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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. May 09, 2019

    The Appraisal Bias: How more equitable underwriting can increase capital in communities of color
    Category: Thought Leadership
    map of redlined neighborhoods
  2. March 12, 2019

    Exploring the continuum: Why community development projects need so much more than capital
    Category: Thought Leadership
  3. November 06, 2026

    IFF Earns Top Aeris® Ratings for 13th Consecutive Year
    Category: Press
  4. November 05, 2026

    IFF Highlights Complete Approach to Strengthening Early Childhood Education Ecosystems
    Category: Stories
    Infographic showing a Venn diagram with overlapping circles labeled "Finance, Facilities, Data & Systems," with the overlapping sections labeled "Coordination, Research, and Innovation." An IFF logo is at the center of the Venn diagram.
  5. October 30, 2026

    Life Remodeled Transforms Vacant School Into Opportunity Hub Campus for East Detroit Neighborhood
    Category: Stories
    Architectural rendering of a colorful building complex with a mural, parked cars, pedestrians, and a cyclist.
  6. October 26, 2026

    SOCAP Global: Voices of Impact – Key Takeaways from SOCAP26
    Category: Press
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  7. October 22, 2026

    Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago: FHLBank Chicago Awards $5 Million to Expand Affordable Housing Developer Pipeline Across Illinois and Wisconsin
    Category: Press
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  8. October 19, 2026

    NPR Kansas City: Only 29% of Wyandotte County’s Childcare Needs Are Met. Can a Monthly Orientation Add Providers?
    Category: Press
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  9. October 15, 2026

    A Cleveland Mom’s Dual-Language Charter School Builds for the Future on the City’s West Side
    Category: Stories
    Three rows of children holding shovels and wearing yellow hardhats stand in front of an old brick building's doors.
  10. October 14, 2026

    Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago: One Year Later, FHLBank Chicago’s $2 Million AHP Grant Helps Deliver 40 New Homes in Rural Wisconsin
    Category: Press
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  11. October 13, 2026

    Crain’s Chicago Business: How Illinois’ Treasurer is Using Public Money to Spur New Housing
    Category: Press
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  12. September 29, 2026

    MLive: A Crowning Glory Revived in Pontiac – Casa del Rey Apartments
    Category: Press
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  13. September 14, 2026

    Crain’s Chicago Business: Chicago Has $57 Million for Neighborhoods. Put it to Work.
    Category: Thought Leadership
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  14. September 11, 2026

    Building Enclosure: KAI Completes Expansion at Urban Sprouts Child Development Center
    Category: Press
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  15. September 08, 2026

    IFF’s Home First Celebrates the Completion of Access South Cook Housing Development
    Category: Stories
    Eleven individuals, dressed in business casual attire, celebrate as Mayor Woods cuts a red ribbon with giant scissors.
  16. September 01, 2026

    August 2026 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    Performers in colorful flowing costumes stand onstage as a dancer in lavender pants gestures in the foreground.
  17. September 01, 2026

    Mass Transit: From Policy to Projects: Lessons from Chicago’s Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Movement
    Category: Thought Leadership
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  18. August 31, 2026

    Second Wave Media: Michigan’s Free Universal Pre-K Program Could Serve 70,000 4-Year-Olds This School Year
    Category: Press
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  19. August 28, 2026

    How IFF and Partners Are Driving Long-Term Recovery for Early Learning in St. Louis
    Category: Stories
    Child in a gray hooded jacket riding a red tricycle along a walkway.
  20. August 28, 2026

    The St. Louis American: Urban Sprouts Opens Café O Play
    Category: Press
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  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. August 12, 2026

    U.S. Bank: In Chicago, Long-term Partnership Helps Community Investment Reach More People
    Category: Press
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  24. 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.
  25. August 04, 2026

    The Narrative Matters: New $21M Sustainable Senior Living Community Opens in Fairview Heights, IL
    Category: Press
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  26. August 01, 2026

    July 2026 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    Twelve people iin hard hats pose with shovels behind a mound of soil at a construction site.
  27. July 29, 2026

    Common Ground: CDFIs Investments in Childcare Allows Daycares Like Detroit’s Lil Love Bugs to Further Invest in Children’s Futures
    Category: Press
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  28. July 27, 2026

