have come to a halt. In 2009 FCLF also received its first major support from the State of Florida to help preserve affordable multifamily housing. This emphasis on preserving affordable rental housing has continued in subsequent years through our Florida Preservation Fund and partnerships such as the Parramore Asset Stabilization Fund.
Pictured, West Village Art Lofts ribbon cutting, work-live artists lofts developed by Neighborhood Renaissance in Lake Worth, Florida.

NEXT Award 20142014.

2014 was a record-setting year for FCLF, as for the first time we deployed over $45 million in financing in a single year through our lending programs – a number that has continued to increase in subsequent years. In 2014, FCLF was one of three CDFIs awarded the national Wells Fargo NEXT Opportunity Award. This award recognizes mission-driven community lenders with innovative strategies to preserve and expand affordable housing.
Pictured, 2014 NEXT Award Winners: Rural Community Assistance Corp, Florida Community Loan Fund, and New Jersey Community Capital.

FCLF Board 20162018.

By 2018, FCLF's total assets had grown to $71 million through management of our loan portfolio in low-income communities or for the benefit of low-income residents: In 2018, FCLF was recognized for our hard work and impact with these competitive awards:

9th NMTC Allocation Award of $45 million, to drive economic impact in distressed communities; and CDFI Awards totaling $2.6 million; including Florida's only award for HFFI (Healthy Food Financing Initiative) and Disability Finance.
Pictured, FCLF Board of Directors, September 2016.

Habitat Orlando Homeowner 2020.

FCLF continues to grow and evolve, having closed 385 loans to date that support and strengthen the community development infrastructure around our state, and with net assets totaling $100 million by the end of the year. 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. At the same time we implemented the FCLF Strategy for 2019-2024, our most ambitious plan to date.

FCLF maintained our Aeris rating of 3 Star AA Policy Plus. This rating and certification system evaluates both financial and social impact performance to enhance investor confidence. In 2005, FCLF had been one of the first CDFIs to be Aeris rated, using industry standards and accountability measured by an independent third party. The Aeris rating confirms FCLF's sound financial performance and social impact through mission-based programs and activities.

We continue to work to create solutions – for now and the future – and to ensure that Florida’s community development infrastructure – including the hundreds of nonprofits and mission-aligned businesses that we have the honor to serve – is able to thrive and continue to strengthen our communities and families. We do this with flexible financing through our loan programs:

  • Community Development Fund offering commercial loans for housing and community facilities fo nonprofit and mission-focused for-profit organizations;
  • New Markets Tax Credit Program financing community facilities that provide jobs and stimulate economic development in distressed census tracts.

Through these programs, FCLF is providing expertise and capital for community development and revitalization in both urban and rural communities throughout the Sunshine State, and our statewide footprint has given us the flexibility to direct lending to specific geographic areas as well as for specific purposes, as the needs and opportunities arise. Through all of these programs we consistently also work to match the needs of investors to the needs of the various communities in which we lend.
Pictured, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando & Osceola County new homeowner Justin and family.

"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.

"BankUnited understands the challenges facing our communities; we applaud FCLF's efforts. Thank you for making our community a better place to live." – Katrina Wright, VP Comm. Dev.

BankUnited

“Thanks to FCLF adults with disabilities are living independently, fully included in their community." – Sheryl Soukup, Exec Dir

Residential Options of Florida

“FCLF provides stability for families, strengthens the region, and helps Truist fulfill our purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities." – Sandy Hostetter, Central Florida Region P

Truist

“Expanding our facility with NMTC financing provides the Overtown community resources necessary to provide a fighting chance to break down barriers and break the cycles of poverty.” – Tina Brown, CEO

Overtown Youth Center

"FCLF demonstrates a mission-oriented philosophy that is compatible and supportive, broadens our platform and deepens our portfolio of products and services." – Kent Adcock, CEO

Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter

"We consider FCLF a valued partner and strong advocates for low-income communities and families. We look forward to many more years of working together." – Jennifer Westerbeck, Vice President

US Bancorp CDC

“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 proven its community impact and hard work. We are proud to partner with FCLF." – Leslie Watson, Analyst, Community Investments

Dignity Health

"Without the FCLF initial loan to purchase land, we might not have been able to move forward with farmworker housing." – Peter Routsis-Arroyo, CEO, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice

Casa San Juan Bosco

"FCLF staff shares our vision and commitment to serve needy families and provide a high quality education to all children." – Thomas Cole, Founder

Emma Jewel Charter Academy

“Thank you so very much for the exceptional services. We truly value FCLF’s contributions to furthering our mission." – Michael L. Bean, CEO

Housing Authority of Brevard County

"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

“We are proud to partner with FCLF on this project, which expands access to innovative, quality, comprehensive primary healthcare in our communities.” – Annie Neasman, President & CEO

Jessie Trice Community Health

“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

"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

"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

“The partnership with FCLF is very exciting for us – an essential component in providing greater access to fresh healthy food in downtown New Port Richey.” – Jeff Wright, Owner

