Skip to main content

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

  1. August 25, 2026

    How the Investing in America Child Care Partnership is Supporting Child Care as an Economic Development Imperative
    Category: Stories
    Child crawling through a wooden tunnel in a colorful indoor play area.
  2. August 20, 2026

    An Ohio Nonprofit Fashions a New Future for Columbus’ Creative Economy
    Category: Stories
    A rendering of a modern multi-story building with a white facade and colorful "BOLD" lettering, featuring a vibrant red staircase sculpture and parked cars, set against a blue sky.
  3. August 06, 2026

    Common Ground: Adaptive Re-use of LaunchCode’s Facility Opens Doors for Future Technology Development Workforce
    Category: Stories
    Exterior view of the LaunchCode building, featuring a rounded design, blue signage, and a brick walkway.
  4. July 24, 2026

    Audio Story: Larlen Communications Brings Affordable Housing and Youth Broadcasting Academy Together Under One Roof
    Category: Stories
    Two people sit at a desk in front of microphones smiling at each other
  5. July 22, 2026

    IFF’s 2026-2030 Strategic Framework
    Category: Stories
    Aerial view of a lively community gathering outside a modern building with people mingling, food truck present, and festive decorations. IFF's logo is overlaid on the image.
  6. July 09, 2026

    Why Architects Partner with IFF: Q&A with Zager Architecture Owner Sarah Zager
    Category: Stories
  7. July 01, 2026

    June 2026 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    A rendering of a modern red brick building with a glass entrance and colorful mural is depicted, featuring people gathered at the steps and landscaped greenery surrounding the area.
  8. June 26, 2026

    How a New Community Health Care Facility Will Strengthen Rural Kansas’s Network of Care
    Category: Stories
    A crowd of people smile wearing suits or hospital scrubs hold shovels and stand on dirt in front of construction equipment
  9. June 19, 2026

    Rooted in Paseo Boricua, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center Expands Its Footprint to Serve Chicago’s Latine Families
    Category: Stories
    People stand behind a barricade at a parade, holding and waving Puerto Rican flags on a sunny day.
  10. June 11, 2026

    From a Car Trunk to a Community Institution: A Milwaukee Nonprofit Celebrates 25 Years of Growth, Evolution, and Impact
    Category: Stories
    A group of ten people smiling and holding cupcakes in front of a sign that reads "ARTS @ LARGE," indoors with wooden floors and bright lighting.
  11. June 04, 2026

    Impact Report: Michigan Affordable Housing Loan Program
    Category: Stories
    A crane installs a two-story modular building at a construction site with workers guiding it.
  12. June 01, 2026

    May 2026 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    A large, diverse group of people poses outdoors in front of a graffiti-covered shipping container, with "I Love Austin" prominently displayed.
  13. May 27, 2026

    How IFF’s Lending to CDFIs Powers Small Business Growth Across the Midwest
    Category: Stories
  14. May 27, 2026

    Audio Story: How Teachers Like Me is Building Community for Black Educators in Kansas City
    Category: Stories
    Two women sit together on a sofa laughing in front of a wall with wooden paneling, a TV, and a colorful painting.
  15. May 18, 2026

    Common Ground: By Focusing on Energy Efficiency, IFF is Enabling Indiana Nonprofits to Reduce Costs and Increase Community Impact
    Category: Stories
    Rows of solar panels on a flat rooftop under a blue sky with clouds.
  16. May 18, 2026

    IFF Commemorates 20 Years of Community Investment in St. Louis and Missouri
    Category: Stories
    A man stands inside behind a podium speaking into a microphone, in front of a banner that reads, "Championing Nonprofits. Shaping more equitable, vibrant communities," with IFF's logo.
  17. May 12, 2026

    Larlen Communications Creates a Mixed-Use Hub for Community Empowerment in Grand Rapids
    Category: Stories
    A group of young people engaged in a discussion around a table with microphones.
  18. May 07, 2026

    With IFF Lending and Real Estate Support, BandWith Chicago Builds Space for Community
    Category: Stories
    A drumline of youths performs in front of a red ribbon for a seated audience in a well-lit lobby
  19. May 04, 2026

    Press Release: City of Indianapolis and IFF Announce Application Launch of Energy Efficiency Program for Nonprofits in Marion County
    Category: Stories
    Logo with three buildings and the text "Thriving Nonprofits" below.
  20. May 01, 2026

    April 2026 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    Construction sign for the Northside Youth and Senior Services Center, featuring logos, a construction vehicle, and surrounding buildings and trees.
  21. April 29, 2026

    IFF’s 2025 Annual Report: Standing Together for Midwest Communities
    Category: Stories
    A man speaks at a podium during a ground-breaking event with onlookers and shovels in the foreground.
  22. April 10, 2026