    Daily Journal: Can Energy Efficiency Help Solve Affordability Woes in Indiana?
    Category: Press
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  29. 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
  30. 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.
  31. July 14, 2026

    Bipartisan Policy Center: The Infrastructure Needed to Make Child Care Investments Work – The CHIPS Act Child Care Requirement as a Case Study
    Category: Press
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  32. July 09, 2026

    Why Architects Partner with IFF: Q&A with Zager Architecture Owner Sarah Zager
    Category: Stories
  33. 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.
  34. June 30, 2026

    Tangents by Out of Architecture: Redefining Architecture & Building Community Resilience with Kara Boyd
    Category: Press
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  35. June 26, 2026

    Power 91.9 FM: Community Voices Talks with IFF About Lending, Community, and Development
    Category: Press
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  36. 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
  37. June 25, 2026

    Indianapolis Recorder: Local Grants Help Nonprofits Improve Facilities
    Category: Press
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  38. June 24, 2026

    Inside INdiana Business: South Bend Energy Program Spurs $3.6M in Investment, Helps Organizations Redirect Funds
    Category: Press
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  39. June 23, 2026

    Press Release: Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs and IFF Unveil New Investment Program
    Category: Press
    Three men stand in front of a bus decorated with a mural. They are smiling on a sunny day, conveying a friendly, celebratory mood.
  40. June 23, 2026

    Great Lakes Wire: OSI Art Apartments Opens in Woodbridge, Offering Affordable Housing and Arts Space in Detroit
    Category: Press
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  41. June 22, 2026

    ABC 57: South Bend Continues Their Energy Assistance and Solar Savings for the Fifth Consecutive Year
    Category: Press
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  42. June 19, 2026

    Urban Times: IF Theatre, Dathouse Among Organizations Involved in Energy Efficiency Initiative
    Category: Press
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  43. 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.
  44. June 16, 2026

    Press Release: City of Indianapolis and IFF Announce 12 Organizations Selected to Participate in Second Cohort of Energy Efficiency Initiative
    Category: Press
    Logo with three buildings and the text "Thriving Nonprofits" below.
  45. 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.
  46. 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.
  47. 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.
  48. May 28, 2026

    Kansas City Business Journal: IFF Strategic Plan Includes Lending $1 Billion to Regional Nonprofits in Next Four Years
    Category: Press
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  49. May 27, 2026

    How IFF’s Lending to CDFIs Powers Small Business Growth Across the Midwest
    Category: Stories
  50. 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.
  51. May 19, 2026

    Streetsblog Chicago: Five Years After City of Chicago Signed Off on a Policy Plan, the “State of ETOD in Chicago” Report Notes Progress Creating Transit-Friendly Affordable Housing
    Category: Press
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  52. 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.
  53. 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.
  54. May 13, 2026

    St. Louis Magazine: IFF Has Helped St. Louis Nonprofits for 20 Years—And It’s Doubling Down On That Commitment
    Category: Press
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  55. 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.
  56. May 12, 2026

    St. Louis Business Journal: Chicago Nonprofit IFF Marks 20 Years in St. Louis
    Category: Press
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  57. 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
  58. 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.
  59. 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.
  60. 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.
  61. April 23, 2026

    KSAL.com: Salina Family Healthcare Gets $34 Million Investment
    Category: Press
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  62. April 22, 2026

    State of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy: Four Michigan Awardees Will Share $500,000 to Advance Green Lending
    Category: Press
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  63. April 17, 2026

    Crain’s Detroit Business: Chicago-Based Community Lender Plans to Make Detroit into a Hub for Investment
    Category: Press
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  64. April 14, 2026

    Common Ground: Improved Child Care Spaces Building Stronger Beginnings for Detroit Families
    Category: Press
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  65. April 10, 2026

    Five Child Care Centers Upgrade Their Facilities Through Third Cohort of PRE4CLE’s Cleveland Early Learning Spaces Program
    Category: Stories
  66. 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.
  67. 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
  68. March 27, 2026

    Indianapolis Business Journal: Why Quality Facilities are a Mission-Critical Investment for Nonprofits
    Category: Press
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  69. March 25, 2026