Wright's Natural Market

"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

"It is really working. FCLF is really touching low-income people." – Florida Community Loan Fund Founding Board Member

Sister Mary Heyser, RSHM

Our Partners

Rep. Ander Crenshaw visited KIPP Jacksonville School
Rep. Ander Crenshaw visited KIPP Jacksonville School
FCLF Staff meet and greet friends at an FLACDC event.
FCLF Staff meet and greet friends at an FLACDC event.
Support from Axiom Bank helps FCLF build strong communities.
Support from Axiom Bank helps FCLF build strong communities.
TD Charitable Foundation and TD Bank have supported FCLF's mission since 2006.
TD Charitable Foundation and TD Bank have supported FCLF's mission since 2006.
The RCRI Conference allows FCLF staff to touch base with our religious supporters.
The RCRI Conference allows FCLF staff to touch base with our religious supporters.
FCLF projects create jobs and stimulate development in low-income communities.
FCLF projects create jobs and stimulate development in low-income communities.
Nutritious snacks are a part of the healthy focused curriculum at Emma Jewel Charter Academy.
Nutritious snacks are a part of the healthy focused curriculum at Emma Jewel Charter Academy.
Emma Jewel Charter Academy offers education  for the whole child in Brevard County.
Emma Jewel Charter Academy offers education for the whole child in Brevard County.
Support from TD Bank Charitable Foundation helps FCLF build strong communities.
Support from TD Bank Charitable Foundation helps FCLF build strong communities.
FCLF staff are active at statewide conferences and events.
FCLF staff are active at statewide conferences and events.
Greater Heights offers new, safe, affordable rental homes in what was formerly a high crime area.
Greater Heights offers new, safe, affordable rental homes in what was formerly a high crime area.
FCLF projects create jobs and stimulate development in low-income communities.
FCLF projects create jobs and stimulate development in low-income communities.
DuPuis Pointe offers affordable, hurricane proof homes in Miami.
DuPuis Pointe offers affordable, hurricane proof homes in Miami.
New rental homes are available for farmworker families at Casa San Juan Bosco.
New rental homes are available for farmworker families at Casa San Juan Bosco.
Neighbor Up, formerly BNDC, offers affordable housing in Brevard County.
Neighbor Up, formerly BNDC, offers affordable housing in Brevard County.
FCLF Chief Lending Officer visits with the Executive Director of Neighbor Up (formerly BNDC)
FCLF Chief Lending Officer visits with the Executive Director of Neighbor Up (formerly BNDC)
FCLF Staff are on hand at conferences and events to discuss our programs.
FCLF Staff are on hand at conferences and events to discuss our programs.
FCLF supporter, the Northern Trust Company, hosted a housing roundtable in Sarasota.
FCLF supporter, the Northern Trust Company, hosted a housing roundtable in Sarasota.
FCLF staff with Tampa's Chloe Coney at Metropolitan Ministries Tampa.
FCLF staff with Tampa's Chloe Coney at Metropolitan Ministries Tampa.
FCLF staff and supporters volunteer at Million Meals event.
FCLF staff and supporters volunteer at Million Meals event.
FCLF representatives are ready to talk about your project success.
FCLF representatives are ready to talk about your project success.
FCLF staff and US Legislative staff at an event honoring Youth of the Year.
FCLF staff and US Legislative staff at an event honoring Youth of the Year.
FCLF CEO and one of our supporters visit the ASPIRA Arts Deco school.
FCLF CEO and one of our supporters visit the ASPIRA Arts Deco school.
FCLF and NMTC are creating a new facility for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County
FCLF and NMTC are creating a new facility for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County
FCLF and the NMTC Program renovated a historic building into a small business incubaor.
FCLF and the NMTC Program renovated a historic building into a small business incubaor.
Residents at Neighborhood Renaissance's Mathis Place enjoy affordable rent.
Residents at Neighborhood Renaissance's Mathis Place enjoy affordable rent.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, financed the land for farmworker rental housing with FCLF.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, financed the land for farmworker rental housing with FCLF.
FCLF Board Members represent our investors, borrowers, and technical experts.
FCLF Board Members represent our investors, borrowers, and technical experts.
FCLF financing to Housing Programs, Inc. helps provide affordable homes for ownership.
FCLF financing to Housing Programs, Inc. helps provide affordable homes for ownership.
FCLF Financing to Neighbor Up Brevard helps provide affordable rental housing.
FCLF Financing to Neighbor Up Brevard helps provide affordable rental housing.
The duPont Fund used FCLF and NMTC Financing to revitalize downtown Jacksonville.
The duPont Fund used FCLF and NMTC Financing to revitalize downtown Jacksonville.
ASPIRA of Florida offers education & mentoring with a focus on low-income and Latino students.
ASPIRA of Florida offers education & mentoring with a focus on low-income and Latino students.
Support from Valley Bank helps FCLF build strong communities.
Support from Valley Bank helps FCLF build strong communities.
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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.