Florida Community Loan Fund Celebrates Past As It Plans For Florida's Future

Delivering Over $215 Million to Improve Low Income Communities as Florida Grows

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May 13, 2015, 08:00 ET

ORLANDO, Fla., May 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Florida Community Loan Fund (FCLF), a statewide source of flexible financing for community and economic development today announced several advancements as it celebrates its 20^th anniversary and aims for the future.

A common vision and a modest investment of $1,000 in 1995 helped guide FCLF through two decades and delivery of over $215 million in financing for low income communities across Florida. Seventy-five percent of that financing was delivered in the last five years alone, indicating how FCLF has responded to the evolving needs in communities across the state.

"Our early investors believed in creating a statewide nonprofit that would serve the capital needs of low income communities in Florida. Their trust motivated us to deliver capital in places where conventional financing often does not reach," said FCLF CEO, Ignacio Esteban. "We are thankful to our partners and the borrowing organizations who have helped us achieve 20 years of financial strength."

Florida has surpassed New York as the nation's third-largest state, according to a report released by the U.S. Census Bureau in March 2015. And as Florida grows, FCLF has responded, to date, managing over 200 loans that have resulted in more than $670 million for community and economic development projects.

A fresh brand image celebrates the organization's mission and brings together a new logo and color palette along with a commemorative video and 20 years of success stories. The success stories demonstrate the organization's mission in action ‒ beginning with FCLF's very first investor, the Society of St. Teresa of Jesus that invested $1,000 to support socially responsible community development.

About Florida Community Loan Fund.
Florida Community Loan Fund (FCLF) is a statewide, multifaceted financing entity providing flexible capital and expertise to high-impact projects in low-income communities. FCLF became Florida's first certified statewide Community Development Financial Institution in 1996 and in 2014 was one of three U.S. Community Development Financial Institutions awarded the national Wells Fargo NEXT Opportunity Award which recognizes mission-driven community lenders with innovative strategies to preserve and expand affordable housing. www.fclf.org

Twitter: @FCLFOrg, #FCLF20

SOURCE Florida Community Loan Fund (FCLF)