    Mirror Indy: How New Doors Will Lead to More Money for Mary Rigg’s Neighbors
    Category: Press
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  70. March 20, 2026

    Capital to Accelerate Nonprofit Impact: A Step-by-Step Guide to IFF’s Lending Process
    Category: Resources
    Wooden blocks spelling "LOAN" on a financial document with a pen and binder clip.
  71. March 18, 2026

    AltCap: KC CDFI Coalition Shares Impacts of Mission-Driven Lending with Kansas Lawmakers
    Category: Press
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  72. March 11, 2026

    City of Bloomington: City Offers Grant Funding Up to $25,000 for Solar, Energy Efficiency, & Lighting
    Category: Press
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  73. March 11, 2026

    Press Release: Thriving Nonprofits Initiative Successfully Completes First Cohort, Delivering Energy Savings and Infrastructure Upgrades to 10 Marion County Nonprofits
    Category: Press
    A large commercial kitchen with metal tables, trash bins, and kitchen equipment.
  74. March 10, 2026

    Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation: Strengthening Our Roots Through Impact Investing
    Category: Press
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  75. 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.
  76. 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.
  77. February 27, 2026

    Crain’s Detroit Business: Kresge, State Offer Subsidized Benefits to Northwest Detroit Child Care Workers
    Category: Press
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  78. February 26, 2026

    The St. Louis American: Stephen Westbrooks, Connecting Capital and Community Needs
    Category: Press
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  79. February 21, 2026

    Hoodline: SNAP Squeeze Hits Chicago Heights as Respond Now Pantry Roars Back
    Category: Press
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  80. 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.
  81. February 05, 2026

    Webinar Recaps: Achieving Readiness for Nonprofit Community Development Projects
    Category: Resources
    Street view with a modern building labeled "LATINOS PROGRESANDO" and nearby brick storefronts.
  82. February 03, 2026

    Crain’s Chicago Business: These Institutions Already Deliver What Public Banks Only Promise
    Category: Press
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  83. February 02, 2026

    Block Club Chicago: Historic Roseland Church, Once on Verge of Demolition, to Become Black-Women-Led Medical Center
    Category: Press
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  84. 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.
  85. January 29, 2026

    Maximizing Grant Writing Success: A Roadmap for Nonprofits
    Category: Resources
    Wooden blocks spelling "GRANTS" with a red piggy bank blurred in the background.
  86. January 27, 2026

    Michigan Business Network: CDFIs in Michigan Receive $310M for Economic Growth
    Category: Press
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  87. January 24, 2026

    Ottawa News Network: Officials Pitch Small Homes to Help Solve Housing Shortage
    Category: Press
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  88. January 21, 2026

    NPR Kansas City: Kansas City Parents Say Child Care Made All the Difference in Their Lives. Finding It Was Not Easy.
    Category: Press
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  89. January 21, 2026

    Press Release: 10 Detroit Early Childhood Education Providers to Join New Professional Development Program
    Category: Press
  90. January 20, 2026

    St. Louis Magazine: Q&A with Stephen Westbrooks, IFF
    Category: Press
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  91. January 16, 2026

    Press Release: IFF Receives $85 Million New Markets Tax Credit Allocation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund
    Category: Press
    academy of global citizenship
  92. 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
  93. January 02, 2026

    Affordable Housing Finance: Treasury Officials Announce $10 Billion in NMTC Awards
    Category: Press
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  94. 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.
  95. 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.
  96. 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.
  97. December 12, 2025

    Crain’s Cleveland Business: Ohio’s Community Lenders Grapple with Ongoing CDFI Fund Uncertainty
    Category: Press
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  98. December 09, 2025

    Crain’s Chicago Business: Public Banks Are An Old Idea Gaining New Currency
    Category: Press
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  99. 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.
  100. December 02, 2025

    The Michigan Chronicle: Dream Studio Detroit Opens New Community Hub in Cody Rouge to Expand Family Economic Mobility
    Category: Press
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  101. December 01, 2025

    November 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    Students seated at round tables in a sunlit classroom.
  102. November 23, 2025

    Nodaway News Leader: Community Food Providers Unite to Strengthen Food Access
    Category: Press
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