FCLF Receives Create Jobs for USA Grant

02 November 2011

Florida Community Loan Fund receives grant from Starbucks and Opportunity Finance Network's "Create Jobs for USA" Program

Florida Community Loan Fund receives $173,500 grant in new initiative to spur jobs creation in the US.

Florida Community Loan Fund (FCLF) has received a $173,500 capital grant from the Create Jobs for USA Fund, a collaboration between Starbucks and Opportunity Finance Network (OFN). The money will help FCLF to create and sustain jobs in Florida as part of a national campaign to support small, community businesses.

As a certified CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution), FCLF makes loans throughout Florida, primarily to non-profit organizations, for the purpose of improving low-income communities across the state. FCLF is one of just 28 CDFIs in the nation to win a grant in the inaugural funding round. The grant was made possible by a $5 million seed contribution from the Starbucks Foundation. The Fund expects to raise tens of millions of dollars more, according to a spokesman, and one hundred percent of these donations will go to CDFIs to finance underserved community businesses, and help create and sustain jobs in underserved communities.

Starting November 1, the Create Jobs for USA Fund is collecting donations at www.CreateJobsforUSA.org and at nearly 7,000 company-operated Starbucks across the country. Create Jobs for USA pools donations from Starbucks customers, partners (employees) and concerned citizens into a nationwide fund, held and managed by OFN, for community business lending. Donors who contribute $5 or more will receive a red, white, and blue, American-made wristband with the message "Indivisible," and 100% of the donations support organizations like FCLF. CDFIs that are members of Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) will compete for these funds on a rolling basis.

Since 1994, FCLF has financed a wide range of community, social and economic development projects that improve the lives of Floridians. It has made loans to over 70 non-profit organizations, totaling $100 million in financing and resulting in over 5,000 jobs created. One of the organizations that FCLF has recently partnered with is Northwest Jacksonville Community Development Corporation (NJCDC).

NJCDC, a non-profit commercial real estate developer, is in the business of revitalizing and improving their community through jobs, services, and affordable housing. Their newest project, North Point Town Center (pictured above), is changing an abandoned, overgrown piece of land into a modern green, Earth-friendly mixed use facility that will house a community health center and other local businesses. Currently under construction, the facility will provide local residents opportunities to work in their own neighborhood by providing over 50 temporary jobs and when completed 25 new permanent jobs. This 10,600 square foot building is considered the keystone of the City of Jacksonville’s revitalization plan for the 29th and Chase neighborhood where the area poverty rate exceeds 27%. It is an example of NJCDC’s intent to catalyze community change and the Florida Community Loan Fund’s commitment to financing community solutions.

For more information:
About the Florida Community Loan Fund visit: www.fclf.org
About OFN visit: www.opportunityfinance.net
About Northwest Jacksonville CDC visit: www.northwestjaxcdc.org
FCLF on Facebook

About the Florida Community Loan Fund. FCLF provides flexible capital and technical assistance primarily to nonprofit organizations working in community development through its three financing programs: Community Development Loan Pool, New Markets Tax Credits, and the Florida Preservation Fund. Since it began lending in 1996, FCLF has originated more than $100 million in low-cost credit to projects sponsored by community-based nonprofit and mission-focused for-profit organizations throughout Florida and has leveraged an additional $350 million in loans and grants from various public and private sources for those projects. FCLF has a broad range of investors including most major financial institutions operating in Florida, individual investors, religious investors, national foundations and trade associations. FCLF is certified as both a Community Development Financial Institution and a Community Development Entity, and is a member of Opportunity Finance Network.

About Opportunity Finance Network. Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is the national network of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) - private financial institutions that are 100 percent dedicated to delivering responsible, affordable lending to help low-income, low-wealth, and other disadvantaged people and communities join the economic mainstream. CDFIs in the OFN network serve all 50 states, and OFN Member CDFIs originated more than $23.2 billion in financing in urban, rural, and Native communities through 2009. More information is available at www.opportunityfinance.net.

