Florida Community Loan Fund

Our story is the story behind every loan we make. It is the story of our borrowers' committed work in communities. It is also the story of our investors and contributors whose trust and financial support make the Loan Fund's lending possible.

The Florida Community Loan Fund made its first loan in 1996 following the completion of a two year statewide feasibility study which explored the needs for credit and technical assistance among Florida's nonprofit organizations and the availability of financial and political support for the creation of the Loan Fund. Hundreds of civic and community leaders, representatives of private banking institutions, government, church, and nonprofit organizations participated in this process led by the inspirational leadership of Sister Mary Heyser of the Catholic Diocese of Venice out of Immokolee, Florida.

Since then the Loan Fund has grown from a concept to a plan, to being a statewide leading lender in community development finance.

Today the Loan Fund boasts a six-year track record of successful lending and statewide operations. It has assembled over $ 11 million in capital for lending and made more than $ 12 million in loans to 74 projects.

When the San Jose Mission housing project for farm worker families was in danger of 'dying on the vine,' the Loan Fund comitted $400,000 in low interest money which we used to leverage and secure government grants which now total $6 million. All grants requre some kind of local match and community support, and the Loan Fund financing assured the other lenders and grant makers, who like to see their funds matched, that we had equity and financing.

Arnold Andrews, Exec. Director, Catholic Charities