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Catch up on IFF news, read stories about community development projects across the Midwest, and gain insight from our team.

  1. December 15, 2025

    Reflecting on a Career Spent Strengthening Nonprofits and the Communities They Serve: Q&A with IFF CEO Joe Neri
    Category: Stories
    A man in a suit and tie speaks at a transparent podium with a microphone in a dimly lit room with a geometric patterned background.
  2. November 21, 2025

    FIintside: Volunteers of America Michigan’s Mission Made Possible by Social Enterprise Thrift Stores; Support from IFF
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories
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  3. November 19, 2025

    A “94-Year-Old Startup” High School Secures Its Future Through Campus Ownership
    Category: Stories
    Aerial view of a school campus in a suburban area with houses and a distant city skyline.
  4. November 19, 2025

    Three IFF-Sponsored Projects Awarded Grant Funding Through FHLBank Chicago’s Affordable Housing Program
    Category: Stories
    A digital rendering of a modern two-story building with a mix of brick and beige horizontal siding. The front left corner features a red brick facade with a flat canopy above a glass entrance door. The building's facade includes several rectangular windows with red panels between them. The surrounding landscape is neatly maintained, featuring green grass, shrubs, and a small tree. In the background, part of the side wall displays a colorful mural. Two silhouetted figures are walking along the sidewalk in the foreground, with a detached house visible further to the left against a bright blue sky.
  5. October 31, 2025

    Soapbox Cincinnati: CDFI Support Enables NewPath to Expand, Celebrate New Chapter in Changing Futures of Youth
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories
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  6. October 29, 2025

    Seed St. Louis Grows Gardens and Communities Through a Long-Term Partnership with IFF
    Category: Stories
    A group of people posing in a lush community garden with raised beds and various plants.
  7. October 29, 2025

    Carmen Schools of Science and Technology Builds for the Future with a $55 Million Home for STEAM Success
    Category: Stories
    An architect's rendering of a modern three-story building at a street intersection with cars and crosswalks. A sign on the building says, "Carmen Schools of Science and Technology "
  8. October 23, 2025

    IFF CEO Joe Neri Honored with Opportunity Finance Network’s 2025 Executive Leadership Award
    Category: Stories
    Two men in suits standing together, one holding an award, against a backdrop reading "THE OPPORTUNITY HONORS."
  9. October 17, 2025

    Cleveland’s Iconic West Side Market Gets a $70 Million Overhaul
    Category: Stories
    Interior of a historic market hall with arched brick ceilings and vendor stalls.
  10. October 01, 2025

    September 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    A group of nine adults standing outside a building with yellow bricks, behind a green sign that says, "Brickton Montessori School."
  11. October 01, 2025

    Model D: Investing in America Child Care Partnership – Building a Stronger Future for Families and Employers
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories
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  12. September 25, 2025

    A Community-Driven Nonprofit Transforms a Blighted Property into a “Beacon of Light” in Milwaukee
    Category: Stories
    A modern building with large glass windows and "SHECHEM" sign illuminated in yellow.
  13. September 22, 2025

    IFF’s Home First Awarded Tax Credits for a New Housing Development in Illinois’ Metro East Region
    Category: Stories
    Digital rendering of a three-story residential building with blue and beige façade, set against a blue sky.
  14. September 05, 2025

    Party in the Garden: Celebrating the Close-out of the Chicago’s Cultural Treasures Initiative
    Category: Stories
    A woman on a small round stage in a room full of people reads from a book in her hand with her other arm raised
  15. September 01, 2025

    August 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    A multi-story building with colorful panels and large windows next to a modern extension with a translucent facade.
  16. August 27, 2025

    From Vacant to Vibrant: A Revitalized Community Asset Sets the Stage for Austin’s Next Chapter
    Category: Stories
    A group of people at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of a modern building.
  17. August 27, 2025

    With Real Estate Support from IFF, Chicago Makes a Transformational Investment in the City’s Shelter System
    Category: Stories
    A diverse group of thirteen people posing in front of a "Saint Leonard's Ministries" banner.
  18. August 08, 2025

    Federal Reserve Bank of New York Event Explores Expansion Strategies to Scale CDFI Impact
    Category: Stories
    Corner of a stone building engraved with text that says "Federal Reserve Bank of New York" beside a busy urban street with pedestrians and a Dunkin' Donuts storefront.
  19. August 01, 2025

