Florida Community Loan Fund was founded 30 years ago as Florida’s first statewide Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Loan Fund. As we reach this momentous milestone in our history, we pause to reflect on our journey, celebrate our impact, and look forward to a future of continued commitment and growth.
A Reflection on Our Beginnings
In Florida Community Loan Fund’s first annual report, 1995-96, our theme was “Capital to Revitalize Florida’s Low-Income Communities.”
In the opening letter of that 1996 annual report, FCLF’s first Board Chair Sister Mary Heyser, RSHM, articulated the core vision that still guides us today:
In forming the concept for Florida Community Loan Fund, we determined that two important things were true:
1) The need for credit and capacity building existed in poor communities all over the Sunshine State – urban and rural, north and south; and
2) The greatest potential for a strong CDFI, based on the experience of other such organizations across the nation, came from a board base of involvement and support – the kind that could be drawn from all corners of Florida.
We have seen vision lead to commitment, and commitment lead to action.
Thirty years later, while our State and its communities have undergone immense change, FCLF’s founding principles remain the same:
- The need is great, and it is statewide;
- The support for our work and mission comes from all corners of Florida;
- Our commitment continues to lead to action.
Our Lasting Impact and Financial Strength
In 30 years, FCLF has financed more than $825 million in communities across Florida. However, the real measure of our impact isn’t in the dollars; it’s in the difference those dollars make. Each dollar represents stronger neighborhoods, expanded essential services, and greater opportunities. Behind every project we fund are people living in safer homes, families accessing resources they once lacked, and communities building a stronger future.
We take immense pride in the collective impact we have helped create, and our depth of reach into Florida communities. Over our history, we have achieved:
- Organizational stability and growth. From a staff of just 1 in 1995 to a dedicated team of 20 today, all while maintaining organizational stability with only 3 Executive Directors in our entire history.
- Scale of investment. We’ve grown from just 4 loans totaling $215,000 in our first year to deploying over $825 million through 480 loans and 41 New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) transactions to over 270 borrowers, supporting projects totaling $2.38 billion.
- Fiscal strength. Our assets have grown from $400,000 to an impressive $209.7 million, demonstrating the long-term financial integrity and capacity of FCLF.
- High social impact. To date, our financing has helped create more than 28,000 jobs and, most significantly, has reached over 2.65 million low-income Floridians each year through projects we have financed, increasing access to affordable housing and essential social services.
Leading Capital into Florida's Future
While reflecting on our history is heartwarming, we are decisively focused on the future. We will continue to lead capital into Florida’s low-income communities to maximize opportunities for people and places outside the economic mainstream. Our future is defined by stability, agility, and enduring commitment:
- Continuing federal certification. We are the longest continuously certified CDFI in Florida that exclusively serves the state, having consistently retained and renewed our certification under the U.S. Dept. of Treasury CDFI Fund since 1996. This status confirms our financial health and unwavering dedication to our mission.
- Leading capital. We continue to lead and deploy capital into Florida communities provided by State and Federal partners, including through the Capital Magnet Fund program, the Bond Guarantee Program, and providing financing for projects that utilize State funding programs such as LIHTC.
- Fueling nonprofit expansion. We are proud to help mission-driven organizations expand facilities and services across Florida through our continued role in the highly competitive New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) federal program. FCLF provided allocation for three NMTC projects over the past year, and we have a growing pipeline of projects set to provide critical healthcare, youth mentoring, and other nonprofit services across the state.
- Maintaining organizational agility. We remain agile, ready to evolve and meet the complex needs of the mission-driven organizations that rely on FCLF financing to serve Florida residents in need.
Thank You for Being a Part of our Journey…
As we celebrate 30 years, we know that this is just the beginning, and the path forward will bring both opportunities and challenges. Regardless of changing conditions, we look forward to continuing to provide high social impact in low-income communities in Florida for decades to come. Our commitment to our borrowers, who collectively and individually work every day to create opportunities for the underserved, is the core purpose of our existence and goes far beyond financing.
We are deeply grateful to our borrowers, investors, partners, and supporters who shared this journey with us at FCLF. Your commitment has made it possible to turn the vision of our founding board members into action and action into impact. Together, we’ll continue building communities where opportunity and dignity exist for every person and community in Florida.
Happy 30th Anniversary to Florida Community Loan Fund!
Pictured above: Florida Community Loan Fund 1996 Annual Report cover • Sister Mary Heyser, RSHM • Childcare Resources of Indian River • YMCA of South Florida • FCLF Board of Directors 2024 • NeighborUp Brevard resident • Habitat for Humanity of Lake & Sumter CountiesVeterans Village residents • Habitat for Humanity of Martin County new homeowners
