Urban Theater Company (UTC), a nonprofit arts organization rooted in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, expanded its impact by acquiring a 2,268-square-foot commercial building in Barrio Borikén. UTC, which preserves and uplifts original works centered on Puerto Rican, Latine, and BIPOC experiences, had long faced the challenge of securing a permanent home to support its programming and grow its community presence. IFF provided a $450,000 loan to support the acquisition, along with real estate guidance, including a visual assessment of the property to evaluate its condition and inform future improvements. With this support, UTC is renovating the space into a performing arts cultural center that will nurture emerging artists, expand mentorship and workforce development opportunities, and strengthen cultural and community connections in Humboldt Park

Latinos Progresando transformed a long-vacant former library in Little Village into a vibrant community center with a legal aid clinic, youth programs, and space for mental health and community services. To support this vision, IFF served as the owner’s representative, providing hands-on real estate guidance throughout the project—from assessing the building and planning renovations to helping coordinate development decisions. With this support, Latinos Progresando secured and activated a permanent home for services that strengthen community connections and access to vital resources in Little Village.

The Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), a membership organization advancing equitable participation in the construction industry, partnered with IFF to strengthen its capacity and plan for future growth. Through IFF’s Stronger Nonprofits Initiative, HACIA participated in training, financial coaching, and peer learning opportunities to support organizational sustainability. IFF’s Real Estate Solutions team also conducted a feasibility assessment to help evaluate space needs and inform long-term facility decisions—positioning HACIA to better serve its members and expand its impact.

Corazón Community Services, a community-based organization serving the Latine community in Chicago, Cicero, and Berwyn, has been advancing opportunities for children, youth, and families through bilingual, bicultural programming since 2003. As the organization explored ways to grow its impact and strengthen its facility strategy, IFF’s Real Estate Solutions team conducted a feasibility study to help evaluate options and plan for the future. Corazón also participated in IFF’s Stronger Nonprofits Initiative (SNI) cohort, receiving training to strengthen operations and expand its community impact.