IFF program aims to provide nonprofits led by people of color the resources necessary to empower decision making and navigate barriers to accessing capital and real estate opportunity
INDIANAPOLIS – September 16, 2021 — 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. 10 Indianapolis-based nonprofits will comprise the next cohort of this regional program. The cohort will participate in a 14-month curriculum presented by IFF and BDO FMA (formerly Fiscal Management Associates). The program is sponsored by JPMorgan Chase.
“The goal of SNI is to provide nonprofit leaders of color the resources necessary to navigate the structural barriers they face in accessing capital 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 goal is to acknowledge and validate the lived experiences of each participant, while providing them the resources they need to empower decision making and ensure they continue to have an impact in their communities.”
“We are extremely thankful for the partnerships that support leaders of color in Indianapolis,” said Amandula Anderson, IFF Director of Real Estate Solutions in Indiana. “The selected organizations are not only pillars in their respective communities – their leaders, staff and board members will make sure the learnings have a ripple effect within Indianapolis.”
The 10 organizations will partake in a comprehensive curriculum including: virtual training sessions focused on team-based fiscal management, one-on-one financial coaching, customized real estate consulting, expert panel discussions, special networking opportunities and other events.
The Indianapolis cohort includes: Building and Impacting Communities Inc.; Crooked Creek Northwest CDC; Eastern Star JEWEL Human Services Corp.; Growing Places, Indy; HOPE Community Development Corporation; Indianapolis City Market Corp.; Jenkins’ Career Corner, Inc.; Kheprw Institute; Latinas Welding Guild; Mt. Carmel Community Development Corp.
“Collaboration among nonprofits, community partners, and business is critical to breaking down barriers of economic mobility and advancing inclusive economic growth,” said Al London, Indiana Area Manager for Business Banking at Chase. “Building the capacity of our nonprofit partners is key to this effort, and through the work of SNI Indiana, 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 first launched SNI in Chicago in 2017, and has since expanded to Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Indianapolis with plans to expand to further Midwest cities in the coming years.
For more information on SNI, visit https://strongernonprofits.org/.