Join IFF and Nonprofit Leaders from the South and West sides for the 2024 Propel Chicago.

Join IFF for Propel Chicago

Propel Chicago brings together the IFF Chicago team and nonprofit leaders from Chicago’s South and West Sides, creating opportunities for connection, networking, learning, and growing together. Throughout this spring and summer, IFF will be hosting events across the South and West Sides to learn more about the needs of BIPOC-led nonprofits in these areas, develop relationships with community leaders, and create opportunities for growth across these neighborhoods.

Whether you have 15 minutes to spare or would like to stay longer, we would love to chat with you about how we can help advance and scale your nonprofit organization. With over 35 years of experience, IFF offers flexible loan options and creative real estate services for nonprofits of all sizes and sectors in the Midwest.

Upcoming Events

May 29: Garfield Park

Date: Wednesday, May 29

Time: 9:30 to 11:30 AM

Location: Inspiration Kitchen | 3504 W Lake St., Chicago, IL 60624

For more information about Inspiration Kitchens, click here.

June 28: Bronzeville

Date: Friday, June 28

Time: 9:30 to 11:30 AM

Location: Little Black Pearl Workshop | 1060 East 47th Street, Chicago, IL 60653

For more information about Little Black Pearl Workshop, click here.

Learn more about IFF's capital solutions
Client Spotlight · Flex Loan

Male Mogul Initiative

IFF closed a $220,000 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.

Read Story
Client Spotlight · Flex Loan

True Believers Community Connections

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.

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Client Spotlight · Flex Loan

Urban Male Network

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.

Read Story
Client Spotlight · Flex Loan

Chicago Mahogany Tours

Sherman “Dilla” Thomas used an IFF loan of $317,000 to purchase a new bus for his company, Chicago Mahogany Tours. The bus enabled Thomas to offer more tours of Chicago neighborhoods that highlight Chicago’s people, architecture and impact on the world.

Read Story

Register Today

We’re excited to bring together nonprofit leaders from across the South and West Sides, and we want you to join us! Register today for an upcoming event.

Can’t make the next one? We will be holding these events throughout the summer and more dates will be announced soon!

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    Meet Your Lending Director

    We provide flexible Capital Solutions that help Midwest nonprofits plan for, finance, and build quality facilities that strengthen their communities.

    Capital is a critical resource that’s often beyond the reach of nonprofits serving communities with limited resources. At IFF, we work hard to change that. 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 Brett Mueller today to learn more about IFF’s lending products and additional services designed specifically for nonprofits.

    Brett Mueller

    Brett Mueller

    Director of Lending - Chicago and Northwest Indiana
    Email Brett