    July 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    Aerial view of a school campus in a suburban area with houses and a distant city skyline.
  20. July 31, 2025

    Press Round-up: Culture Forward Chicago’s Funding for Arts and Culture Organizations
    Category: Stories
    Three people sit in chairs at a TV studio, with "Good Day Chicago" on a screen behind them
  21. July 28, 2025

    Predevelopment Financing from IFF Helps an Indiana Developer Address the State’s Senior Housing Squeeze
    Category: Stories
    An architect's rendering of a four-story modern residential multifamily building with white siding, dark windows, and a brick base.
  22. July 01, 2025

    June 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    An architect's rendering of a bright pottery studio with tables, stools, pottery wheels, and large shelves filled with ceramics.
  23. June 25, 2025

    Boston Square Embraces the Future: New ECE Center Nurtures Young Minds and Empowers Families
    Category: Stories
    Sign for Boston Square Early Learning Center with building labeled HUB 07 in the background.
  24. June 25, 2025

    IFF’s Flex Loan Program Expands to Increase Nonprofits’ Access to Capital Across the Midwest
    Category: Stories
    A group of children and adults on a stage, dressed in school uniforms and various costumes, with a theater backdrop.
  25. June 18, 2025

    Impact Report: Michigan Affordable Housing Loan Program
    Category: Stories
    A group of people stand outside under a blue tent that says "Building on Your Vision." They are holding shovels standing in a pile of dirt.
  26. June 12, 2025

    548 Development Breaks Ground on Chicago’s Largest Building Incorporating Passive House Design Standards
    Category: Stories
    A large crowd gathers at an outdoor groundbreaking ceremony with speakers, cameras, and a yellow excavator in the background.
  27. June 01, 2025

    May 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    Entrance sign for Riverside Village apartments, with shrubs and a residential building in the background.
  28. May 27, 2025

    TCA Health Develops the Recipe for a Healthier Community with New Nutrition, Innovation, and Wellness Center
    Category: Stories
  29. May 27, 2025

    Strengthening the Fabric of a Cleveland Community with Expanded Arts and Culture Programming
    Category: Stories
    A diverse group of people holding colorful woven textiles in a workshop with yarn and tools visible.
  30. May 21, 2025

    IFF’s 2024 Annual Report: Investing in People, Places, and Possibilities
    Category: Stories
  31. May 01, 2025

    April 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    Five people in helmets participating in a groundbreaking ceremony with shovels.
  32. April 28, 2025

    A New Headquarters and Workforce Development Center Amplifies the Positive Community Impact of an Ohio Nonprofit
    Category: Stories
    A person standing next to a wall sign attached to a building made of dark bricks. The person is wearing a checked jacket over a pink shirt. The sign is rectangular, featuring a triangular logo with stylized figures and colorful letters "ABCD" within it. Below the logo, there is text in large, raised letters that reads, "The Will Dent Center for Community Economic Development."
  33. April 28, 2025

    Planning Future Places: Across the Midwest, Nonprofits Level Up with Facility Feasibility Analyses
    Category: Stories
    A group of nine people smiling and posing in front of a colorful wall with the text "YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH."
  34. April 28, 2025

    77 Chicagoland Arts and Culture Organizations Receive Gift through Culture Forward Chicago
    Category: Stories
  35. April 15, 2025

    Soapbox Cincinnati: How IFF and CDFIs Provide Tangible Investments and Grow Nonprofits for Cincinnati Neighborhoods
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories
    IFF Media Icon
  36. April 01, 2025

    March 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    A building with beige and red brick facades, featuring the Jane Pauley Community Health Center logo on the right. A mural of a Native American headdress is on the adjacent red brick wall.
  37. March 25, 2025

    A Labor of Love, Holloway House Offers Housing and Hope for Teen Parents in Cincinnati
    Category: Stories
    A gray house on a large, grass-filled lot
  38. March 24, 2025

    Home Sweet Homan Initiative Gains Momentum as First Five Modular “Smart” Homes Are Sold
    Category: Stories
    Aerial view of a community gathering near modern townhouses with a food truck and a tent set up, people are assembled in small groups outdoors.
  39. March 01, 2025

    February 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    A group of people standing behind weaving looms in a room with textile samples on the wall.
  40. February 26, 2025

