CENTRAL REGION
$9.5 Million Total Project
$9 Million FCLF Federal NMTC Allocation
54,200 sq ft of substantial rehabilitation
4 community facilities providing services to low-income children and youth
18 Temporary and 42 Permanent Jobs estimated
"We are so grateful for the confidence that Florida Community Loan Fund has placed in us, empowering us to invest in the future of Polk County’s youth. Their support, along with that of U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance and other investors, allows us to create safe, nurturing spaces where children can grow – where they are nourished with food, encouraged through exercise, and guided by caring mentors. These vital investments will help to shape the hope trajectory for generations to come, ensuring that thousands of young people have the opportunities, support, and resources they need to build Great Futures.” – Steve Giordano, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County
Founded in 1939, Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County serves over 4,000 youth annually across 10 facilities in Polk County, Florida. BGCPC plays an integral role for low-income communities in Polk County that face significant challenges, delivering no-cost nationally recognized programs to help children in 3 core areas: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.
BGCPC’s programs operate after school and during the summer, providing educational enrichment, including literacy, STEM, and workforce readiness training; healthy lifestyle programs; mentoring; and drug & violence prevention. Family member educational opportunities are also offered to improve student engagement and provide mental health resources.
With financing through Florida Community Loan Fund and the New Markets Tax Credit program, BGCPC will undertake substantial renovations to 4 Clubs in Lakeland and Winter Haven. Improvements include dedicated spaces for youth development and workforce readiness, teen centers, gymnasiums, a technology center, kitchen space, upgraded HVAC and lighting, other building repairs to improve safety, and enhanced outdoor spaces. There will also be space available for community-focused events. The renovations will allow these 4 Clubs to serve over 2,800 youth; an estimated 89% from low-income families.
Florida Community Loan Fund provided $9 million in Federal NMTCs for this Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County project. Without NMTC financing, these critical improvements would be significantly delayed while the organization relies on fundraising, leaving vulnerable youth at risk of academic and behavioral challenges. The investor is U.S. Bancorp Impacct Finance. This transaction was completed in February 2025.
A University of Michigan study demonstrates the impactful return on investment in Boys & Girls Clubs. For every dollar invested, there is a $10.32 return in economic benefits to the Club member, their families, and society. These benefits include increased earning power for youth and their families in the future, improved grades, and reduced societal costs by lowering expenditures such as healthcare, public assistance, and incarceration. BGCPC’s expansion is widely supported throughout the community and aligns with the Polk County Schools Strategic Plan, the United Way of Florida Strategic Plan, and the City of Winter Haven Comprehensive Plan.
“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County has been providing critical services for low-income children and youth for decades, sometimes from buildings that are in immediate need of renovations and upgrades. The capital provided through NMTC allows BGCPC to continue these programs and expand their reach, while operating from up-to-date, safe facilities.” – Nelson Black, Chief Lending Officer, Florida Community Loan Fund
Community Profiles for the 4 locations:
- Income 42%-66% of AMI (area median income)
- 33%-38% Poverty Rates
- 7%-16% Unemployment Rates (1.3x-3.1x national average)
- Severely and Deep Distressed Census Tracts, Medically Underserved Areas, FEMA Disaster Declaration Zones, USDA Food Deserts
Pictured above, architectural rendering of George Jenkins Memorial Club in Winter Haven after renovations. Below, groundbreaking for same Club, one of four renovated with NMTC financing.
