Flex Loans

Flex Loan: Flexible, Accessible Financing for Midwest Nonprofits

When traditional lenders say no, we can say yes

IFF is a mission-driven Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to aligning capital with social justice. We understand that nonprofit organizations face unique financial challenges, and our goal is to help break down these barriers so you can focus on driving positive change in your community.

Our Flex Loan offers up to $50,000 for 501(c)(3) nonprofits of all sizes across the Midwest, including smaller and newer organizations. With a streamlined application process, this flexible loan can be used for a wide range of purposes—whether you’re repairing your facility, purchasing equipment or vehicles, or refinancing existing debt.

What sets the Flex Loan apart is its flexibility. Unlike traditional lenders, we don’t rely on real estate appraisals or conventional underwriting. Instead, we focus on your nonprofit’s ability to repay the loan, allowing us to support organizations that are transforming communities across the region.

We’re here to help you overcome financial barriers and unlock the capital needed to amplify your impact. Contact us today to learn how the Flex Loan can support your organization’s unique needs and help advance your mission.

Flex Loan Details

Eligibility

Flex Loans are Good For

Loan Size

Required Documentation

Urban Male Network

Client Spotlight · Flex Loan

IFF provided the Urban Male Network (UMN) a $35,000 flex loan to support its growth while it secured new grants from several organizations, including the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, United Way of Metro Chicago, The Obama Foundation, McCormick Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust and Nike. To improve UMN’s cash flow while waiting for the grant disbursements, IFF replaced the previous loan with a new $50,000 flex loan, increasing UMN’s working capital by $15,000.

Client Spotlight · Flex Loan

IFF closed a loan that provided Male Mogul Initiative (MMI) capital for purchasing a delivery van and other equipment needed to expand its mentoring programs for Black and Brown Youth in Chicago. MMI provides students with the knowledge and understanding of personal leadership skills, business creation, and self-sustainability with the intention of establishing self-worth and accountability and to create jobs for young men of color in Chicago’s South and West Sides.

Client Spotlight · Flex Loan

IFF provided a $50,000 flex loan to True Believers Community Connections (TBCC), a nonprofit serving young people in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham and Englewood neighborhoods. TBCC focuses on violence prevention and leadership development for individuals aged 11 to 24. The loan will support TBCC in acquiring office supplies, program materials, and marketing resources to enhance its impact.

IFF's Regional Team

Capital can be an intimidating word. IFF takes the fear out of capital by working with nonprofits to provide community-centered lending that meets their needs, with loans starting at $10,000.

For more than 30 years, we’ve specialized in flexible lending products and creative real estate solutions that help nonprofits achieve their growth goals and best serve their communities.

Our clients include human services agencies, supportive housing providers, schools, health clinics, arts organizations, and community centers. We also finance grocery stores in food deserts and affordable housing projects.

Contact our local today to learn more about IFF’s lending products and additional services designed specifically for nonprofits.

Meet IFF’s Capital Solutions Team.

Contact Us

To learn more about the Flex Loan and all of IFF’s offerings, please fill out this form and a member of our lending team will be in touch.