    A Facility Setback Sparks Growth for Columbus’ Riverview International Center
    Category: Stories
  41. February 26, 2025

    “L”-evating Chicago Neighborhoods Through Equitable Transit-Oriented Development
    Category: Stories
  42. February 24, 2025

    IFF’s Stephen Westbrooks Recognized on St. Louis Magazine’s “Business 500” List
    Category: Stories
  43. February 07, 2025

    Nonprofit Samaritas Opens Michigan’s First Passive House-Certified Multifamily Affordable Housing Development
    Category: Stories
    A group of people stand outside behind a purple ribbon. One person in the middle holds a pair of scissors like they are about to cut the ribbon. They are smiling and look to be celebrating.
  44. February 01, 2025

    January 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  45. January 31, 2025

    Second Cohort of Cleveland Child Care Providers Transform Their Facilities Through PRE4CLE Program
    Category: Stories
  46. January 27, 2025

    Filling a Community Need for Affordable Dental Care, Nonprofit Clinic Doubles Capacity with New Facility
    Category: Stories
  47. January 27, 2025

    A $59 Million Investment in Child Care Transforms Early Learning Spaces Across Michigan
    Category: Stories
  48. January 01, 2025

    December 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  49. December 06, 2024

    Stronger Nonprofits Initiative Concludes Latest Chicago Cohort
    Category: Stories
    SNI Chicago cohort members pose in front of sign reading "Stronger Nonprofits Initiative Chicago"
  50. December 01, 2024

    November 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  51. November 26, 2024

    Indianapolis Nonprofit Invests in Self-Sufficiency with Purchase of Longtime Headquarters
    Category: Stories
  52. November 25, 2024

    How IFF is Helping Kids Win in Missouri by Supporting Local Solutions That Expand Access to Quality Child Care
    Category: Stories
  53. November 25, 2024

    Second Wave Media: Nonprofits and Neighbors Provide Insight, Pride, Propel 49507 Community Development
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories
    IFF Media Icon
  54. November 19, 2024

    Crain’s Chicago Business Recognizes IFF’s José Cerda III as 2024 Notable Latino Leader
    Category: Stories
  55. November 08, 2024

    Caring for MI Future Grantees Demonstrate the Program’s Impact and Importance
    Category: Stories
  56. November 01, 2024

    October 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  57. October 25, 2024

    It Takes a Village Family of Schools Celebrates Expansion to New Campus on Chicago’s South Side
    Category: Stories
  58. October 23, 2024

    High-Performing Charter School Expands to Create Pathways to Local STEM Careers for More Milwaukee Students
    Category: Stories
  59. October 23, 2024

    Going “All In” on Affordable, Inclusive Housing for People with Disabilities in Central Ohio
    Category: Stories
  60. October 17, 2024

    IFF Selected to Participate in CDFI Fund’s Record-Setting 2024 Bond Guarantee Program
    Category: Stories
  61. October 10, 2024

    New Early Childhood Center Coming to Grand Rapids’ Boston Square Neighborhood
    Category: Stories
  62. October 08, 2024

    Coming Soon: Home First’s Access South Cook
    Category: Stories
  63. October 02, 2024

    Second Wave Michigan: Growing Fruitful Neighborhoods – IFF’s Commitment to Eastside Detroit
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories
    IFF Media Icon
  64. October 01, 2024

    September 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  65. September 30, 2024

    IFF’s Stephen Westbrooks Recognized by Ingram’s Magazine as One of “50 Missourians You Should Know”
    Category: Stories
  66. September 25, 2024

    IFF’s Continuum in Practice: Supporting Community-Driven Revitalization in Southeast Grand Rapids
    Category: Stories
  67. September 25, 2024

    How a Small Loan is Adding Up to Big Impact for Homeowners in Northeast Ohio
    Category: Stories
  68. September 23, 2024

    Celebrating 30 Years of the CDFI Fund
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories
  69. September 01, 2024

    August 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  70. August 30, 2024

    IFF Joins FHLBank Chicago, Illinois Housing Development Authority, and Rep. Sean Casten for Discussion Focused on Housing Solutions for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District
    Category: Stories
  71. August 27, 2024

    A New Tribal Facility in Rural Wisconsin Leverages New Markets Tax Credits to Transform Health and Wellness Services
    Category: Stories
  72. August 27, 2024