    Five Child Care Centers Upgrade Their Facilities Through Third Cohort of PRE4CLE’s Cleveland Early Learning Spaces Program
    Category: Stories
  23. April 01, 2026

    March 2026 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    A modern street with a gray multi-story building and a flower mural next to older brick buildings.
  24. March 30, 2026

    Revitalizing Walter French: How a Former School Became Affordable Homes, Child Care, and a Catalyst for Community Renewal
    Category: Stories
    Exterior view newly renovated Walter French Middle School
  25. March 01, 2026

    February 2026 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    An architect's rendering of a modern three-story apartment building with dark blue and light gray siding, large windows, and balconies, surrounded by a parking area and greenery. A person rides a bicycle in front of a parked blue car.
  26. February 27, 2026

    How Banks and CDFIs Can Partner to Serve Nonprofits: Q&A with Merchants Bank Vice President Marquisha Bridgeman
    Category: Stories
    A smiling woman with short dark hair wearing a black blazer over a white blouse. The background is gray.
  27. February 13, 2026

    Milwaukee’s Tenor High School Brews New Opportunities for College and Career Readiness
    Category: Stories
    Three people wearing black aprons stand behind a counter holding cups, with wooden cabinets and white tile in the background.
  28. February 01, 2026

    January 2026 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    A large group of children and adults posing on grass in front of a pavilion with banners.
  29. January 10, 2026

    Audio Story: How an Owner’s Representative Helped a Kansas City Nonprofit Develop a New HQ
    Category: Stories
    A man and woman sit on a couch in front of two microphones, smiling at each other
  30. January 01, 2026

    December 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    Two people in a workshop glassblowing, with one holding a rod and the other assisting.
  31. December 29, 2025

    Start at Zero Establishes a New Early Childhood Development Hub in Kansas City
    Category: Stories
    A group of adults and children interacting in an educational indoor setting with a woman holding a book.
  32. 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.
  33. December 08, 2025

    Flintside: Volunteers of America Michigan’s Mission Made Possible by Social Enterprise Thrift Stores; Support From IFF
    Category: Stories
    Exterior of a Volunteers of America Thrift Store with a blue awning and "Thrift Store" sign, with two people standing in front of the store.
  34. December 01, 2025

    November 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    Students seated at round tables in a sunlit classroom.
  35. November 21, 2025

    FIintside: Volunteers of America Michigan’s Mission Made Possible by Social Enterprise Thrift Stores; Support from IFF
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories
    IFF Media Icon
  36. 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.
  37. 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.
  38. November 01, 2025

    October 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    A single-story building with a green metal roof and white exterior sits in a park-like setting. A curving driveway and pathway lead to the entrance. Cloudy sky above.
  39. October 31, 2025

    Soapbox Cincinnati: CDFI Support Enables NewPath to Expand, Celebrate New Chapter in Changing Futures of Youth
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories
    IFF Media Icon
  40. 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.
  41. 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 "
  42. 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."
  43. 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.
  44. 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."
  45. October 01, 2025

    Model D: Investing in America Child Care Partnership – Building a Stronger Future for Families and Employers
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories
    IFF Media Icon
  46. 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.
  47. September 22, 2025

    IFF’s Home First Awarded Tax Credits for a New Housing Development in Illinois’ Metro East Region
    Category: Stories
    An architect's rendering of a modern three-story apartment building with dark blue and light gray siding, large windows, and balconies, surrounded by a parking area and greenery. A person rides a bicycle in front of a parked blue car.
  48. 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
  49. 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.
  50. 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.
  51. 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.
  52. 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.
  53. 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.
  54. 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.
  55. 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.
  56. 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.
  57. 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.
  58. 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.
  59. 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.
  60. 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.
  61. May 27, 2025

    TCA Health Develops the Recipe for a Healthier Community with New Nutrition, Innovation, and Wellness Center
    Category: Stories
  62. 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.
  63. May 21, 2025

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

    April 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    Five people in helmets participating in a groundbreaking ceremony with shovels.
  65. 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."
  66. 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."
  67. 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
  68. 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.
  69. 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
  70. 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.
  71. 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.
  72. February 26, 2025

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

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

    IFF’s Stephen Westbrooks Recognized on St. Louis Magazine’s “Business 500” List
    Category: Stories
  75. 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.
  76. February 01, 2025

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

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

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

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

    December 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  81. 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"
  82. December 01, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    IFF’s Continuum in Practice: Supporting Community-Driven Revitalization in Southeast Grand Rapids
    Category: Stories
    City skyline with trees and a highway in front of buildings.
  99. September 25, 2024

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

    Celebrating 30 Years of the CDFI Fund
    Category: Press
    Category: Stories