Special Programs

IFF partners with philanthropic institutions and investors to offer special programs in the form of grants, loans, and/or technical assistance targeted at nonprofits serving specific markets and/or sectors. Check out our list of current opportunities below.

Arts and Culture Loan Fund

Location: Chicago

Sector: Arts and Culture

Funding Partner: MacArthur Foundation

Many nonprofit arts organizations need to manage the uneven cash flow resulting from the timing of production costs, ticket sales, and grant and government revenue. The MacArthur Foundation Arts & Culture Loan Fund helps address this need among small- and mid-sized arts and culture organizations in the Chicago area.

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Chicago’s Cultural Treasures

Location: Chicago

Sector: Arts and Culture

Funding Partner: Multiple

Chicago’s Cultural Treasures is focused on strengthening, growing, and preserving organizations whose mission is to enable the creation, preservation, and dissemination of art stemming from BIPOC traditions, leadership, and culture – for short, we refer to them as “BIPOC arts organizations.”

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Early Childhood Education

Location: Multiple Locations

Sector: Early Childhood Education

Funding Partner: Multiple

IFF is committed to increasing access to high-quality early childhood education (ECE) for all children by creating and supporting safe and inspiring spaces, especially in communities where it is most needed. We partner with early childhood providers, government, philanthropy, and local stakeholders to strengthen ECE programs across the Midwest.

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Smarter Spaces

IFF: A Good Partner from IFF CDFI on Vimeo.

For nearly 10 years now, IFF and the Polk Bros. Foundation have worked together to help Chicago-area nonprofits plan, build, and finance their facilities projects.

IFF: A Good Partner from IFF CDFI on Vimeo.

For nearly 10 years now, IFF and the Polk Bros. Foundation have worked together to help Chicago-area nonprofits plan, build, and finance their facilities projects.

Location: Chicago

Sector: Nonprofits

Funding Partner: Polk Bros Foundation

Purchasing or renovating a facility can be overwhelming, especially for nonprofits. IFF’s Polk-subsidized services help nonprofits make long-term decisions about facilities based on sound analysis and planning — saving organizations thousands of dollars and providing long-term peace of mind. IFF focuses on the real estate so nonprofits can focus on their mission.

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Stronger Nonprofits Initiative

Location: Multiple Locations

Sector: Nonprofits

Funding Partner: JPMorgan Chase

In this intensive program, nonprofits serving low-income communities of color in multiple locations across the Midwest will work to improve aspects of their organizational performance alongside other nonprofit leaders. This program is ideal for organizations poised and ready for change, and willing to devote meaningful senior staff and leadership time to the program.

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