    Leveraging Kansas’ First 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Match Preserves Affordable Housing for Seniors
    Category: Stories
    Apartment building with gray wood siding and red brick façade, featuring small balconies and an irregular roofline.
  73. August 20, 2024

    Celebrating the McClellan Early Childhood Center
    Category: Stories
    Welcome sign for McClellan Ribbon Cutting.
  74. August 19, 2024

    Milwaukee’s Serenity Inns Opens the Doors to New Residential Treatment Facility
    Category: Stories
  75. August 08, 2024

    Second Wave Michigan: Commongrounds Uses Co-Op Model to Serve Missing Needs of the Community
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories
    IFF Media Icon
  76. August 01, 2024

    Webinar: Access to Capital for Nonprofit-Led Community Revitalization
    Category: Stories
  77. August 01, 2024

    July 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  78. July 29, 2024

    Honoring an Indianapolis Community’s Past by Facilitating a Resident-Driven Plan for the Future
    Category: Stories
  79. July 29, 2024

    Cultivating St. Louis’ Next Generation of Community Leaders at Urban Sprouts Child Development Center
    Category: Stories
  80. July 23, 2024

    Caring for MI Future: Facilities Improvement Fund Helps Upgrade Michigan’s Early Learning Spaces
    Category: Stories
  81. July 23, 2024

    Second Wave Michigan: MiLEAP Fund Provides Essential Equipment, Upgrades for Child Care Facilities
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories
    IFF Media Icon
  82. July 16, 2024

    Foundation for Homan Square Celebrates Past, Present, and Future Housing Opportunities
    Category: Stories
    A gathering of people are standing outside in front of two homes. There is a tent and balloons and it looks to be a celebration.
  83. July 12, 2024

    Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Panel Discussion: Child Care Innovations from the 7th District
    Category: Stories
  84. July 01, 2024

    June 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  85. June 28, 2024

    IFF’s Home First Celebrates the Completion of 20 Units of Accessible, Scattered-Site Supportive Housing
    Category: Stories
  86. June 26, 2024

    Home Sweet Homan: Affordable, Single-Family Smart Homes Offer Wealth-Building Opportunities on Chicago’s West Side
    Category: Stories
  87. June 25, 2024

    Second Wave Michigan: Repurposing Community Assets Strengthens Communities in Pontiac and Detroit
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories
    IFF Media Icon
  88. June 20, 2024

    Corktown Health Expands Access to Stigma-Free Health Care for the LGBTQ+ Community with Second Location in Metro Detroit
    Category: Stories
    Seven people stand in front of a mound of dirt holding shovels for a groundbreaking ceremony.
  89. June 14, 2024

    Midwest Climate Collaborative Webinar Recap: CDFIs and Green Financing Opportunities
    Category: Stories
  90. June 06, 2024

    The Ark Celebrates the Reopening of a Human Services Hub for Chicago’s Jewish Community
    Category: Stories
  91. June 01, 2024

    May 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  92. May 28, 2024

    In Muncie, Reimagining ‘The Y’ for the Needs of Gen Z and Beyond
    Category: Stories
  93. May 28, 2024

    Caring for Our Future: State Initiative Boosts and Supports Child Care Providers and Creates Quality Learning Spaces for More Children
    Category: Stories
  94. May 24, 2024

    Quality Facilities for All Initiative supports early childhood education facilities in East St. Louis, IL
    Category: Stories
    Before and after images of the outdoor play space at Hamilton’s Learning Center, a QFA grantee in East St. Louis.
  95. May 15, 2024

    Creating an Inclusive Space for the Blind and Visually Impaired Community in Northwest Indiana
    Category: Stories
  96. May 07, 2024

    IFF’s 2023 Annual Report: A Historic Investment in Local Changemakers
    Category: Stories
  97. May 01, 2024

    April 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  98. April 28, 2024

    10 Years of Impact in Detroit: How Three Nonprofits Have Evolved to Strengthen Communities
    Category: Stories
  99. April 25, 2024

    Southwest Michigan’s Second Wave: Battle Creek’s Early Childhood Education Poised to Flourish — And Save a Church at the Same Time
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories
    IFF Media Icon
  100. April 24, 2024

    How Shermann “Dilla” Thomas is Championing Chicago’s Neighborhoods by Shining a Light on Underappreciated History
    Category: Stories