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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 27, 2026

    How IFF’s Lending to CDFIs Powers Small Business Growth Across the Midwest
    Category: Stories
  2. 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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  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. March 01, 2026

    February 2026 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    Digital rendering of a three-story residential building with blue and beige façade, set against a blue sky.
  7. February 21, 2026

    Hoodline: SNAP Squeeze Hits Chicago Heights as Respond Now Pantry Roars Back
    Category: Press
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  8. 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.
  9. February 03, 2026

    Crain’s Chicago Business: These Institutions Already Deliver What Public Banks Only Promise
    Category: Press
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  10. 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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  11. 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
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  12. January 02, 2026

    Affordable Housing Finance: Treasury Officials Announce $10 Billion in NMTC Awards
    Category: Press
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  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. December 09, 2025

    Crain’s Chicago Business: Public Banks Are An Old Idea Gaining New Currency
    Category: Press
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  16. December 01, 2025

    November 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    Students seated at round tables in a sunlit classroom.
  17. November 22, 2025

    Chicago Sun-Times: Green Era’s Food Waste Processor Creates Compost and Renewable Energy in Auburn Gresham
    Category: Press
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  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. October 30, 2025

    Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago: FHLBank Chicago Awards $5.9 Million for Developer Program to Empower Emerging Leaders in Affordable Housing
    Category: Press
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  21. October 27, 2025

    Crain’s Chicago Business: Development in Chicago Still Looks Lopsided. Can the City Even It Out?
    Category: Press
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  22. 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."
  23. October 14, 2025

    Crain’s Chicago Business: 95th Street’s Long-Awaited Revival May Finally Be Underway
    Category: Press
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  24. 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."
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. August 27, 2025

    Chicago Defender: Meet the Standout Nonprofit Leaders Changing Chicago and the Chicagoland Area
    Category: Press
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  30. August 06, 2025

    The Overhead Wire: Technical Assistance for Equitable Transit-Oriented Development
    Category: Press
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  31. 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.
  32. July 31, 2025

    Press Round-up: Culture Forward Chicago’s Funding for Arts and Culture Organizations
    Category: Press
    Three people sit in chairs at a TV studio, with "Good Day Chicago" on a screen behind them
  33. July 29, 2025

    Chicago Business Journal: IFF CEO Joe Neri to Retire
    Category: Press
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  34. July 29, 2025

    Crain’s Chicago Business: IFF CEO Joe Neri Stepping Down at the End of 2025
    Category: Press
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  35. July 29, 2025

    Press Release: IFF Announces Upcoming CEO Transition
    Category: Press
    Two circular portraits with the IFF logo between them on a yellow to orange gradient background.
  36. July 24, 2025

    Chicago Defender: Chicago’s Shelter System to Get Historic Upgrade – What It Means for the Community
    Category: Press
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  37. July 09, 2025

    Block Club Chicago: Amid Trump Cuts, Local Lender Gifts $3 Million to Chicago Arts and Culture Nonprofits
    Category: Press
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  38. 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.
  39. June 25, 2025

    FOX 32 Chicago: Chicago Arts and Cultural Organizations Awarded $3 Million
    Category: Press
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  40. June 21, 2025

    WGN Radio: Supporting Chicago’s Arts Nonprofits, Guiding Chicago’s Youth Toward Entertainment Careers
    Category: Press
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  41. June 12, 2025

    Crain’s Chicago Business: JPMorgan Chase Commits $18 Million to Chicago Nonprofit Lender
    Category: Press
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  42. June 12, 2025

    Chicago Business Journal: JPMorgan Chase Injects $18 Million into IFF to Boost Nonprofit Real Estate Projects in Midwest
    Category: Press
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  43. June 12, 2025

    Press Release: JPMorganChase Commits $18 Million to IFF to Increase Access to Capital For Nonprofits in Chicago and the Greater Midwest
    Category: Press
  44. June 12, 2025

    Block Club Chicago: Meet the Finalists for the $10 Million Chicago Prize to Revitalize South, West Sides
    Category: Press
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  45. 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.
  46. June 05, 2025

    The Herald-News: Public Housing in Joliet Transformed Again with New Senior Apartments
    Category: Press
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  47. 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.
  48. May 27, 2025

    TCA Health Develops the Recipe for a Healthier Community with New Nutrition, Innovation, and Wellness Center
    Category: Stories
  49. May 23, 2025

    Block Club Chicago: $65 Million United Yards Development Now Open in Back of the Yards
    Category: Press
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  50. May 21, 2025

    IFF’s 2024 Annual Report: Investing in People, Places, and Possibilities
    Category: Stories
  51. May 15, 2025

    Achieving Greater Impact with an Ecosystem Approach to Community Development Technical Assistance
    Category: Thought Leadership
  52. May 01, 2025

    April 2025 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
    Five people in helmets participating in a groundbreaking ceremony with shovels.
  53. 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."
  54. April 28, 2025

    Austin Weekly News: A New Arts Hub for Austin
    Category: Press
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  55. April 28, 2025

    Press Release: 77 Chicagoland Arts and Culture Organizations Receive Gift through Culture Forward Chicago
    Category: Press
  56. April 21, 2025

    Aurora Beacon-News: VNA Clinic Officially Opens in Bloomhaven on Near East Side of Aurora
    Category: Press
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  57. April 16, 2025

    Press Release: New Loan Funds for Select Cook County Nonprofits Will Help Ensure Remaining Federal COVID Recovery Funding Stays in the Region
    Category: Press
  58. April 03, 2025

