Press Release: Stronger Nonprofits Initiative Launches in Detroit and Milwaukee, Providing Free Financial Resources for Leaders of Color October 23, 2020

IFF program aims to reduce structural barriers and increase financial capacity for area organizations

DETROIT and MILWAUKEE – October 16, 2020— IFF, a nationally recognized mission-driven lender for Midwest nonprofits, is proud to expand its  Stronger Nonprofits Initiative (SNI)—a free program providing nonprofit leaders of color with greater access to financial management tools and real estate planning resources. 19 Detroit and Milwaukee-based nonprofits will comprise the next cohorts, which will participate in a 14-month curriculum presented by IFF and Fiscal Management Associates (FMA). The program is sponsored by JPMorgan Chase.

“The goal of SNI is to diminish structural barriers leaders of colors face in accessing financial management and real estate resources so they can fulfill their missions for years to come,” said Crystal Coats, IFF Director of Programming and Initiatives. “Now more than ever, it is important for nonprofits led by people of color to remain resilient. Our program allows leaders to address the changing needs of their organizations, adopt new best practices and ensure they continue to have a strong foothold in their communities as they continue to navigate daily demands and unforeseen crises.”

The 19 organizations will partake in a comprehensive curriculum including: virtual training sessions focused on team-based financial management, one-on-one financial coaching, customized real estate consulting, expert panel discussions, special networking opportunities and other events.

The Detroit cohort includes: Connect Detroit, COTS, EcoWorks, HELP, HeritageWorks, InsideOut Literary Arts, Jefferson East Inc., Plowshares Theatre Company, Southwest Detroit Business Association and Urban Neighborhoods Initiatives.

The Milwaukee cohort includes,: 4th Dimension Sobriety, Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee, Layton Boulevard West Neighbors, Metcalf Park Community Bridges, Northwest Side Community Development Corporation, Safe & Sound, Inc., Unite WI, Walker’s Point Youth and Family Center and Near West Side Partners, Inc..

“Collaboration among nonprofits, community partners and business is critical to breaking down barriers of economic mobility and advancing inclusive economic growth,” said Damion Heron, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, JPMorgan Chase. “Building the capacity of our nonprofit partners is key to this effort, and through the work of SNI we are investing in the talent of nonprofit leaders of color and helping drive an economy that creates and sustains opportunity for all people.”

IFF launched SNI in Chicago in 2017, and has since expanded to Detroit and Milwaukee, with plans to expand to other Midwest cities in the coming years.

For more information on SNI, visit https://strongernonprofits.org.