About Create Jobs for USA. Starbucks and Opportunity Finance Network have joined forces to help create and sustain jobs in communities across the country. Create Jobs for USA is a bold initiative to spark new financing to community businesses so they can hire and preserve jobs. Learn more or donate now at www.createjobsforusa.org.

"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

"We commend the important work of your organization, are glad to support its efforts." – Beverly Dabney

JPMorgan Chase Foundation

“We cannot thank FCLF enough for this partnership, creating permanent housing for our neighbors in need, and their commitment to Florida communities.” – Shannon Nazworth, President & CEO

Ability Housing

“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

"Aida Palms will be a lasting asset to the City of Lakeland. This revitalization wouldn't be possible without financing partners like FCLF." – Mitchell Rosenstein, Principal, Green Mills Group

Aida Palms

"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

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

Residential Options of Florida

"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

"Thank you to our friends at FCLF. Your staff has been patient and helpful. We'll make you proud!" – Bill Lazar, Executive Director

St. Johns Housing Partnership

“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

“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

"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

"Our relationship with FCLF provides the capital to achieve long-lasting impact." – Terri Murray, Exec Dir

Neighborhood Renaissance

"Cade Museum is proud to be partners with FCLF and JPMorgan Chase. Thanks to the NMTC Program, we will provide a transformative asset to our community." – Jennifer Denault, COO

Cade Museum for Creativity & Inventi…

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

Sister Mary Heyser, RSHM

"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

"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 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

"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

"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

Our Partners

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.
Residents at Neighborhood Renaissance's Mathis Place enjoy affordable rent.
Residents at Neighborhood Renaissance's Mathis Place enjoy affordable rent.
FCLF projects create jobs and stimulate development in low-income communities.
FCLF projects create jobs and stimulate development in low-income communities.
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 representatives are ready to talk about your project success.
FCLF representatives are ready to talk about your project success.
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
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.
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.
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 supporter, the Northern Trust Company, hosted a housing roundtable in Sarasota.
FCLF supporter, the Northern Trust Company, hosted a housing roundtable in Sarasota.
FCLF Financing to Neighbor Up Brevard helps provide affordable rental housing.
FCLF Financing to Neighbor Up Brevard helps provide affordable rental housing.
Support from TD Bank Charitable Foundation helps FCLF build strong communities.
Support from TD Bank Charitable Foundation helps FCLF build strong 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.
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 Staff meet and greet friends at an FLACDC event.
FCLF Staff meet and greet friends at an FLACDC event.
Support from Valley Bank helps FCLF build strong communities.
Support from Valley Bank helps FCLF build strong communities.
Rep. Ander Crenshaw visited KIPP Jacksonville School
Rep. Ander Crenshaw visited KIPP Jacksonville School
Neighbor Up, formerly BNDC, offers affordable housing in Brevard County.
Neighbor Up, formerly BNDC, offers affordable housing in Brevard County.
FCLF staff and supporters volunteer at Million Meals event.
FCLF staff and supporters volunteer at Million Meals event.
DuPuis Pointe offers affordable, hurricane proof homes in Miami.
DuPuis Pointe offers affordable, hurricane proof homes in Miami.
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)
Support from Axiom Bank helps FCLF build strong communities.
Support from Axiom Bank helps FCLF build strong communities.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
FCLF staff are active at statewide conferences and events.
FCLF staff are active at statewide conferences and events.
FCLF staff with Tampa's Chloe Coney at Metropolitan Ministries Tampa.
FCLF staff with Tampa's Chloe Coney at Metropolitan Ministries Tampa.
The duPont Fund used FCLF and NMTC Financing to revitalize downtown Jacksonville.
The duPont Fund used FCLF and NMTC Financing to revitalize downtown Jacksonville.
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 projects create jobs and stimulate development in low-income communities.
FCLF projects create jobs and stimulate development in low-income communities.
FCLF Board Members represent our investors, borrowers, and technical experts.
FCLF Board Members represent our investors, borrowers, and technical experts.
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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.