    Press Release: IFF Announces New Board Chair, Sakura Takano, CEO of Rotary Charities of Traverse City
    Category: Press
    A woman with long, dark hair styled smoothly over one shoulder, wearing a light-colored blazer and a dark top. They are smiling, looking slightly towards the right. The background consists of a wall made of bricks in various shades of brown and beige, providing a neutral and textured backdrop.
  59. 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.
  60. 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.
  61. March 12, 2025

    MacArthur Foundation: Investing in Arts and Culture Organizations’ Financial Resiliency
    Category: Press
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  62. 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.
  63. March 01, 2025

    WGN Radio: Bridging the Wealth Gap in Chicago, Supporting Local Nonprofits
    Category: Press
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  64. February 27, 2025

    Block Club Chicago: Chicago BIPOC Arts Nonprofits Can Get Up To $60,000 In Funding With New Grant
    Category: Press
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  65. February 26, 2025

    “L”-evating Chicago Neighborhoods Through Equitable Transit-Oriented Development
    Category: Stories
  66. January 01, 2025

    December 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  67. December 06, 2024

    Austin Weekly News: From Grassroots to Corporate Support – Highlighting the Partnerships Making the Aspire Center Possible
    Category: Press
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  68. 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"
  69. December 01, 2024

    November 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  70. November 19, 2024

    Crain’s Chicago Business Recognizes IFF’s José Cerda III as 2024 Notable Latino Leader
    Category: Stories
  71. November 01, 2024

    October 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  72. October 29, 2024

    Negocios Now: JPMorganChase Invests Nearly $11M in Chicago’s South and West Sides for Economic Growth
    Category: Press
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  73. October 25, 2024

    It Takes a Village Family of Schools Celebrates Expansion to New Campus on Chicago’s South Side
    Category: Stories
  74. October 08, 2024

    Coming Soon: Home First’s Access South Cook
    Category: Stories
  75. October 01, 2024

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

    News is Out: Ambitious Arts Initiative Uncovers ‘Treasures’ Created by LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Chicagoans
    Category: Press
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  77. September 18, 2024

    Black Entrepreneur Experience Podcast: Grantmaking to Preserve Cultural Heritage with Victoria Lakes-Battle and Dr. Jeffreen Hayes
    Category: Press
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  78. September 18, 2024

    Windy City Times: Ambitious Arts Initiative Uncovers ‘Treasures’ Created by BIPOC Chicagoans
    Category: Press
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  79. September 04, 2024

    Chicago Defender: It Takes a Village Leadership Academy’s Bronzeville Campus Celebrates Successful First Day of School
    Category: Press
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  80. August 30, 2024

    IFF Joins FHLBank Chicago, Illinois Housing Development Authority, and Rep. Sean Casten for Discussion Focused on Housing Solutions for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District
    Category: Stories
  81. August 29, 2024

    Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago: FHLBank Chicago Convenes IFF, Illinois Housing and Development Authority and Rep. Sean Casten to Discuss Housing Solutions for Illinois 6th District
    Category: Press
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  82. August 01, 2024

    July 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  83. July 16, 2024

    Foundation for Homan Square Celebrates Past, Present, and Future Housing Opportunities
    Category: Stories
    A gathering of people are standing outside in front of two homes. There is a tent and balloons and it looks to be a celebration.
  84. July 12, 2024

    Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Panel Discussion: Child Care Innovations from the 7th District
    Category: Stories
  85. July 10, 2024

    Weekly Citizen: Celebrating Community Champions – LISC Chicago Announces Winners of the 30th Annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards
    Category: Press
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  86. July 09, 2024

    City of Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Major Accomplishments Since Launch of Cut the Tape Initiative
    Category: Press
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  87. July 08, 2024

    Newcity: Chicago Cultural Treasures Receives $3 Million Funding
    Category: Press
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  88. July 01, 2024

    June 2024 Loan Round-up
    Category: Stories
  89. June 28, 2024

    IFF’s Home First Celebrates the Completion of 20 Units of Accessible, Scattered-Site Supportive Housing
    Category: Stories
  90. June 26, 2024

    Home Sweet Homan: Affordable, Single-Family Smart Homes Offer Wealth-Building Opportunities on Chicago’s West Side
    Category: Stories
  91. June 06, 2024

    The Ark Celebrates the Reopening of a Human Services Hub for Chicago’s Jewish Community
    Category: Stories
  92. May 20, 2024

    The Chicago Community Trust: CDFIs Bring Development to Disinvested Communities
    Category: Press
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  93. May 15, 2024

    Creating an Inclusive Space for the Blind and Visually Impaired Community in Northwest Indiana
    Category: Stories
  94. May 14, 2024

    Crain’s Chicago Business: North Lawndale Getting New Factory-Built Affordable Homes
    Category: Press
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  95. May 10, 2024

    Chicago Defender: Pullman and Roseland Communities Celebrate Latest Milestone in their Revitalization
    Category: Press
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  96. May 07, 2024

    IFF’s 2023 Annual Report: A Historic Investment in Local Changemakers
    Category: Stories
  97. April 24, 2024

    How Shermann “Dilla” Thomas is Championing Chicago’s Neighborhoods by Shining a Light on Underappreciated History
    Category: Stories
  98. April 11, 2024

    Chicago Tribune: Former NFL Player Opens Englewood Small Business Incubator to Encourage South and West Side Youths
    Category: Press
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  99. April 10, 2024

    Male Mogul Initiative Celebrates Grand Opening of Small Business Incubator on Chicago’s South Side
    Category: Stories
  100. April 10, 2024

    Crain’s Chicago Business: Small Business Incubator Backed by Former NFL Player Set to Open in Englewood
    Category: Press
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